Avery Colvert.
In the wake of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, fourteen year old Avery Colvert stepped forward with courage and compassion. Witnessing the devastation that left schools in ashes and homes reduced to rubble, she founded Altadena Girls, a nonprofit aimed at supporting teenage girls whose lives were upended by the disaster.
What began as an idea blossomed into a vibrant community effort, catching the attention of prominent supporters like Meghan Markle, Demi Lovato, and Paris Hilton. Major brands including H and M and Fabletics also joined in, offering encouragement and resources to help the mission flourish.
Determined not to let hardship define her peers’ high school experience, Avery launched a heartfelt project the Altadena Girls Prom 2025. With only a few weeks to organize, she brought together sponsors, volunteers, and vendors to create an unforgettable evening for four hundred teenage girls who otherwise would have missed out on this milestone moment.
“I thought about organizing a dance because so many students wouldn’t have one this year due to the fires,” Avery shared with PEOPLE. “I wanted to give them this pivotal life experience. Everyone jumped in at the last minute to make it happen, which was incredible.”
Held on May twenty fourth and hosted by Revolve, the prom shimmered with the theme glitter and glam. “It’s all about self expression, being bold, and showing up as your full, fabulous self,” Avery beamed. “Seeing brands I admire support this event has been so touching. I’m grateful beyond words.”
But beyond the glitz, her goal was simple joy. “It’s been a hard few months,” she said. “Seeing everyone dance, laugh, and just enjoy being teenagers again was everything I had hoped for. I wanted it to be a moment of healing and celebration.”
Avery credits much of her strength and success to the people around her friends who cheered her on, neighbors who supported the cause, and especially her mother. “She’s been there through it all,” Avery reflected. “I couldn’t have done this without her.”
Looking ahead, Avery hopes to keep building community and creating spaces where girls can grow and thrive. “Even when things feel overwhelming, you’re not alone,” she said. “The way people showed up for each other after the fires inspired me to believe in something bigger. That’s why I started Altadena Girls to help others shine.”
As for her own special moment, Avery drew inspiration from a galaxy far, far away. Her prom look paid tribute to Padme Amidala from Star Wars. “I’ve always loved Star Wars and admired the costumes growing up,” she said. With help from Karla Vallejo for hair and makeup and some well curated Pinterest boards, Avery transformed her dream into reality.
From the first strokes of mascara to the final twirl of her gown, Avery shared every step of her prom night with PEOPLE a night that will be remembered not only for its beauty, but for the resilience, kindness, and hope that made it all possible.
