In an effort to empower the next generation of female leaders, Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region hosted its second annual TeenCon this weekend at the University at Albany campus. With its mission to encourage young girls to dream big and embrace their full potential, the event brought together 55 high school girls from the Capital Region, Long Island and Philadelphia to provide a transformative experience of self-discovery and inspiration.
TeenCon aimed to bridge the gap between young girls and women from diverse industries, exposing them to a myriad of education and employment opportunities after high school.
“We are trying to expose the girls to as many opportunities to discover their own personal paths as possible,” said Girls Inc. executive director Ashli Fragomeni.
Throughout the two-day event, attendees immersed themselves in thought-provoking panel discussions led by accomplished women. Topics ranged from women in trades and female entrepreneurs to social media presence and safety, college admissions, financial aid, developing your personal brand and finding your people.
One of the highlights of TeenCon was its girl-led approach, inspired by the feedback of girls who attended the previous year’s event. This unique feature allowed the participants to shape their experience, fostering an environment of inclusivity and personal growth.
Sydney Ivey, an enthusiastic attendee, expressed her excitement about TeenCon, stating,
“It’s definitely a place where you can find out what you want to do and not be pressured from your parents or anyone and just, you know, get that information for yourself in the future,” attendee Sydney Ivey said.
For Madeline Bisceglia, she said TeenCon provided a valuable platform to explore financial discussions and learn about applying for scholarships.
“The important thing is to find what you would enjoy,” she said.
The event’s emphasis on financial aid opened doors for attendees to pursue their dreams without being burdened by financial constraints.
“Bringing all these kids together and bettering ourselves,” participant Sha’Mya Smith said. “But not only just like one ethnic group like or ethnic groups around the whole where I got closer. So a lot started to get to know a lot of people.”
TeenCon’s impact extended beyond just the event itself, as attendees were encouraged to build lasting connections and networks. The event not only served as a gateway to diverse career paths but also as a platform for attendees to learn from accomplished women and their journeys.
Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region’s dedication to empowering young girls has been evident throughout the years, with its five-year college and career readiness program, Eureka!, offering exposure to STEM, personal development, sports, mentorship, and career exploration.
Girls Inc. invites all young girls and their families to be part of this transformative journey and explore the vast possibilities that lie ahead. If you or anyone you know would like to get involved with Girls Inc. and all their future events, you can visit girlsinc.org.
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