Our Purpose

The Empower ME Gala is a signature celebration hosted by the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center (ECYEC) to honor and uplift young people from the CSRA who are building brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

This elegant evening highlights youth achievement, leadership, and resilience while emphasizing the importance of mental wellness, empowerment, and hope. Bringing together community leaders, families, and advocates, the Gala inspires the next generation to dream boldly, lead confidently, and face life’s challenges with courage and purpose.

More than just an event, the Empower ME Gala is an annual movement of inspiration and transformation designed to ignite purpose, uplift voices, and empower the next generation of leaders. Through powerful heartfelt recognition, and dynamic speakers, the evening cultivates confidence, connection, and personal growth in teenagers and young adults.

By fostering a deep sense of belonging, the Gala helps reduce feelings of isolation and combat suicidal ideation among youth. It celebrates young people’s achievements, promotes peer-to-peer support, and reinforces the core values of resilience, self-worth, and a future-focused mindset empowering youth to rise, lead, and thrive.