In a time when the call for gender equality in professional realms grows louder, initiatives like the Empower Her Summit stand as beacons of hope and empowerment. This year, we hosted two events – our flagship event, held at Carlow University and presented by PPG, and our northwest event, held at Gannon University and presented by PSN Labs. The summits brought together 350 future female leaders, offering them a rare opportunity to network with established women executives, explore new passions, and visualize a college experience. Reflecting on the summits’ inspiring activities and heartfelt narratives, here are the top three takeaways that resonate with the overarching goal of empowering young women.
1. The Crucial Role of Female Mentorship
63% of women have never had a formal mentor. This statistic underscores a significant gap in female mentorship, which is pivotal for young women navigating their careers. The Empower Her Summit illustrates the powerful impact of mentorship by connecting participants with women leaders who have walked the path before them. From sharing stories of their journeys to offering practical advice for overcoming obstacles, these mentors played an invaluable role in shaping the participants’ outlooks on their futures.
2. Foundations for Success
Other significant themes from the summit were focused on mental health, manifesting your dreams and financial literacy. Jordan Corcoran’s keynote on mental health, resilience, and acceptance struck a chord, highlighting the importance of addressing and normalizing mental health issues among young women. In a society where over half of teenage girls identify with psychological distress, creating spaces where mental health is openly discussed and managed is crucial for nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to face the world’s challenges.
Shateria Franklin’s keynote address at the Northwest event was truly inspiring. She emphasized the importance of having a vision and believing in oneself. Franklin encouraged the girls to embrace their purpose and strive to become the best version of themselves. Her speech concluded with a powerful moment of unity, as all the attendees declared in unison, “I am smart, I am strong, I am bold, I am resilient, I am fearless.” It was a great reminder of the potential within each of us to achieve our dreams.
Financial literacy was equally emphasized through engaging and interactive activities like Her Journey. By simulating real-life financial scenarios, the summit not only prepared these young women for their professional futures but also equipped them with essential life skills like budgeting and saving. Understanding the value of money and how to manage it effectively is a critical skill set that empowers young women to be independent, informed, and confident in their personal and professional lives.
3. Empowerment Through Exposure and Networking
Finally, the summit underscored the importance of exposure and networking in discovering and securing future career opportunities. By interacting with a diverse range of companies and attending sessions led by female entrepreneurs, participants gained valuable insights into various industries and job roles. This exposure is instrumental in broadening young women’s perspectives on what is possible for their careers, encouraging them to envision and pursue paths they might have previously thought were out of reach.
Networking, both with peers and professionals, further amplifies this effect by building a supportive community that can offer guidance, opportunities, and encouragement throughout one’s career. Events like the Empower Her Summit lay the groundwork for a more interconnected and supportive professional environment for women.
Conclusion
The Empower Her Summit serves as a vivid reminder of the power of mentorship, the importance of mental strength and financial literacy, and the value of exposure and networking in empowering young women. As we look to the future, initiatives like this are critical in paving the way for the next generation of female leaders.
We are grateful to our sponsors who helped make these events possible and a success.
By fostering an environment where young women are supported, educated, and inspired, we can contribute to a world where gender equality in the workforce is not just an aspiration but a reality.
