EMPOWERED 2nd Anniversary Gala

The EMPOWERED Anniversary Gala is a formal evening dedicated to honoring the remarkable growth, resilience, and leadership of our EMPOWERED members. This signature celebration brings together teens, families, community partners, educators, faith leaders, elected officials, and local supporters for a powerful night of inspiration, recognition, and purpose.

Presented by Higher Is Waiting Nonprofit Organization and Presenting Sponsor Margier White’s State Farm, the Gala celebrates two years of transformational youth impact across rural North Carolina through EMPOWERED—a mentorship and leadership program founded by 17-year-old Minister Jayden A. Watkins.

Event Details
Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Doors open at 6:00 PM
Location: The Gathering Event Center
401 Brodie Rd, Henderson, NC 27536

What to Expect
Guests will enjoy an elegant dinner, live entertainment, inspirational speakers, and youth recognition awards that highlight the life-changing impact of EMPOWERED. Throughout the evening, we will celebrate teens who are leading, serving, and excelling—often against great odds—and the community partners who believe in their potential.

About EMPOWERED
Founded by 17-year-old Minister Jayden A. Watkins, EMPOWERED was created to address the lack of consistent mentorship, leadership development, and enrichment opportunities for teens in rural communities. What began as a vision has grown into a regional movement empowering young people to lead, serve, and thrive with confidence and purpose.

Since its founding, EMPOWERED has become a vital resource for teens across Vance, Warren, Franklin, and Granville counties, providing consistent mentorship, leadership development, career exploration experiences, mental-health-focused events, and community service opportunities. Over the past two years, the program has distributed thousands of blessing bags and hundreds of bookbags filled with school supplies, while helping teens gain access to jobs, top-tier colleges, competitive leadership programs, and life-changing spiritual growth.

EMPOWERED’s impact has been recognized through television, radio, and community media, shining a light on the resilience, brilliance, and promise of rural youth.

Why This Gala Matters
This is more than a celebration. It is a statement to our teens that their dreams matter, their voices deserve to be heard, and their community believes in them. The EMPOWERED Anniversary Gala stands as a powerful testament to what happens when young people are equipped, encouraged, and empowered to lead while walking in the purpose and vision God has ordained.

We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening honoring the past, celebrating the present, and investing in the future of our youth.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Henderson.