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About 40 female students from District 202 high schools participated in the first Empowered Women’s Conference on March 18. The event was organized by Plainfield East High School seniors Valery Espinoza, Brianna Emond, and Aadya Karna.
“We live in a time now more than ever where women can be anything,” Espinoza stated. “It is our duty to go for our dreams, leave our legacy in our community, and mentor one another.”
Students from various high schools including PEHS, Plainfield High School-Central Campus, Plainfield South, and Plainfield North attended the conference. They engaged in activities aimed at fostering connections among the diverse group of attendees.
Community leaders such as Margarita Morelos from the District 202 Board of Education, Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Basta, Dr. Natalie Coleman from the Will County Board, and Dr. Paula Sereleas shared their experiences and insights on leadership.
“Learning from strong, female community leaders allows and encourages young women to see themselves in those positions,” said Dr. Kate Morris, district Director of Curriculum and Instruction for High School. “When they see it, they believe they can do it. And once they believe in themselves, the sky's the limit.”
Espinoza initially proposed the idea to PEHS Assistant Principal Dr. Mike Romeli who supported it fully. According to Romeli, “This student-driven event was aimed to develop and create a day where students from each high school could grow in leadership and self-confidence.”
Espinoza's inspiration for this summit dates back to her middle school years when she attended a similar conference that left a lasting impact on her.
“That’s when I decided I wanted to leave the legacy of connecting with people,” Espinoza explained.
The organizers hope to make this an annual event involving participants from both current and future summits.
“This wasn’t just a conference but a moment in their life that initiates their own passions and desire to connect with people,” Espinoza concluded.
