Herald Neighbors

Girlz Talk sparks conversations in self-empowerment

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J.W. Dodd Middle School seventh graders, took turns helping each other put on pearl necklaces they received after a full day of girl empowerment workshops during this year’s 2019 Girlz Talk conference held at Hofstra University hosted by Cedarmore Corporation on March 30.

The conference, stepping into its seventh year, welcomed over 400 girls from the tri-state area including Freeport’s Ladies of Dodd from Dodd. The day includes workshops, panels and classes geared towards teen and women safety and empowerment. The event also welcomed renowned women in media like TT Torez from Hot 97, Janelle Griffith from NBC and more. The workshops covered a plethora of topics that included a college information session, financial guidance, and business start-up and lessons on developing healthy relationships.

Eighth grader, Nia Hall, 13, also a member of Ladies of Dodd, candidly shared she was a shy person, but attending the event and interacting with so many other girls outside of her circle of friends helped her to open up a little bit more than usual.

Linsey Matthews-Correia, 14, and Ana James, 13, also members of Ladies of Dodd, shared they were happy to represent their school at the conference.