(Photo provided) Twenty middle school girls from Washington County participated in the third annual InfluencHer Leadership Summit at Washington State College of Ohio.

On Aug. 8, 20 middle school girls from across Washington County gathered at Washington State College of Ohio for the third annual InfluencHer Leadership Summit, co-hosted by Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) and Marietta Community Foundation.

More than just an event, it was a catalyst designed to ignite confidence and inspire leadership. Guided by a diverse group of mentors, the girls spent the day exploring what leadership truly means. The variety of experiences and stories shared made clear that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all.

Throughout the summit, participants engaged in hands-on workshops, inspiring conversations, and activities that challenged them to think boldly and believe deeply in their own potential. By the day’s end, they left with a comprehensive toolkit of leadership skills, a copy of The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, & Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self, new friendships, and commemorative keepsakes.

Laney Hitchens, Communications and Marketing Director for Marietta Community Foundation, said “The energy in that building last Friday was truly unforgettable. Watching the girls break out of their shells, guided by compassionate mentors and inspiring leaders, and witnessing their transformation throughout the day was nothing short of incredible.”

The mentors included: Aleece Dye, Ashleigh Pennock, Brandee Norris, Cathy Harper, Courtney Wentz, Daneka Hedges, Danielle Bruni, Debora Lazorik, Emily Martin, Janet Crum, Jill Kirtland, Kaitlin Streator, Kari Cross, Kate Evans, Ricci Bailey, Sally Evans, Sarah Schmidt, Sophie Evans, Stephanie Starcher, and Susan Barengo.

Session leaders included: Britton Allen; Shannon Tschopp from the McDonough Center for Leadership and Business; Maribeth Saleem-Tanner from High Rocks; Rachel Burnham from Rockstar Wellness; Connie Huntsman and the ladies from the O’Neill Center; and Kristi Leonard-Webber and Holly Hamrick from Building Bridges to Careers.