L.A. County Parks is encouraging young girls across the Southland to join together and learn how to turn their dreams into reality, receive wisdom from successful women innovators, connect with their peers, and exercise their girl power with a rollicking dance party, during the 7th annual “I Matter: Girls Empowerment Conference” on Saturday, Oct. 9.
Themed “Girls with Dreams Become Women with Vision,” this year’s conference seeks to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams and educate them on becoming successful and powerful women in a global society. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is free and open to girls ages 12-18, and will be held at three L.A. County park locations.
The Girls Empowerment Conference is made possible by the generous support of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, led by its Chair, First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Third District Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn and Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
Teen entrepreneur Mikaila Ulmer, founder and CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade, will be the keynote speaker, kicking off a day of informative and fun-filled interactive workshops where girls can learn from experts about what it takes to be successful in today’s world, create once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and become empowered to make their dreams come true.
All this and lots of SWAG and a DJ-powered Girl Power Lunch Party!
The interactive workshops will include:
• Women in Tech: Closing the gender gap to empower women and girls to become leaders in the technology industry.
• Step Into Your Power: Empowering girls to tap into their strengths and cultivate a feeling of belonging in all spaces.
• Girls and Women with Vision: Making your career dreams come true.
• Pathways to College: A look into college life and the steps needed to be successful.
• Delete the Divide: Empowering girls and giving them access to opportunities for training, technical certifications, scholarships, and employment.
• Sports and Dance Workshops: Get active and participate in basketball, lacrosse, hip-hop or cheer clinics.
“I Matter: Girls Empowerment Conference” is free but registration is limited. Enrollment is open at all three conference locations:
•Earvin Magic Johnson Park, 905 El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles
• Loma Alta Park, 3330 Lincoln Ave., Altadena
• Hacienda Heights Community Center, 1234 Valencia Ave., Hacienda Heights
Complimentary transportation will also be available at the following locations and times:
• Castaic Sports Complex: 31320 Castaic Rd., Castaic (pickup at 8 a.m.)
• Jackie Robinson Park: 8773 East Ave., Littlerock (pickup at 8:30 a.m.)
• El Cariso Park: 13100 Hubbard St., Sylmar (pickup at 9 a.m.)
• George Lane Park: 5520 W. Avenue L-8, Quartz Hill (pickup at 9 a.m.)
• Mona Park: 2291 E. 121st St., Compton (pickup at 9 a.m.)
• East Rancho Dominguez Park: 15116 Atlantic Ave., East Compton (pickup at 8:30 a.m.)
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L.A. County Parks would like to extend its appreciation to the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department, which is hosting workshops on narrowing the digital divide and women in tech, along with providing volunteers, mentors, as well as merchandise for all girls in attendance.
Because of COVID-19 protocols, all participants must be masked while indoors and physical distancing will be mandated. Parents do not attend the conference as this is an event solely for girls ages 12-18.
For more information, including transportation options, please visit the 2021 Girls Empowerment Conference website.
