By Anita Yip

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 attendee 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. Crutchird, founder and owner of Body By Brandy Fitness Studio in Roxbury. Crutchird'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