Girls Leadership Summit welcomes 8th-graders

TORRINGTON — The Women’s Leadership Initiative of the United Way of Northwest Connecticut will hold its 5th annual Girls Leadership Summit on Oct. 26, 8 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Litchfield Community Center, Route 202 in Litchfield.

More than 200 eighth grade girls from middle schools throughout the Northwest communities will be treated to an educational but fun-filled event.

“We realized that the transition from eighth grade to high school can be a critical and often stressful time for girls of that age, so we chose to create this Summit to help them build confidence, learn coping skills, and feel inspired to set goals and become the successful leaders of the future,” said WLI cochair, Kara PaganiniMuth.

This year’s speaker is Kim Kingsley, a nationally recognized entrepreneur working to empower, educate, and advocate for young men and women in underserved communities across the U.S.

Cailin Cerruto, one of the even co-chairpersons, said,“It is a pleasure and an honor to have someone of Ms. Kingsley’s success and acclaim join us for the day to share her wisdom and experiences and to encourage our girls. What a wonderful example she will be and we are so excited.”

The message for the day is “Be Strong — be yourself — a leader can be YOU! Just as you are!” Along with the keynote speaker, other programs will include Be Healthy, covering exercise and good eating habits; Be Supportive and Kind, expressing the importance of volunteerism and community service; and Be Mindful, imparting the value of a strong mind and identifying useful tools for depression, anxiety, and meditation.

The Women’s Leadership Initiative is able to provide this amazing day free to the girls and the schools through the fundraiser, “Woman of the Year” which is held annually in May. This year’s recipient was Sandy Roberts, who will participate in the summit program on volunteerism.

The Girls Leadership Summit is supported by local individuals and businesses. The committee also provides buses to transport the girls to the venue. The Women’s Leadership Initiative was created in 2012. Its mission is to mobilize the power of women in local communities. For further information, contact the United Way of Northwest Connecticut at their office, 860-489-4131 and they will get you in touch with the committee.