The 5th Annual Girls Empowerment Conference, I Matter kicks-off on Thursday, October 1, at 4:30 pm with “Women in Leadership in Los Angeles County” – a virtual speaker panel led by LA County Parks and Recreation Director Norma Edith García-González and featuring LA County Library Director Skye Patrick. Other LA County panelists include:

• Amy Bodek, Director of Regional Planning
• Kristin Sakoda, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture
• Erika Anzoátegui, Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender

The conference is an annual tradition that encourages girls 11 – 18 years old to turn up the volume on their powerful and diverse voices and believe in a life of possibilities by lifting up their confidence, exploring pathways to college, and building a vision for their future life goals.

Throughout the month, girls will have the opportunity to participate in free virtual workshops and book clubs, join virtual documentary watch parties, listen to inspiring speakers, engage in facilitated dialogue and much more. Every day in October will include an uplifting activity for girls to participate in:

• Mondays: Documentaries & Book Clubs
• Tuesdays: Live virtual workshops
• Wednesdays: Videos related to the week’s theme
• Thursdays: Live virtual panels of powerful speakers
• Fridays: “Let’s Talk” videos and inspirational materials
• Saturdays: Live virtual keynote speakers

Each week will have its own focus:

Week 1 // Women Leading the L.A. County // Women in Leadership
Week 2 // She Got Game // Women in Sports
Week 3 // Boss-ish // Women in Business and Entrepreneurs
Week 4 // Shine Bright Like a Diamond // Women in Entertainment
Week 5 // The Power of Her // Women in Politics