At The Empowerment Project, we are dedicated to challenging and reshaping the conversation around food, body image, and health—specifically for teen athletes. In a world dominated by AI-generated ideals, Photoshop, weight loss trends, and the relentless push for perfection, we stand for a different narrative. Our mission is to promote messages that celebrate diversity, body positivity, and self-acceptance, encouraging teens to embrace their unique journey without being influenced by external noise.
By shifting this narrative, we aspire to empower a generation of healthy, confident leaders in sports and beyond. They will not only prioritize their own well-being but also serve as role models for their teammates and peers, nurturing health with wisdom and grace.
Together, we can create a movement that transforms how society perceives health and wellness—one where every young athlete can thrive both on and off the field, free from the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards.
In a world where social media, AI, and the obsession with weight loss set unrealistic body standards and fuel harmful benchmarks for self-esteem and mental health, our mission is to empower teens to redefine health on their own terms.
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- Promoting Health: Advocating for nutrition education to enhance the health and resilience of teen athletes.
- Integrating Well-being: Fostering a holistic approach that combines mental and physical health for comprehensive wellness.
- Fostering Confidence: Combating body image concerns and instilling self-confidence in individuals.
- Developing Leaders: Empowering young people to lead their peers in nutrition education and wellness initiatives.
- Combating Harmful Social Media Messages: Addressing negative influences and promoting positive online interactions to support mental health and body positivity.
- Community Outreach: Raising awareness about the profound impact of evidence-based nutrition on both mental and physical health through targeted outreach programs.
Jess and Taylor were very engaging and personable with the team. They made it fun and visual with concrete examples. They were very positive about the kids sharing what foods they were eating and then helped them see how they could improve on what they are currently eating. For example, 'A Honey Bun is a good source of carbs, what is a protein and color you could add to that to round it out?' We hope to have them back.
Coach Feedback
albuqerque public schools
Jessika didn't just tell us what to eat; she explained why certain foods are beneficial. Her talk was a game-changer for us, and we've already started implementing her advice. I've been to many nutrition talks, but Jessika's stood out. She provided evidence-based information in a way that was relatable and inspiring. Her ability to answer questions thoroughly and thoughtfully was also impressive. I walked away with actionable steps we could take immediately.
the university of new mexico
Coach Feedback
The nutritional talk that Jessika gave my team was incredibly insightful and beneficial. It not only provided my athletes with a wealth of knowledge about healthy eating habits and their impact on our overall well-being, but it also inspired us to make positive changes in our daily routines. We left feeling empowered to prioritize our health and left with knowledge of how to properly fuel our bodies before workouts, after workouts and throughout the day.
Coach Feedback
albuqerque public schools
the university of new mexico
Coach Feedback
Your knowledge and the variety of ways you connect with athletes allow our athletes to be comfortable with asking you questions. I think the non judgmental approach you created was very important for a big group setting to have a meaningful session with you.
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Sponsorship Options
Empower a team of athletes to reach their full potential! Your sponsorship will directly impact the lives of young athletes by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and fuel they need to perform at their best—both mentally and physically.
Being an athlete can come with a great deal of pressure and limited resources. This powerful sponsorship will provide an athlete with 6 weeks of intensive, individualized support, combining both nutrition counseling and sports psychology.
Support our community of athletes and help fuel their journey by becoming a monthly sponsor. Your ongoing contribution provides essential resources, creates opportunities, and empowers athletes to reach their full potential.
Your donation is more than just a financial contribution—it’s a chance to change the lives of young athletes.
how you can help
Team Sponsorship
Team Talk
A dynamic, interactive workshop led by experts, customized for the specific needs of the team’s sport. Athletes will learn how proper nutrition can dramatically improve their performance, stamina, and recovery. This talk will arm them with actionable strategies to implement right away, helping them to perform better on game day and beyond.
Combatting Negative Social Media Messages Training
In addition to nutrition education, this workshop includes training on combating negative social media messages and safely navigating online spaces. Athletes will learn strategies to critically evaluate social media content, promote positive body image, and protect their mental health while engaging with digital platforms.
