Support Gwen's trip to New York Fashion Week, where she'll be modeling for multiple designers in the Beauty It's Everywhere showcase!
Help Us Build Confidence, Connection, and Community
Through Franssen Strategies, we sponsor youth-led advocacy and awareness initiatives that empower young people to embrace their stories, own their differences, and lead with confidence. From the pageant stage to the classroom, our work helps create a culture where no one has to hide who they are.
Gwendolyn Franssen
Shining a Light on Alopecia
Gwen is more than a competitor in pageants and an aspiring model — she is a visible and vocal advocate for people with alopecia universalis, a condition she has had since she was four years old.
Whether she’s speaking on stage, appearing on TV, or sharing her story online, Gwen uses her platform to inspire others to be proud of who they are. Pageants and modeling allow her to continue this work, travel to new communities, and connect with people of all ages who need to hear her message.
We believe that when young people feel confident sharing their full selves with the world, it reduces shame, improves mental health, and strengthens communities. Your support helps us cover expenses like competition entry fees, travel for advocacy events, educational materials, and so much more.
ELLE FRANSSEN
THE AWARENESS CLUB
Founded by Elle in 2022, the Awareness Club is a student-led group at Fuqua School dedicated to helping teens learn about medical conditions, visible and invisible differences, and the shared human experiences that unite us.
From scoliosis to cancer to autoimmune disorders, the club fosters understanding, reduces stigma, and encourages students to take control of their own narratives. The result is a school culture of transparency, compassion, and resilience.
We believe that when young people feel confident sharing their full selves with the world, it reduces shame, improves mental health, and strengthens communities.
With your support, we can cover expenses like educational materials and workshops for students and expand this work beyond our local community.
Our vision is to “go global” — developing online resources, videos, and guides that make Awareness Club tools available for schools and youth groups everywhere.
Your contribution directly supports:
The Awareness Club's outreach programs and peer education events
Gwen's advocacy through pageants, modeling, and speaking engagements
Development of online resources, videos, and guides for schools and youth groups beyond our local community
Support Now
ONE-TIME DONATION
Covers supplies for one Awareness Club meeting
Helps cover travel for a local advocacy event or pageant
Contributes to entry fees for a pageant where Gwen shares her story
Sponsors printing, photography, and educational materials
Supports development of online resources and videos to share with schools and broader communities
Major Sponsor Level (optional recognition)
MONTHLY SUPPORT
Supports educational activities throughout the school year
Helps cover travel and small expenses
Provides consistent support for outreach and events
Funds both pageant/advocacy work and online resource development
Elite Sponsor Level - Major Recurring Supporter (optional recognition)
When you support our advocacy work, you help us build a generation of young leaders who aren’t afraid to take the stage, speak the truth, and inspire others to do the same.
Here's what happens when you support us:
1. You'll receive a thank-you email!
2. You get added to our newsletter so that you can stay up-to-date on the latest advocacy work underway.
Franssen Strategies LLC is not a nonprofit organization. Contributions are not tax-deductible but are used directly to support youth advocacy initiatives.
Before you go...
Are you a parent raising a child with alopecia or another visible or invisible difference?
Dr. Franssen also offers coaching and resources to help families navigate school challenges, build resilience, and support their child's confidence.