How do you balance celebrity and purpose? For Meghan Markle, the answer often lies in rolling up her sleeves and getting involved. The Duchess of Sussex recently turned her attention to a group making waves in Los Angeles: the Altadena Girls. In a rare interview for Town & Country’s philanthropy issue, Meghan sat down with Avery Colvert, the 14-year-old founder of this inspiring organisation, and Avery’s mum, Lauren Sandidge. Their conversation? It's all about hope, action, and what the future can hold—for their community, and for Meghan’s daughter, Lilibet.
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When Royalty Meets Real Life: Meghan and the Altadena Girls
Earlier this year, Meghan Markle was spotted volunteering with the Altadena Girls, a charity that supports teenage girls affected by devastating wildfires in the LA area. This hands-on experience left such a mark that Meghan chose to bring their story to a wider audience, interviewing Avery and Lauren for a special feature in Town & Country. The focus? How an idea born from adversity is now helping dozens of young women reclaim agency and optimism.
Avery Colvert, barely into her teens, leads the charge. She talked to Meghan about the group’s beginnings and the spark that drove her to create a safe, empowering space for girls like herself. Her mother, Lauren, joined in, sharing the organisation’s ambitions for growth—including plans for a dedicated venue in LA, where creativity and resilience can bloom.
Big Dreams, Big Names: Partnerships and Aspirations
It’s not just Meghan who’s noticed the Altadena Girls. As Lauren Sandidge revealed, the association is laying the groundwork for a permanent home—one that will be much more than four walls. Picture this: music rooms with support from Fender, a dance and movement studio thanks to Alo Yoga, and even a creative hub sponsored by none other than Paris Hilton. Yes, that Paris Hilton. Each partnership adds a new layer to what’s possible for the girls who walk through their doors.
But growth comes with its challenges. Despite the enthusiasm and high-profile support, Avery and Lauren stressed to Meghan that the charity still needs more resources to keep their momentum alive. The hope is that the visibility from Meghan’s involvement—and the coverage in a magazine as established as Town & Country—might just open doors for more partners and donors to step forward.
What Does the Future Hold? Hope for Lilibet and a Generation
One of the most touching moments from the interview was Meghan’s reflection on her own daughter, Lilibet. Only four years old, Lilibet already inspires her mother’s vision of what’s possible for girls everywhere. Meghan expressed her admiration for Avery’s initiative, saying she dreams of a world where her daughter can grow up surrounded by strong, compassionate, and driven young women.
Avery, for her part, spoke passionately about what the future could hold for Altadena Girls. She believes that empowering girls in their teens lays the foundation for lifelong engagement—and with continued support, their reach could expand far beyond Los Angeles. The sense of community and purpose is infectious. And with Meghan’s spotlight, that energy is only growing.
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Meghan Markle Shares Her Hope for Lili’s Future While Interviewing the Altadena Girls’ Teen Founder
