In early November, eight Packer students attended the sixth annual Young Womyn of Strength Conference at Brooklyn Friends School. The event, featuring the theme “Self Care in the 21st Century,” was designed to provide girls in Grades 7 through 12 with inspiring adult role models. Jada Monica Drew, a diversity expert, author, and executive trainer, gave the keynote address.

The students participated in interactive workshops that encouraged them to embrace and value their own definitions of self.

“I gained knowledge about my mind and my body that I didn't know before,” said Taspia K. ’22. “They taught us how to take care of ourselves and they taught us that we were more than enough. The conference also made me realize how unconscious I am about the world and the people around me. Sometimes you just need to take time to unplug and notice the things around you.” 

Several of Packer students were repeat conference attendees.

“The first time I went, I just signed up because it seemed interesting. After that, I was hooked,” said Francesca K. ’22, who has attended the conference three years in a row. “The workshops and keynote speakers improve each year…. I gained so much from this conference, but mainly a sense of empowerment. It was a powerful experience.”