Business

Inaugural InfluencHer Leadership Summit held

The first InfluencHer Leadership Summit organized by Building Bridges to Careers and the Marietta Community Foundation for middle-school girls aged 9-13 in Washington County was completed on Aug. 4.

The summit brought together young minds and enthusiastic mentors for a day of skill building and inspiration to deliver a day of empowerment, exploration and growth.

"The summit aimed to provide a safe and supportive environment for young girls to network with local female leaders, and to learn about the wide variety of roles they play in the community," Tasha Werry, executive director of building Bridges to Careers, said. "We also wanted them to leave with a sense of confidence and an understanding that their voices matter."

Participants were involved in hands-on workshops with female mentors with shared interests throughout the day. The program featured fun team-building challenges, a self-defense class led by female police officers, a community service activity, a mindfulness workshop and one-on-one mentoring, among others.

Each participant received "The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up & Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self," a gift from LeeAnn Johnson to serve as an ongoing source of guidance.

Following the summit, parents reported seeing a positive difference, noticing their daughter's confidence boost and willingness to try new things.

"For mine, it was the overall feeling of confidence that came from an encouraging day," a parent anonymously said. "She discussed each workshop, but what really came across was the feeling of inclusion and positive expectation."

"My daughter went into this event nervous and came out with a huge smile," another parent said.

"She loved team building exercises and self defense the most. Also, loved her awesome mentor."

Seeing the participants embrace new challenges was rewarding, Heather Allender, president & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation, said.

"We are proud to have created an event that will leave a lasting impression on these future community leaders," she said.