Brigid Turner is an educator, filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, and youth-development professional whose work has centered on creating opportunities for young people for more than two decades. She is the founder of Brown Girl Empowerment Inc., an organization committed to developing confidence, leadership, creativity, and community engagement among young people, with a particular focus on Black and Brown girls and young women. Through Brown Girl Empowerment, Turner has developed year-round programming that brings together leadership development, mentorship, community service, wellness, creative arts, filmmaking and media production, public speaking, entrepreneurship, career readiness, and workforce development. Her approach is rooted in hands-on learning and giving young people opportunities to apply what they learn in real-world settings.

Turner’s work extends into schools and communities throughout New York City, where she develops educational and community partnerships that connect students with creative professionals, mentors, civic leaders, and meaningful service opportunities. Through Brown Girl Empowerment programs, young people have participated in extensive community service, film and media projects, performing arts experiences, professional development, educational exposure, mentorship, and paid student opportunities.

In addition to her work with Brown Girl Empowerment, Turner is the founder of Nastalliagon Productions – Dopeshoes Entertainment LLC (NPDE), an independent production company dedicated to creating meaningful and inspiring stories. Her body of work includes feature films, short films, documentaries, digital series, music videos, pilots, and other media projects. Her experience as a filmmaker has become an important part of her work with young people, allowing her to introduce students to storytelling, production, performance, technical careers, and opportunities within the entertainment industry.

As an educator and teaching artist, Turner has spent years helping young people recognize that creativity and leadership can work together. Whether students are developing a short film, preparing for a stage performance, speaking publicly, participating in community service, or exploring a future career, she encourages them to take ownership of their ideas and understand the value of their individual voices.

Her vision for Brown Girl Empowerment extends beyond individual programs and events. Turner is building an organization that creates long-term pathways for young people to lead, create, serve, develop professional skills, and become active contributors within their communities.

At the center of her work is a simple belief: when young people are provided with meaningful opportunities, trusted with responsibility, exposed to new possibilities, and surrounded by people who believe in their potential, they are better positioned to become confident leaders and create lasting impact.

“Creating opportunities for young people to lead, create, serve, and recognize the power of their own voice.”