Girls learn positive behaviors at event
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Girls United to Succeed

An inaugural girls' empowerment conference, "Peace, Love & Unity: Girls United to Succeed," took place on Feb. 20 at Moorpark High School.

"The purpose of the conference was to allow our girls to feel connected to school, to positive female role models on campus, and to learn to feel a sense of self," said Karla Rodriguez, student assistance counselor at the school.

"The girls were amazing. It was such a great experience for me in my career to have actually made this happen and seen the positive results," she said.

The event featured a guest speaker, workshops, and teambuilding activities made possible with the support of vendors, the school district and parent groups.

The 61 participants were reminded that their future is up to them. Young female students need to know they have a voice, one that should be used in a positive way, Rodriguez said.

"Girls need to learn to respect themselves and each other. They need to decrease the drama, rumors and name-calling," Rodriguez said.

District Superintendent Ellen Smith saw the event as potentially life-changing for the young women, showing them how they can better connect with others and motivating them to achieve their goals.

"I was very impressed to see 70 girls in pink conference T-shirts reflecting on their aspirations and sharing them with their peers in a supportive environment," she said.