ABOUT US
Be the Star You Are! is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that collects and distributes books to and produces positive media messages for women, families, and youth at risk as a way to improve literacy and raise life skills and self esteem. This media ranges from education and advisement to inspiration and guidance and covers every aspect of life, from abuse through money management. We help families and youth access positive, productive information and passionate role models that will lead them beyond the negative messages in the media, and on to becoming the individual stars that they are. We GROW leaders.
MISSION
Believing that information infused with inspiration has the power to transform and change lives, Be The Star You Are!® is committed to providing positive role models for women, families, youth at risk.Drawing upon the life-stories of “everyday heroes” Be The Star You Are!® is spreading inspiring true stories of courage, wisdom, creativity and perseverance to people who are in need of hope and motivation for daily living. Two radio shows broadcast weekly to a global audience fostering the empowering messages of the charity.
Be The Star You Are!™®is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to making life-guidance resources available to those in need of support, inspiration and motivation during times of transition, crisis or opportunity. Through its efforts of development, promotion, and distribution, the mission of Be The Star You Are!® is to make positive programs and informational media available to specifically targeted youth groups and the general public. A major outreach program is Operation Disaster Relief where books, games, and other resources are distributed across the USA to area affected by tragedies and disasters.
HISTORY
Be the Star You Are! was founded in 1999 by Cynthia Brian, known as “The Renaissance Woman with Soul” whose list of achievements includes author, producer, wife, mother, model, teacher, interior designer, gardener, artist, casting director, television, and radio host. Her daughter, Heather Brittany, was the young teen co-founder, and together they believe that we were not created equal, we each have special abilities. The Mother/Daughter dynamic duo are firm believers that every individual is unique and a star. By dreaming big, developing a plan, obtaining the necessary skills, going into action, working smartly,
receiving encouragement, and obtaining opportunities, everything is possible. Cynthia Brian believes in growing people.
“Way to live with awesome passion and purpose, Cynthia...and even more, way to pass it forward to thousands and thousands of others. With gratitude and appreciation...” Shawn Anderson, Extra Mile Author, Speaker, Empowerment Coach
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"Cynthia, you have accomplished so much with these amazing young people. You will be a part of their success story forever. They will tell their grandchildren about the impact you had on their lives, how you made them feel, and how you made them believe in their own possibility when others maybe didn't see it. Now that's quite a legacy." Sally Franz, Author
“Be the Star You Are! organization has supported our efforts by providing wonderful children’s books that we include in our birthday gift bags. Many of the children receiving them have never owned a book and this is a way to introduce them to the wonderful world of reading. We know the books are having a positive impact on the increased literacy of these children along with increased self-esteem. Be the Star You Are! is truly making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. “
Karen Kitchel,
President, Cheerful Givers
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“I would like to tell you some of the greatest news I’ve ever received in my life: I’VE BEEN ACCEPTED TO HARVARD!!!!!! I couldn’t be happier, and on behalf of myself and my whole family, thank you for all the support you’ve given me and for all the doors you’ve opened for me through Be the Star You Are!®. I would not be the person I am today without having met you and been a part of BTSYA!! Thank you for writing me a letter of recommendation, for letting me host radio, for giving me the tools I need to Express (My)self! On the college application, it actually asked “Who is your role model?”, and I wrote down none other than “Cynthia Brian"!!!! Your selflessness, warmth, and light is inspirational, and you know not the lives you change. THANK YOU! :)”
Henna Hundal, volunteer, Express Yourself!® Teen Radio
"I just want to thank you so much for all your help, mentoring, and guidance over the past years. It's been so inspiring to work with you and I am just so grateful for everything that you've taught me. BTSYA has profoundly shaped me into who I am today. I have grown from being a bashful follower to a commanding leader. I will always treasure my experience at Be the Star You Are!® and count you, Cynthia, as one of my blessings." Jennifer Tao, First Teen Director of BTSYA
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"Thank you Cynthia for all the support and guidance and mentoring Ruhani . You are the best!" Cipa Chhabra, parent to volunteer
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"You warm my heart. I thank you, Cynthia, for what you and your daughter do with your non-profit show for so many people, particularly young people across the world." Miriam Herin, Author
