Young Woman LEAD continues transforming teens’ lives

ByMatthew Crane Reading Time: 3 minutes

On Wednesday, more than 400 girls from 18 different school corporations in Southern Indiana and Kentucky attended Young Women LEAD (Leadership Education And Development) at Vincennes University Jasper.

The students heard from keynote speaker Dr. Julia Garcia, a nationally recognized psychologist, author, and innovation leader, before taking part in multiple breakout sessions covering topics such as self-defense, self-esteem, developing good relationships, career trajectory, yoga and meditation practices, and more.

The event was closed with a second keynote from former Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspersmann.

This is the 14th year for the program in Jasper.

The event is chaired and produced by SOAR, a leadership development program for young professionals, as part of their capstone project.

Young Women LEAD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering high school girls through leadership development programs and conferences.

Attendees took part in a calming meditation class.
Dana Wood taught a class on self-esteem and healthy relationships.
Sydney Wathen and Adison Andrey, both sophomores at Forest Park, finished a yoga session with Connie Egloff at the event.
Cadance Cash performed a palm strike to a pad held by instructor Ed Messmer during the self-defense session she attended, while Rory Craney and Brynn Yeager waited to try the technique themselves.
Rylie Bottles struggled to break a board with an elbow strike but finally succeeded after multiple attempts.
Attendees were treated to a lunch in Ruxer Gymnasium.
Dr. Julia Garcia autographed her book for students while meeting and talking with them during lunch.
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