Young Girls Rule!™ - Envision Lead Grow

Save the Date | Young Girls Rule Gala | July 19,2026

Excitement is in the air! Join Envision Lead Grow at Rivers Casino for our signature fundraising event. Now celebrating 10 years, the Gala brings together corporate leaders, philanthropists, educators, families, and Girl Boss alumni for an inspiring afternoon of impact, storytelling, and partnership.

The Young Girls Rule!™ Tiaras and Bowties Gala honors the achievements of girls and young women while advancing economic empowerment, education, and workforce readiness.

Proceeds directly support free, year-round programming for girls and families from low-to-moderate income communities across Hampton Roads.

Purchase Tickets/Sponsorships

Young Girls Rule!™ is our premier fundraising gala and major social event, which focuses on creating awareness of social entrepreneurship and celebrating local and national Girl Bosses. Hosted by Envision Lead Grow with a diverse group of corporate partners and local business leaders, Young Girls Rule!™ involves celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, volunteers, public officials, and other supporters of Envision Lead Grow’s bold mission to provide economic empowerment services for women and girls from historically excluded communities through programs that increase equity, ownership, entrepreneurship, scholarship and investment.

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, we have several sponsorship levels and a variety of opportunities available! Download our sponsorship packet for more details, or email info@envisionleadgrow.org for more information.

Download the Sponsorship Packet

Our 2026 GRADUATES

2026 HONOREES

Our Hosts

Aesia Toliver

Aesia Toliver is no stranger to Hampton Roads. A 2x Emmy Award-winning anchor for WAVY-TV 10, she has guided our community through major events with poise, heart, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling that matters. She brings exactly the energy our Girl Bosses deserve in the room.

Joining her on stage is another Hampton Roads favorite, Norfolk native and 20-year Army veteran Vernard Hines. Better known as “The Laugh Therapist,” Vernard delivers a unique blend of humor that fills hearts with laughter and joy. His comedy weaves together faith, humor, and mental wellness, and trust us, this is one prescription worth filling!

Vernard Hines

Our Entertainment

Eric Taylor

Envision Lead Grow is thrilled to announce the incredibly talented Gospel Violinist Eric Taylor will bring the strings and the spirit to our Young Girls Rule Gala: Tiaras & Bowties!

Here’s what makes Eric’s story truly remarkable. He has never had a single violin lesson. What he does have is an undeniable God-given gift and the world has taken notice. He has shared the stage with gospel and music legends including Kirk Franklin, Vickie Winans, Kim Burrell, and Nancy Wilson. His performances are soulful, uplifting, refreshing, inspiring, and anointed and we can’t wait for him to set the stage on fire at Rivers Casino Portsmouth!

Thank you!

Envision Lead Grow would like to thank our sponsors for your generous support of the Young Girls Rule™ fundraising gala. Your contribution is crucial in empowering young girls and directly impacts their lives. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to future collaborations.