Sport-Specific Nutrition Handouts and Resources
Equip each athlete with comprehensive, sport-focused nutrition guides tailored to their needs. From pre-game meals to post-practice recovery strategies, they’ll have the resources to fuel their bodies for optimal performance.
Team Snack
After a hard practice or game, athletes will receive a nutritious snack to support (and demonstrate) recovery and reduce injury risk, teaching them the importance of proper recovery nutrition.
Why It Matters
Sponsoring a team means giving them more than just resources—it’s investing in their overall well-being and helping them become stronger, healthier athletes. Your contribution not only helps them improve their performance but also builds lifelong habits that extend beyond the sport.
Donation
$750
What's Included:
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Athlete Sponsorship
- Three sessions with a Certified Sports Dietitian: The athlete will receive personalized nutrition counseling that focuses on performance optimization, daily fuel planning, and recovery. Each session is designed to teach the athlete how to fuel for peak performance, prevent fatigue, and enhance their recovery strategies.
- Three sessions with a Sports Psychologist: Mental resilience is just as important as physical health. These sessions will help the athlete develop critical mental skills like focus, confidence, and handling pressure, allowing them to perform with a clear, strong mind.
- Combatting Negative Social Media Messages Training: In addition to nutrition education, athletes will receive training on combating negative social media messages and safely navigating online spaces. They will learn strategies to critically evaluate social media content, promote positive body image, and protect their mental health while engaging with digital platforms.
Customized Nutrition and Mental Skills Plan
After each session, the athlete will receive a tailored action plan, providing them with a roadmap for success in both their nutrition and mental training. This plan will cover everything from meal timing and nutrient strategies to visualization techniques and mindset coaching. Equip each athlete with comprehensive, sport-focused nutrition guides tailored to their needs. From pre-game meals to post-practice recovery strategies, they’ll have the resources to fuel their bodies for optimal performance.
Ongoing Accountability and Support
The athlete will have continuous guidance throughout the 6 weeks to ensure they are making progress. Plans can be adjusted based on their evolving needs, ensuring they stay on track and feel supported every step of the way.
Why It Matters
The combination of expert nutrition guidance and sports psychology creates a holistic approach to performance improvement. By sponsoring an athlete, you’re helping them break through both physical and mental barriers, giving them the competitive edge needed to reach their goals. This isn’t just about enhancing their game; it’s about building resilience, confidence, and healthy habits for life.
Donation
$2000
What's Included:
donate now
Jessika Brown, Chair
Jessika is a Registered Dietitian specializing in eating disorders, committed to promoting healthy relationships with food and positive body image. With her expertise, she effectively challenges the status quo and provides support to individuals on their journey to recovery and lasting self-acceptance.
Taylor Colburn, Operations Manager
Taylor is a passionate advocate for the next generation. With a background in nutrition and psychology, her work is a blend of science, heart and faith. She believes in fostering an environment for young athletes where growth, resilience, and compassion are at the forefront of every challenge.
Lindsey Baldwin, Vice Chair
Lindsey is a pastor dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering mental health and self-acceptance. Her experience in pastoral care enables her to support conversations that challenge harmful narratives around body image and promote body positivity.
Andrea Cloak, Treasurer
Drea is an advocate involved in political campaigning, passionate about creating systemic change that promotes health and well-being for all. Her experience in grassroots organizing and community engagement empowers her to confront damaging messages and advocate for inclusive policies.
Bryn Anthony, Secretary
Bryn is a Registered Dietitian dedicated to transforming the way individuals perceive food and themselves. With a holistic approach that integrates nutrition education and emotional support, she empowers clients to break free from restrictive patterns and embrace body acceptance.
Kelsey Lenzmeier, Member at Large
Kelsey is a brand and website designer with a love for creating inclusive and impactful visual identities. Her expertise lies in crafting compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences, helping organizations like The Empowerment Project communicate their mission effectively.
Micah Howard, Volunteer
Micah is a psychology student, minoring in Nutrition, with a passion for the intersection of mental and physical health. Committed to making a meaningful difference in her community and pursuing a career in clinical counseling, Micah brings fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to TEP.
Join us in our mission to empower our youth and transform the conversation around health, wellness and social media. Whether you choose to sponsor a team or an athlete, your support makes a difference.
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