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'Chica Chat' Workshop Combats Cyberbullying, Promotes Sisterhood

DETROIT -- In an effort to combat cyberbullying, drama and "mean girl" behavior and inspire positive relationships among middle and high school students, Empowered Flower Girl will host its signature Chica Chat workshop -- in partnership with Detroit Parent Network.

The two-hour workshop, scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, is open to girls 10 to 16 years old throughout metro Detroit. The venue is the Detroit Parent Network, 726 Lothrop Road in Detroit.

"Bad girls, housewives and frenemies seem to be playing a significant role in shaping girls' perceptions of relationships," said Rasheda Kamaria founder of Empowered Flower Girl, who dubs herself the group's 'chief empowering officer.' "Reality television shows depicting girl fights and drama seem to be all the rage. I believe many young women will miss out on the opportunity to have healthy, empowering relationships with their peers if adults don't show them a different reality -- that women can get along and have lasting friendships."

Earlier this year, Empowered Flower Girl received a grant from Detroit Soup, a micro-funding organization, to offer the workshop to three Detroit schools and a nonprofit organization free of charge.

"We're excited to offer Chica Chat in Detroit," Kamaria said. "I grew up in the city. I was bullied and picked on throughout middle school and can relate to what young people are experiencing. Prevention is our priority."

In order to participate, youth must have their parent's or guardian's permission.  Register through June 6 at chicachat.eventbrite.com. For more information about Empowered Flower Girl, visit empoweredflowergirl.com.   Empowered Flower Girl LLC is a social enterprise that produces workshops and clothing that inspire girls and young women to live powerfully. A survivor of bullying, Kamaria was featured in the article "Being Bullied Changed My Life" in the May 2011 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine and has written numerous articles on the subject.

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