thegirlsproject.org

The Conference

G.I.R.L.S. Conference

Join us at this year's MEDIA MADNESS G.I.R.L.S. Conference, October 23 at Simmons in Boston, MA! E-mail for a registration form and more details. You may print and then fill out an application here. Remember to check our site out from time to time for more updates!

** Financial support is available for those who can't cover the registration fee**

Letter from the Founder

We are excited that so many girls, young women and adults have come together to make this event happen. It is being planned and implemented by a diverse group of young women from local communities in Boston, Massachusetts. Several non-profit organizations have also come on board to offer their support.

More importantly, we are working collectively and taking a pro-active role in addressing and solving issues central to our lives. Your support is also needed at this time. Thus we're requesting for your help because your investment is vital in making this conference a success and helping it reach its goals.p>

It is our hope that the conference will instill a continuing commitment to the needs of girls, generate renewed attention to their abilities and inspire a generation to act! We also hope that you will choose to participate in this grandiose event by giving a contribution to our future. On behalf of the young women on the planning committee, thank you for the opportunity to share this extraordinary initiative with you.

Sincerely,

Marie Celestin
Founder/Executive Director
G.I.R.L.S. Project
Growing Individuals Reacting to Life's Struggles

Highlights from Past G.I.R.L.S. Conference

Female leaders starting here

By Anita Yip

Simmons Conference helps young women focus on their future On Saturday, 50 girls convened at Simmons College to attend the 7th Annual G.I.R.L.S. (Growing Individuals Reacting to LIfe's Struggles) Conference.

From within those walls there resonated an ongoing - and never-ending - dialogue about girl empowerment. People passing by could not help but catch a glimpse of what was going on, and several even decided to stay.

"It just had that much impact," one atendee said.

"I came to the conference because my teacher thought I could learn about different issues," said Johnetta Rohdes, 14, of Dorchester.

Like Rhodes, most went in not knowing how much of a lasting impact this event would have on their lives.

The day began with a stirring presentation by keynote speaker Brandy K. Cruthird, founder and owner of Body By Brandy Fitness Studio in Roxbury. Cruthird's poignant account of becoming a self-made woman struck a chord in the captivated audience. Afterward, the girls attended workshops on topics ranging from "Girls' Rights: Do you know yours?" to "Girls Around the World Room," in which the girls watched a groundbreaking series of documentaries that delved into the lives, hopes and dreams of 17-year-old girls around the globe.

The conference ended on an inspirational note with an open-mic panel discussion with Karilyn Crockett, founder and director of MYTOWN (Multicultural Youth Tour Of What's Now), and "That Takes Ovaries!" author Rivka Solomon. The other panelist was Jennifer Johnson from the Mass. Eating Disorder Association.

The women at the conference were so strong and confident that we couldn't help but emulate them completely," said Aubrie Pagano, 17, of Roslindale.

After the conference, everyone came out with a renewed sense of empowerment and the ability to identify limits and unmask their latent talents. They all left that afternoon embracing the theme of the day, "Be the Change: Now That Takes Ovaries!"

Taken from Boston Metro Vol. 3 Issue 6 May 12, 2003

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