We round up advocates for girl empowerment that the next generation of women can definitely look up to

Pressures to conform, the rough, winding path to self-discovery and real-life struggles: it’s a daunting world out there. The challenges are relentless. For young women especially, these challenges only tend to be magnified.

Are girls today equipped with the life skills they need to face the world? Have they uncovered the secret to unlocking their potential? Do they have mentors to guide them? These are some of the questions “It’s A Girl Thing,” a festival where youth empowerment meets a celebration of girl power, sets out to answer.

To lead the girl pack on its highly-anticipated sophomore year, IAGT Manila brings together some of today’s brightest, zestiest social stars to inspire, empower and encourage young girls to dream. Just like last year, the fun-filled event puts talks, Q&A’s and meet and greets all under one roof, too. Who exactly is part of this stellar lineup, you ask? Scroll through to find out!

Solenn Heussaff

She’s the “it” girl who combines brains, beauty, charm and substance: Solenn Heussaff, who is definitely more than your average artista, is a renaissance woman. She’s an artist and entrepreneur, who has raised significant amounts  for charities close to her heart.

LianeV

Liane V is a multihyphenate social media superstar with over 13 million fans online. She’s a comedian, actress, musician and content creator all in one, who was able to find her calling in the beauty, fashion and lifestyle space on YouTube. She got her start as a makeup fanatic and began showcasing beauty basics and her favorite everyday looks. Liane V eventually expanded her lineup to include hair tutorials, refined red carpet beauty looks and lifestyle snippets where she documents her memorable life experiences. These are only illuminated by her down-to-earth personality and made even better with videos featuring interviews, pep talks and challenges.

AC Bonifacio

Bonifacio is a Filipino-Canadian dancer known for being the first-ever grand champion of the Filipino TV dance competition Dance Kids in 2016. She emerged victorious as part of a dance duo called “Lucky Aces.” Before the big win, the two were also featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and had a chance to meet and perform with American popstar Ariana Grande on her 2015 show in Vancouver, British Columbia. Bonifacio also competed on the Kids edition of Philippine TV show Your Face Sounds Familiar.

Reneé Dominique

Singer-songwriter Reneé Dominique is a 19-year-old international artist who got her start in the music industry through YouTube. In 2013, she began posting song covers with her signature ukulele accompaniment. Some fan favorites include covers of songs by the Beatles, Carpenters, other classic hits and her original songs.

Megan Batoon

27-year-old dancer and host Batoon has made a name for herself in the digital entertainment and lifestyle space with her YouTube channel and advice podcast, “Just A Tip with Megan Batoon.” An avid believer in girls supporting girls, Batoon is excited to share the life lessons she’s learned as a content creator with young Filipinas. “Right now, we have everything we need at our fingertips, but the one resource that’s worth the most is what’s inside of each and every one of us,” she shared. “We can all help each other. If I can do anything to inspire you—just know you’re inspiring me just the same.”

Janina Vela

Self-love, self-care and embracing your individuality: this is what 19-year-old Filipina beauty and lifestyle YouTuber and singer Janina Vela celebrates on her channel. Through her platform, she strives to encourage her #velafam to embrace who they are and to be confident in their own skin. One of the other things she advocates for is encouraging the next generation of women to achieve their goals without compromising their morals and character.

Meredith Foster

Meredith Foster, a California native, is another multitalented gal worthy of being on the radar of young girls everywhere. She’s a YouTube star, entrepreneur and influencer who has worked with some of the world’s top media companies and has partnered with the biggest international lifestyle and beauty brands. Apart from featuring collaborations, she uses her YouTube channel to reveal everyday hacks useful to young women.

Asia Jackson

African-American and Filipino digital creative Asia Jackson went viral in October 2016 for pioneering the global movement #MagandangMorenx. She has since used her platform to encourage women to challenge the status quo and to further the dialogue on colorism and diversity in beauty. Her movement garnered international media attention and was featured in NBC News, AJ+, Teen Vogue, The Huffington Post, HYPEBAE and Glamour Magazine.

AndreaH

Artist AndearH started young: She took up piano at the age of eight and began singing lessons at ten years old. At just 14, she began writing her own music and taught herself how to play the guitar. Since then, AndreaH’s love for music has led her to great opportunities here and all over the world including opening for The Script in Singapore, Hong Kong and Manila in April 2018. This month, she once more performed as a supporting act: for Sam Smith this time at his Manila stop for his “The Thrill of It All” tour.

Eunice Jorge

From high school band member to well-known alternative rock artist in the country, Eunice Jorge is living proof that you have to put in the work—and work smart—to get your life goals. With the discipline and perseverance to back up her talent, she got to tick some of her life goals off her list early. Jorge is the lead vocalist, keyboardist, violinist and guitarist of Gracenote. The band has produced two studio albums, garnered awards and opened for musical acts like Secondhand Serenade and Nelly Furtado.

Anne Gauthier

Anne Gauthier Das Neves is a Filipina-French actress and influencer who passionately advocates for the performing arts and independent cinema in the country.