DETOUR Empowers
Opening Doors. Building
Leaders. Changing Futures.
4,000+
Girls Empowered
15+
School-based Sites
15+
Years of Impact
80+
Paid Youth Internships
What We Do
Educate
School-based programs bring engaging educational workshops and empowering activities directly to students in schools throughout San Diego.
Empower
Building confidence in girls through mentorship, leadership, development, self-advocacy, and culturally affirming experiences.
Engage
Connecting girls of color to supportive communities, college and career prep, STEAM learning, and confidence-building experiences that inspire purpose, peer support, and lasting positive change.
Our Programs
Our Story
Founded in 2009, DETOUR Empowers is dedicated to increasing access to education, leadership development, mentorship, and career readiness opportunities for youth from diverse backgrounds in underrepresented communities.
We envision a thriving, inclusive future where every young person has the resources, skills, confidence, and support to lead, succeed, and create lasting community impact.
"When girls of color are given access, exposure, and opportunity, they don't just imagine new futures, they lead them.”
Voices of Impact
- Ambassador Program Member
- Leadership Academy Participant
- School-based Group Participant
Our Curriculum in Action | Find Your Flair
Created by DETOUR Founder Tinesia Conwright, Find Your Flair helps rising leaders identify their strengths, build confidence, and recognize what makes them uniquely equipped to lead.
If you are a Rising Leader and you’ve ever wondered about what makes you stand out, this book is for you! That’s right. Inside its pages, you will discover your strengths and how special and unique you are. This book is for those who don’t always feel special. It’s for those who need a little help learning about just how special they are.
This book is also perfect for those working with youth and young adults!
Awards & Recognition
