On 23 June 2023, Wakefield Girls’ welcomed guests from primary schools across the region for our inaugural #empowHER conference. Girls in Years 4 to 6 came to Wakefield Girls’ for a day of empowering and inspiring girls in the top 5 future facing skills: communication, engagement, problem solving, teamwork and leadership. 

The conference, specifically designed for 8 – 10 year old girls, featured alumnae and role models whose messages aligned with Wakefield Girls’ philosophy of happily empowering and educating girls. Lizz Wainwright, Head of Marketing Operations, Amazon, Prime Video served as Chair of the event alongside session hosts alumnae Sophie Browning, Nestle, Faith Ridler, Sky News, Rebecca Ward, Radley Yeldar, Becky Baker, K9 Nation and Dr Kanika Kapur, Sanofi Pharmaceuticals.

Chair Lizz Wainwright opened #empowHER by setting intentions for the young leaders in the audience to seize every opportunity. Interactive sessions helping girls to understand their strengths and how to use them took place during the morning, followed by sessions on risk -taking, collaboration, a mini Cop on Climate Change and a grand finale which included goal setting and action planning. 

Our registered attendees for the day – who arrived fairly quiet and timid – wrapped up the day sharing a personal goal and the personality traits they will use to help them achieve these.  Head, Heidi-Jayne Boyes concluded the day of inspiration and empowerment at the end of the conference, by reiterating the importance of being true to yourself,  knowing your worth and making the most of opportunities.⁠

We were all delighted by the number of resilient, determined, and positive young women that left the conference. We hope this event, and others like it, continue to empower young girls.

If you’d like to sign up for empowHER ’24, join our pre-register list here