Founder of AfricAid to Speak at Emma Willard School

TROY, NY (09/22/2008)(readMedia)--

How do young women use the power of their intellect and the energy of their passion to make positive change in today’s world?

On September 27, Emma Willard School will host a symposium, “Women, Power, and Possibility,” that will explore this question. The symposium, the second in a series, will consist of a panel of young women already making their mark around the globe. They will examine the issues and contemplate the many possibilities that emerge when women translate their beliefs into action with commitment and conviction.

Ashley Shuyler, founder of AfricAid, will serve as a panelist at the symposium. AfricAid is a nonprofit organization that supports girls’ education in Africa in order to provide young women with the opportunity to transform their own lives and the futures of their communities. AfricAid’s origins date back to 1996, when Shuyler (who was 11 at the time), journeyed to Tanzania and saw first-hand the devastating impact of overwhelming poverty on the lives of young Africans and the enormous educational needs that existed there. Learning that only about 5% of girls in Tanzania are able to complete a secondary school education (equivalent to US high school), she quickly realized how privileged American children are to receive an education, and she became determined to find a way to help provide young African girls with their own educational opportunities. Learn more at www.africaid.com.

Seating for this event is limited and available on a first-come, first served basis. RSVP to Jill Smith at (518) 833-1787 or email jsmith@emmawillard.org. For more information about the symposium, “Women, Power, and Possibility,” visit www.emmawillard.org/symposium or contact Linda Passaretti at lpassaretti@emmawillard.org, (518) 833-1899.

Founded in 1814, Emma Willard School is the oldest existing school in the U.S. to offer an academic curriculum exclusively to girls. Emma Willard currently educates 311 students from 28 states and 23 foreign countries. To access an online media kit, visit www.emmawillard.org/media.