Imagine a space where brilliance meets belonging, where joy takes center stage, and where Black girl scholars can embrace their full selves unapologetically.

Welcome to The Brown Butter Collective—an empowering, daylong retreat designed to nourish the identities, aspirations, and limitless potential of Black girls in elite independent schools.

Why Brown Butter Collective?

From the moment they step into our warm, communal welcome, scholars are greeted with radical love and a curated journey that’s equal parts celebration and restoration.

The Brown Butter Collective is more than a retreat; it’s a sanctuary where Black girl scholars can take up space, feel seen, and explore what it means to thrive in every aspect of their lives—emotional, physical, cultural, and academic. The girls also participate in personal development insight circles, where they can openly discuss their individual and collective experiences in a rejuvenating setting.

With hands-on workshops like Hair Care Clinics, Yoga and Meditation Exercises, and Financial Literacy Prep, we ensure every detail centers their joy, wellness, and vibrant experiences of identity affirmation.

It’s a day of laughter, growth, and connection fueled by mentors, wellness practitioners, and influencers who are Committed to Creating transformational, soft, and joyful spaces.

Here, scholars are empowered to shape their futures with confidence, supported by resources, role models, and an unshakable sense of belonging. It’s a celebration of sisterhood, wellness, and visibility—a day where every Black girl walks away uplifted, inspired, and ready to shine.

We’re creating a safe space to land for all phases of Black Girlhood in Independent Schools

Novas

Grades 2-4

  • The Novas are the youngest stars in the constellation—radiant, curious, and eager to explore their potential. These scholars are:

    • Shooting Stars: Bursting with energy and ready to discover their unique sparkle.

    • Future Visionaries: Beginning to dream big and see their place in the universe.

    • Joyful Explorers: Thriving in spaces that celebrate play, creativity, and self-expression.

    Novas participate in fun, engaging workshops designed to nurture confidence, build friendships, and introduce them to the joy of belonging in their community.

Rising Novas

Grades 5-7

  • This cohort is for bright, curious, and rising young leaders taking their first steps in understanding their identities and navigating independent school spaces.

    These scholars are:

    • Advocates & Innovators: Building the foundations of confidence and self-expression.

    • Future Leaders: Exploring their talents and discovering their unique voices.

    • Daughters of Visionary Mothers: Embodying the hopes and dreams of their families, eager to grow into their potential.

    Workshops for Rising Novas are interactive and playful, nurturing self-esteem, body positivity, and community belonging while planting seeds of empowerment for the years ahead.

Supernovas

Grades 8-12

  • This cohort is for bold, visionary, and driven high school students who are stepping into leadership roles and defining their futures. These scholars are:

    • Influencers & Trendsetters: Shaping narratives within their schools and communities.

    • Advocates & Innovators: Actively challenging norms and creating change.

    • Future Leaders: Focused on college, career pathways, and global impact.

    Supernovas engage in transformative workshops that emphasize identity affirmation, leadership development, and real-world readiness. From career mentorship to wellness practices, this cohort is empowered to thrive as their authentic selves while breaking barriers and rewriting narratives.

Past Partners

Thank you to the amazing Schools, Organizations, and Brands that have invested in Black Girl Scholars and helped make Brown Butter Collective Possible.

Thank you to Avenues, The World School for Committing to hosting us again in May 2025! We so value your partnership as we uplift our scholars!

Work with us

Are you inspired by the wellspring of possibility in every Black Girl Scholar? We’d love to work with you as we prepare for our 2025 Events. Please signify your interest below to sign up for information on attending, sponsoring, or supporting Brown Butter Collective!