In a world where women are often underestimated and overlooked, it can be difficult for young girls to find their voice and confidence. However, the annual Empowering Girls conference has inspired and helped many young women from Westford Academy, including a new group of attendees this year.
The conference came to be last year by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, and this is the second year Westford Academy is attending. Every school in Middlesex County is invited and the conference is open to girls in grades 6 through 12.
Both times that WA has attended this conference have been described as a very positive and empowering experience.
“I think growing up and finding role models can be hard for some people and I loved that we heard from a big cross-section of women who talked about their careers and how they ended up where they are,” trip supervisor and WA english teacher Emily Coates said. “I think a lot of high school students would benefit from hearing those stories, and [would] understand that one path always leads to another. Where you end up isn’t necessarily where you started.”
At the beginning of the conference, there were a few interactive activities students could participate in, including writing about what inspires them and what goals they hope to accomplish. Most of the day was filled with woman speakers from various careers.
Many women speakers stood out to the attendees, but the most notable standout was Director of National Security Council at the White House Lauren Protentis.
“I thought her [Protentis’s] story was cool,” Coates said. “She talked about her grandmother being a Holocaust survivor and some inspiration she had and how getting this job was very hard. She kept having setbacks and kept having to motivate herself.”
Protentis shared the impressive story of her ten-year pursuit of the job she always dreamed of having, and how she didn’t give up despite immense challenges, including her husband receiving serious injuries in a hiking incident and and having to turn down her job offer.
“There [were] some drastic things that had happened to some of these people, but it didn’t stop them from doing what they wanted, so it was pretty inspirational,” trip advisor and dean Betsy Murphy said.
Junior attendee Leah Bordenca was also very touched by some speakers, such as Anna Palmer, a woman who is a general partner at the company Flybridge.
“She gave me one piece of advice that I thought was really cool, and it was about saying yes and showing up. I feel like everyone should know that and [it was] just a small piece of advice but I liked it,” Bordenca said.
Some of the key takeaways from this event include ones of open-mindedness, self-confidence, having a voice, and taking risks.
“I think [that] really listening to people and trying to connect on a deeper level [without] jumping to conclusions so quickly [is] something that not only our school community struggles with but people on a societal level struggle with,” Bordenca said. “I think people just need to listen to each other more and find other ways to connect.”
Not only did the conference provide a model of success for the younger generation, but it also covered topics that are very relevant in Westford’s community.
“I was surprised how many women talked about the importance of volunteering and helping people who [don’t have as much as we do],” Coates said. “Westford isn’t an entirely affluent community, but I think that we have a lot of resources, and reminding students the importance of volunteering and thinking about people who may have less [was] a powerful message.”
Coates and Murphy believe that the event is extremely beneficial to the mentality of the young women of Westford, and WA will continue to attend this conference every year they can.
“I feel like there’s so much value in [the conference] because [we could see] powerful women with good jobs doing good work.” junior attendee Olivia Coates said.
The conference ended with the girls reflecting on the advice shared by the speakers on leadership and empowerment. As attendees think about how these lessons might affect their own paths, the event distinguishes itself as a medium of ongoing conversation concerning women’s societal roles and opportunities.
