Our Story
Terrie Odabi talks about Empower Girls with Dave Clark of KTVU
Empower Girls is a transformative non-profit youth development and leadership program for middle and high-school aged young ladies, founded by LuTillian Maxon in partnership with Showin’ Out Hair Gallery, a 35-year East Oakland institution.
The program originated when Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) invited Ms. Maxon to support a group of young ladies struggling with self-esteem, absenteeism, and disconnection from school. What began as an act of community care—doing hair to restore confidence—evolved into a holistic, year-round model for personal growth, leadership, and self-mastery.
Leadership
LuTillian Maxon
Founder and Health and Wellness Director of Empower Girls
As someone with decades in the haircare business, I know first-hand the transformative power of a good styling. When you look good, you feel good! Underserved girls deserve opportunities to give love and care to their 'crown', as that can make the difference between stepping into a classroom with confidence and not walking into the classroom at all.
I created Empower Girls to resolve this issue and more: to provide a nurturing space for young ladies to form connections with women leaders in their community and develop confidence, character, and leadership capacity.
While running the program, I also own the Showin' Out Hair Gallery, based in Oakland. Since 1992, I've served the Oakland community with hair stylings of many kinds.