All Girls Conference Empowers Area Teens with "Think For Yourself" Message

Area women and agencies merge to offer good solid information and advice

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STAUNTON, VA (04/12/2010)(readMedia)-- Growing up in a family of six girls and two boys in inner city Richmond, The All Girls Conference Coordinator Makeba Robinson is no stranger to the pressures, hardships, and difficult situations that teenagers face . Robinson says of her motivation to birth and develop the All-Girls Conference, "I have always felt the need to empower and uplift girls. My sisters and I talk daily and we like to encourage each other and talk and just be girls!!! I feel that I have a good understanding of what girls need and what motivates them. So its not that I decided for this to be a passion of mine, its just something that is in my design.

There are lots of local girls and women who are doing positive things in the community. We are featuring them and their success at the Conference in hopes of getting others on board. Teenage pregnancy has risen in the area, so we have the Health Department's Emily Baron in to remind them of their options. I just want to see all girls have, at the very least, an opportunity to succeed. Somewhere or someone that they can go to to get good solid information and advice! "

The All Girls Conference Keynote Speaker this year is Lori Nicholson, Captain of Security at Middle River Regional Jail. Ms. Nicholson will speak to the all girl crowd about what it means to be a leader, the importance of choosing the right friends, and also what her career as Captain of Security entails. The attendees can expect a powerful and relevant message.

The word on the street is that a few celebritites may make an appearance at the conference this Saturday, April 17th at the Booker T. Washington Community Center. Each girl will have exclusive VIP treatment and will have an opportunity to take pictures with any celebrity guests!!

The Conference is limited to First 100 Registrants - Some Spaces Still Available. The purpose of the Conference is to empower teenage girls and help them make positive life decision by connecting them with community resources and female role models. This one-day event sponsored by Staunton Parks and Recreation Department and DuPont Community Credit Union will include booths and workshops presented by over 20 different community agencies, breakfast and lunch, and much more! Some of the booths include; Staunton Parks and Rec., DuPont Community Credit Union, who will be bringing a special guest, Office on Youth, Boys & Girls Club hosting a make your own lip gloss booth, Comfort Care Women's Health, New Directions Shelter, Valley Community Services Board, Staunton Augusta Health Department, Community Garden action group, Beverly St. Studio School will be doing an interactive art project at their booth.

New this year is admissions counselors from several VA colleges will be there to give info about their college/university. Some include Virginia State University, Bridgewater College, and Hampton University. Entertainment will include Staunton Parks and Rec's dance team-S Squad and a fashion show sponsored by T.J. Maxx. Each participant receives a souvenir conference t-shirt and goodie bag. Door prizes will be awarded, including a brand new Nintendo Wii!!!

Girls ages 12-19 are encouraged to register now. Registration forms can picked up from the Booker T. Washington Community Center in Staunton, Staunton Recreation Dept., and area middle and high schools. For more info, contact Makeba Robinson, Conference Coordinator at (540) 332-3991 or robinsonmr@ci.staunton.va.us.

Staunton Parks and Recreation is proud to host this special program aimed at empowering teenage girls. For more information log on to www.staunton.va.us/recreation