InnaStar Empowers Marginalized Creators to Find Their Voices Through the Power of Storytelling
With the support of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Fund for Racial Justice and Equity (FRJE) grant, InnaStar is on a mission to uplift and empower individuals through the transformative power of storytelling. Founded on the belief that every story holds the potential to heal, inspire and drive change, InnaStar is helping people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, find their voices and turn their pain into purpose.
InnaStar, founded in 2022 by film producer, author and actress Jacinth Headlam, is a nonprofit organization that works with people of all ages to achieve their goals through self-development and creative workshops, performing arts programming, mentorship and wellness check-ins.
Through various initiatives, InnaStar guides individuals in discovering their inner strength, building self-confidence and channeling their experiences into positive outcomes. The organization’s unique approach to empowerment through storytelling allows participants to reclaim their narratives, transforming personal challenges into stories of triumph.
With the support of the United Way’s FRJE grant, InnaStar continues to break new ground in empowering individuals through various initiatives and programs.
One of InnaStar’s signature programs is the Trailblazer Awards, an annual event that celebrates and honors individuals who have made significant strides in their personal and professional lives, serving as role models for others in the community. This year’s award ceremony is on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown.
The grant has also funded workshops like the Acting/On-Camera workshop and the InnaStar Glow: Confidence Workshop, both of which teach students valuable skills in public speaking, presentation and self-expression. These classes have not only been conducted locally but have also had an international impact, reaching students in Nigeria and the Cayman Islands.
With support from the FRJE grant, InnaStar hosted its first annual Holiday Community Celebration in 2023, which offered a full day of fun, food, music, games, prizes and creativity for children and their families.
The expansion of InnaStar’s initiatives in 2024 marks a significant milestone for the organization. One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of empowerment workshops for older adults, which focuses on helping them rediscover their confidence and identity in their later years. The workshop concludes with a makeover and award show, reinforcing the nonprofit’s belief in the power of the arts to uplift every community member. Recognizing that seniors are often overlooked, InnaStar is committed to ensuring this demographic is seen, heard, and valued.
In addition to local initiatives, InnaStar is dedicated to making a global impact. The organization’s mission trip to Nigeria, in partnership with The Rilyc and Cleverminds Educational Foundation, brought filmmaking and storytelling workshops to children, leaving a lasting positive impact on their lives. These experiences, both local and global, are testaments to InnaStar’s commitment to empowering individuals through creative expression.
Looking forward, InnaStar aims to expand and deepen its reach within the community. With plans to further engage with older adults, expand the Trailblazer Awards and explore new partnerships, the organization is poised to make an even greater impact in the coming years.
“The FRJE grant has been instrumental in our growth and ability to reach more people,” said Headlam. “Whether it’s empowering middle school students to write and produce their own short films or helping seniors find new purpose and joy, the support from the United Way has made a profound difference.”
InnaStar’s work highlights the incredible potential within each person and the transformative power of storytelling. Through the support of the FRJE grant, the United Way and its partners are not just investing in an organization; they are investing in the futures of countless individuals, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to shine.
United Way awarded the following local organizations with grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 through the FRJE:
- Cohesion Network
- Epoch Tribe
- Financial Literacy Center of the Lehigh Valley
- Fine Feather Foundation Inc.
- Global Hope International
- Greater Community Development Corp.
- InnaStar
- Juneteenth Lehigh Valley
- Lycan Media
- LatinosARE
- Lehigh Valley Black Church Housing Alliance
- Light on the Horizon
- Mother2Mother Inc.
- Movement Moves Media
- Resurrected Community Development Inc.
- SELF!
- The Rilyc
- The Rising Sun Initiative
- The Thrive Hub Inc.
- Unidos Inc.
- Vet Beds
Grant funding is made possible thanks to partners and donors who directed their support to the Fund for Racial Justice and Equity, including PPL Foundation, Crayola, Behr, Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, Truist, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and United Way Women United.
Learn more about United Way and the FRJE grant program by visiting our Fund for Racial Justice and Equity page.
