300 Girls from Across the County Convened to Connect and Share Experiences
The Westchester County Youth Bureau, in partnership with local non-profit and private organizations, hosted its annual International Day of The Girl Conference at Manhattanville University’s Reid Castle. Established in 2019, it is a day to inspire and empower girls from across the County with a program of interactive experiences. The Westchester County International Day of the Girl (IDG) Conference is inspired by the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl Child, which was established on October 11, 2012, to highlight and uplift girls throughout the world.
The conference featured a keynote address by entrepreneur Lauren Morris, founder of Loola Doola, Inc., a performance by the Westchester Children’s Chorus, a vendor room, photo booth and eight breakout sessions on girl-empowerment topics such as:
• Self-Care
• College and Career Readiness
• Leadership Skills
• Global Awareness/Civic Engagement
• Healthy Relationships
• Public Speaking/ Networking/ Relationship Building
• Tech
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Girls everywhere deserve equal access to opportunity and the freedom to dream without limits. This year’s international theme ‘The girl I am, the change I lead,’ emphasizes that girls are active leaders, especially in times of crisis, and shifts the narrative from helplessness to active resilience. It is shaped by girls themselves and calls for supporting their leadership, agency and rights. Our annual IDG conference reflects Westchester’s commitment to building a future where every girl is seen, heard and supported.”
Westchester County Director of Operations Joan McDonald said: “It was a true honor to speak to so many young women representing Westchester schools from all over the County at the International Day of the Girl Child Conference. Their enthusiasm was contagious and they were clearly having a great day. I always enjoy sharing my professional experience with young women and offering them encouragement to choose a career path that they love.”
Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden said: “This conference is more than a moment—it’s a movement. Inspired by the United Nation’s call to action, we gather each year to amplify the voices of girls/young women across Westchester County and beyond. Our goal is to empower, educate and inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers.”
Westchester County Youth Board Chair Dr. Alexandria Connally said: “Michelle Obama said, ‘There is no limit to what women can do.’ Westchester County’s International Day of the Girl is an important reminder that running like a girl means winning the race. We’d like to thank our sponsors and the planning committee for their generosity and efforts in making this momentous day happen.”
Harrison High School Senior Ella Zamek said: “Being at International Day of the Girl was an eye-opening experience for me. It allowed me to connect with so many girls from various schools around the County. I am a journalist and write for my school newspaper, ‘The Husky Herald.’ We are having a leadership meeting and I plan to share some of the tools and tips I learned with my staff. I also had the opportunity to sing with the Westchester Children’s Chorus and it was so amazing to connect with girls through music and song.”
Participating Westchester County School Districts and Youth Organizations included:
• Byram Hills High School
• Croton-Harmon High School
• Fox Lane High School
• Horace Greeley High School
• Mount Pleasant Cottage School Union Free School District
• Peekskill High School
• Port Chester High School
• Ossining High School
• Sister to Sister, International
• Walter Panas High School
• Westchester Children’s Chorus members
• White Plains High School