As part of Women’s History Month, the Center held its annual Women’s Conference on March 24. The day was spent learning, sharing and encouraging female students to commit to being the highest and best versions of themselves. Center Director Angela Rackley opened the day with a welcome to all the participants and facilitated the first workshop. She reviewed a Ted talks session on self-esteem, provided resources on self-affirmations and provided the students with a copy of, “I AM ME: My Declaration of Self- Esteem and Self Acceptance“ by Virginia Satir. She set the tone for the day and impressed upon the participants that everything they choose to do and become will begins with how they view and value themselves.
Motivational speaker Tracey Shine presented a workshop and discussion on healthy relationships and the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive people and support systems that enable us to be winners. She stressed the importance of building one another up and encouraging each other as we reach for success.
After lunch, there was a panel discussion. The panelists consisted of Ms. Rackley, Deputy Center Director Ruby Allen, Capitol Conflicts Attorney Jacqueline Wright, and Field Representative and Constituent Advocate Rebekah Hillmer of U.S. Congressman Tom Cotton’s office. Students asked the panelist questions about themselves, their career choices and educational pathways. The students did a wonderful job asking serious and thought provoking questions. The panelists did a wonderful job being open and transparent to provide insightful information to the students/participants.
In addition to workshops and the panel, there were raffles, poem readings and an awesome lunch provided by the Center’s Culinary students. The day culminated in a fashion show where staff and students modeled a variety of outfits and styles that showcased exactly why the women and girls at the Little Rock Job Corps Center Rock!