HUNDREDS TO ATTEND LA COUNTY PARKS’ VIRTUAL GIRLS EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE
Month-long Virtual Experience for Girls 11-18 offers Free Programming like Inspirational Speakers, Interactive Workshops and Concerts from October 1-31
LOS ANGELES – Today, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) kicked off its 6th annual I Matter – Girls Empowerment, with a unique virtual experience to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. Over 700 girls registered to attend the free virtual experience that offers live interactive workshops, speaker panels and keynote speaker series from October 1 through 31, while providing weekly digital resources and activities to keep girls, ages 11-18, engaged all month long.
LA County Parks began the conference with a panel of “Women Leading Los Angeles County” featuring female directors and leaders from several County departments. The panel discussed breaking through barriers and holding important positions of public service, then answered live questions from girls in attendance.
This year’s theme, Girls with Dreams Become Women with Vision will cover a new topic each week to show girls that they can dream big about their future.
- Week 1 // Women Leading the LA County // Women in Leadership
- Week 2 // She Got Game // Women in Sports
- Week 3 // Boss-ish // Women in Business and Entrepreneurs
- Week 4 // Shine Bright Like a Diamond // Women in Entertainment
- Week 5 // The Power of Her // Women in Politics
Girls can participate in virtual workshops and book clubs, join virtual watch parties of fascinating documentaries, listen to inspiring speakers and learn about many career options. Girls are invited to join and participate in all events to feel connected, inspired, and empowered.
The I Matter – Girls Empowerment Conference encourages girls to turn up the volume on their own voices and believe in a life of possibilities by building their confidence, exploring pathways to college, and expanding their career goals.
“Now more than ever, our girls need our help to stay motivated and empowered to continue to take steps toward their future,” said Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation Director Norma E. García-Gonzalez. “I am proud to convene local-powerful women from the public and private sector to host LA County Parks I Matter – Girls Empowerment Conference for the 6th consecutive year. This year while not able to meet in person, the virtual month-long program will reach girls 11-18 from the county and beyond.”
Originally started in 2015 as an empowering luncheon for 75 girls, the event has grown substantially to an inspirational conference that hosts hundreds of girls each year. Last year, over 1,200 girls from across Los Angeles County attended the in-person conference held at East Los Angeles College.
For more information and the schedule of events, visit parks.lacounty.gov/gec2020.
