Thirteen-year-old Chesterfield resident Mila Henry was honored July 16 at the inaugural gala of Megan Thee Stallion’s Pete & Thomas Foundation in New York City.

The black-tie event, held at Gotham Hall, was hosted by actress Taraji P. Henson and featured performances by Muni Long and DJ D-Nice. The gala raised funds to support education, housing, and health initiatives in underserved communities.

Henry, a mental health advocate and founder of MH Boxes, received recognition alongside LaTosha Brown, founder of the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium. Brown’s organization awarded Henry a grant through the #BlackGirlJoyChallenge when she was 12, and Henry used it to launch her nonprofit that provides mental health care packages specifically designed for Black girls.

“Mila exemplifies why we invest in Black girls’ dreams,” Brown said. “When we provide resources and believe in their visions, we witness the creation of solutions that address real community needs with innovation and heart.”

Henry’s MH Boxes offers journals, self-care essentials, affirmations and wellness tools to support mental health. Her work reflects the foundation’s goal to empower young Black girls to lead change in their communities.

Brown founded the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium in 2017 and is known for her work in social justice and political empowerment across the South and internationally.

“The gala honors the power of partnership and what’s possible when we fund the future of Black girls at every stage of their leadership journey,” said Chanceé Lundy, executive director of the consortium.

Since 2022, the Pete & Thomas Foundation has partnered with Southern Black Girls to support over 100 girls through the #BlackGirlJoyChallenge, which has benefited more than 800 young women with projects in arts, entrepreneurship and wellness.