Courtesy photo
Wave Staff Report
LYNWOOD — More than 200 Lynwood Unified School District middle school students gathered recently for the third annual Girl Empowerment Summit, a conclusion to Women’s History Month that focused on leadership, self-confidence and personal growth.
Organized by the Girl Empowerment Clubs at Firebaugh and Lynwood high schools, the summit provided a supportive space for students from Cesar Chavez and Hosler middle schools to reflect on their goals, hear from influential speakers and engage in hands-on activities designed to foster self-expression and resilience.
“I think events like this are very important to promote self-love and confidence and to uplift each other,” said Camila Zavala, a senior at Lynwood High School. “It’s about reminding one another that we are not alone.”
The event featured messages from Lynwood Mayor Rita Soto and Lynwood school board member Alma Carina Castro, who both emphasized the importance of perseverance. Psychotherapist and Lynwood High School alumna Lisa Perkins also spoke, sharing insights on mental health and self-confidence.
A student panel led by high schoolers provided students in attendance with an opportunity to ask candid questions about navigating academics, friendships, bullying and self-growth, fostering meaningful dialogue between younger and older students.
“To me, girl empowerment means teaching girls how to be themselves and be the best version of themselves they can be,” Cesar Chavez Middle School seventh-grader Kayla Armstrong said. “What stood out to me most is that they brought in high schoolers to teach us about what their high school experience has been like. We didn’t just hear from adults, but also people like us.”
In addition to the discussions, students participated in creative workshops focused on self-expression, including journaling, vision boards and arts and crafts. The event concluded with a lunch session, where students had the opportunity to network with their peers and connect with keynote speakers in a relaxed and supportive setting.
“Empowering our young women with knowledge, mentorship and a sense of belonging is essential to their growth and success,” Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “Through the Girl Empowerment Summit, we are providing our students with the tools and inspiration they need to break barriers, pursue their dreams, and become the next generation of leaders in our community and beyond.”
