Follow Your Joy
Our Mission
The Center for Women & Girls is on a mission to launch a million Shooting Stars into the world through Shooting Star Schools and other creative, holistic experiences that build confidence, resilience, and connection — empowering children and adults to SHINE!
Our ambitious vision begins with
one child, one Shooting Star School at a time.
Watch Stars Launch!
Shooting Star School was inspired by the original, educational musical JOY & The Shooting Stars. This fall, the first Shooting Star School at Lyons Elementary welcomed 13 incredible girls who took courageous leaps in their journey together.
In this special production of the musical, you will experience the magic of their hard work brought to life on stage. Bring your family to laugh, sing, and fill your holidays with love and joy!
Creative Partners
Beautiful things happen when people bring their unique talents to a shared vision. Shooting Star School and the Lyons production of JOY & The Shooting Stars have come to life through the collaboration of Molly Williams, founder of the Center for Women & Girls and creator of JOY & The Shooting Stars & Shooting Star School, and Esther Van Zyl, founder of DraMagic!, a Lyons-based youth theater group.
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Molly Williams is the creative visionary, founder, coach, author, and artist behind the Center for Women & Girls, Shooting Star School, and JOY & The Shooting Stars.
After more than two decades leading innovative community programs in the nonprofit sector, she began transforming that experience into holistic, evidence-informed programs that integrate emotional well-being, physical health, education, and the arts.
Molly supports youth and adults in building healthier relationships with themselves and the world around them through a blend of science, soul, and creative expression.
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Esther Van Zyl is a gifted theater director, teaching artist, and founder of DraMagic! Theater Group, a children’s theater program rooted in creative exploration, ensemble collaboration, and the healing power of storytelling. A passionate advocate for arts education, Esther brings years of professional acting, directing, and theater training and experience to her work creating innovative, character-building programs for young performers. She is currently co-teaching Shooting Star School and co-directing the musical JOY & The Shooting Stars with Molly Williams, helping students build confidence, share their voice, and shine their bright light on stage.
Our deepest gratitude to…
LEAF (Lyons Elevating All Fund) and the Lyons Community Foundation
for sponsoring the launch of Shooting Star Schools at Lyons Elementary and Lyons Middle/Senior High School. Without you, none of this could have happened.
