Girls Empowered

Meet our Camp Facilitators. Each day this week, we will be introducing one of our professional staff:

Last but certainly not least is Cara Harvey. She says, "I'm so excited to be part of the summer program because getting to connect with girls and help them grow in confidence and leadership is so important! Girls who believe in themselves can change the world!"

Cara is an educator, life coach, and dedicated Girl Scout leader passionate about helping women and girls reach their fullest potential. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Education, and spent almost a decade in the classroom before transitioning her focus to coaching and leadership development. When in the classroom, she worked in a variety of roles and founded a student leadership program and a mentorship program.

As the CEO and founder of A Purpose Driven Mom, Cara supports busy moms in creating balance, achieving their goals, and living with intention through personalized coaching, community programs, and workshops. In addition to her professional work, she brings her enthusiasm for empowerment and growth to her Girl Scout troop, where she fosters confidence, teamwork, and leadership in young girls.

She lives in Bensalem with her family and, as a mom of three (ages 19, 10, and 8), is deeply committed to empowering today’s youth to cultivate courage, confidence, and self-belief.

Meet our Camp Facilitators. Each day this week, we will be introducing one of our professional staff:

Next up is Rachel Miller. Rachel is excited to return for her second year of facilitating Camp Girl Power! Rachel says, "After 20 years in the classroom, I value creating a positive and uplifting environment where girls can tap into their strengths, build confidence, and truly understand their worth."

Rachel Miller has worked as a dedicated educator in the Quakertown Community School District since 2007. She spent eleven years as a third-grade teacher until she transitioned to Strayer Middle School teaching eighth-grade English. Rachel earned her Masters of Educational Leadership from Cabrini College and holds her English as a Second Language certification through Moravian College. Beyond the classroom, Rachel has made her mark as a coach for a local cheerleading team and the Girls on the Run program. She currently serves as the middle school advisor for the Good News Club. Her fervor for nurturing a lifelong passion for learning, and fostering self-confidence makes her a true advocate for her students’ growth.

EMPOWER your daughter TODAY! Sunday, June 7th is the last day to register to guarantee a t-shirt. Register here: https://www.girlsempowered.org/camp-girl-power/

Meet our Camp Facilitators. Each day this week, we will be introducing one of our professional staff:

Today, let's meet our Program Director and Social Media Coordinator, Crystal Higgins. Crystal says, "My favorite part about facilitating camp is seeing repeat camp participants, those that start with Camp Girl Power, progress to the Girls Leadership Program, and sometimes even get chosen to later intern. However, I am also very excited to meet some new faces at camp this summer and have some fun in a new camp space: The Yoga Gnome!"

Crystal has worked with Girls Empowered since 2022. She holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary School Counseling from Gwynedd Mercy University. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Temple University. Crystal also works for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County. Through this position, Crystal leads school mentoring programs in several school districts in Bucks County. She has experience working with children that have disabilities, as well as those identified at risk. She has worked with children in pre-K through high school. In her free time, Crystal loves reading, practicing yoga, and gardening. She is also the proud mom to two wild and wonderful children: an 8 year old son, and 6 year old daughter.

Meet our Camp Facilitators. Each day this week, we will be introducing one of our professional staff:

First, let's meet Girls Empowered's Founder and CEO, Dr. Dawn Haaz:

Dr. Haaz is the original co-creator of Camp Girl Power and our Girls Leadership Program, and this will be her 13th year running camps. What excites her most about our summer empowerment camps is, "When I witness girls coming into the camp shy, anxious, and unusre, and then leaving the camp feeling confident, finding their voice, and becoming EMPOWERED."

Read her bio below:

Dr. Haaz is a licensed psychologist in PA. She earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Chestnut Hill College with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. She obtained her B.A from Muhlenberg College with a major in Psychology and minor in Women’s Studies. She was honored to have been presented the Sojourner’s Truth upon graduation from Muhlenberg due to her potential in the field of women’s studies.

In addition to her work with Girls Empowered, Dr. Haaz sees clients at the private practice of David A. Nover, M.D., P.C. in Warrington, PA. Dr. Haaz empowers her clients to develop healthy relationships with themselves and others. Additionally, she worked for over 15 years in various roles at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County, including developing and facilitating an autism mentoring program and as their Psychological Consultant.

Dr. Haaz was honored to have received the 2024 Women’s Helping Women’s Award by Soroptimist International of Indian Rock. In 2017, Dr. Haaz was honored to have been selected as one of 19 Emerging Leaders in Bucks and Eastern Montgomery Counties by the Bucks County Courier Times, Intelligencer, and Central Bucks Family YMCA.

Only 2 weeks til school is out! Register TODAY to EMPOWER your daughter this summer! Limited spots and scholarships are available. Register here for Camp Girl Power: https://www.girlsempowered.org/camp-girl-power/ or here for the Girls Leadership Program: https://www.girlsempowered.org/girls-leadership-program/

Last but certainly not least, Girls Empowered's high school honorable mention is Cais. Cais is a senior who was nominated by a teacher. In school, Cais keeps quite busy with many leadership roles, including President of the Educators Rising Club, Vice President of the Mental Health Awareness Club, co-founder of the Town-Hall Club, and leader in the Asian Student Association. Through this last role, Cais was involved in meeting with the school board to advocate for Lunar New Year being recognized as a school holiday. Cais is also an intern for two math teachers, helping to tutor other students, and assisting the teachers with grading and other tasks. Additionally, she participates in National Honor Society, water polo, swimming and diving, and track and field. Outside of school, Cais is a volunteer at a center for immigration justice, and is also a certified life guard. Cais created her own social media platform to help guide other students through the college process, offering her advice and support. In the words of Cais’ teacher, “She shows dedication, resilience, positivity, and commitment to helping others.” Cais, we can’t wait to hear what is next for you! Congratulations, Cais!

This week we are excited to announce the last grouping of 2026 Girls Empowered Awards- our honorable mentions! Next up is our middle school level honorable mention, Jordyn. Jordyn is an 8th grader, who was nominated by one of her middle school teachers. Jordyn is a member of her school’s basketball team, school’s soccer team (as well as a soccer league outside of school too!), and a member of student council. In addition to Jordyn’s strengths as a member of these teams, her teacher also recognized Jordyn’s positivity, strong academic skills, and work ethic. Way to go, and congratulations, Jordyn!

This week we are excited to announce the last grouping of 2026 Girls Empowered Awards- our honorable mentions! First up, is our elementary honorable mention, Ella. Ella is a 5th grader who was nominated by her guidance counselor. In school, Ella’s guidance counselor noted that Ella is a positive role model for peers, as well as inclusive, and a healthy problem solver, too! Outside of school, Ella participates in 4H, traveling around the state showing family cows, sharing this knowledge in school as well. “She is a bright light making sure she is helpful to all peers and staff every day. She brings a positive outlook to all situations.” Way to be EMPOWERED, Ella!