The Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC), operating under Horizons Youth Services (HYS), attended Women’s and Girls’ Day at the Legislature sponsored by the WV Women’s Commission, on January 22, 2018. The theme of the event was, “The Will to Lead.” The purpose of the event was to provide an opportunity for women and girls to share a unique experience while learning to lead, govern and have a voice in their communities.

Julie Palas, Interim Executive Director, opened the meeting greeting and welcoming the attendees from various schools, organizations and communities then introduced WV Cabinet Secretary for Education and the Arts, Gayle Manchin. Cabinet Secretary Manchin welcomed the attendees and read the proclamation by Governor Jim Justice declaring January 22, 2018 as Women’s and Girls’ Day at the Legislature. Manchin said, “I welcome you to the WV Culture Center today and I hope you will enjoy your day.” She encouraged the female attendees to consider running for office. Manchin is the only female cabinet secretary in the governor’s administration.

Additional topics such as sex trafficking, advocacy and bullying were addressed. The film “Chosen” was facilitated by Karen Haring, Liberia Inc. The movie discussed the issue of human sex trafficking, warning signs and ways to advocate for legislation to protect those endangered. Miss West Virginia 2017, Tamia Hardy and Miss West Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, Sabrina Harrison greeted the audience and spoke of their reign, platform and future endeavors.

The day included legislative visits at the State Capitol, recognition from the House chamber and afternoon topic discussions facilitated by teachers and commission staff. Topics included domestic violence, running for office, equal pay for equal work, and bullying to name a few.

Students attending the event included Sarah Hoke, Naomi Washington, Ishala Riddick and Kira Flinn who is a Work Based Learning student with the WV Women’s Commission. All women and girls were treated to a registration bag filled with goodies, lunch and an opportunity to win gift bags, skin care products and gift certificates. Tia Welch, BCL accompanied the students.

Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16-24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. Job Corps is in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The Charleston Job Corps Center is overseen by the Philadelphia Regional Office of Job Corps and is operated by Horizons Youth Services.