Over the weekend, The Junior League of Tyler held an annual Girl Power event at the UT Tyler University Center that featured an Olympic medalist. The event was completely free and had the goal of helping sixth grade girls in Smith County aim at empowerment, self-care, mental health and civic engagement. They also aimed to help young women to build the tools they need to become successful, civically engaged women.
Katherine Bailey, an event committee member stated that, “They are going through so many changes, and are trying to understand the directions they are growing physically and mentally, It is extremely important to focus on our next generations and give them the tools they need to be successful.”
The event also had a keynote speaker in Olympic Swimmer Natalie Hinds who is a Texas Native that committed to the university of Florida and graduated as a 20 time All-American sprint specialist. Hinds made history of her own back in 2015 when her, Lia Neal, and Simone Manuel became the first trio of Black swimmers to go first, second and third in a single event at the NCAA Championships. She also qualified for the 2020 Olympics and earned a bronze medal.
While members of the community gave session in topics such as self-defense, yoga, mental health, internet safety, self-esteem and much more. Katherine Bailey added that, “The Junior League of Tyler focuses on giving back to the community through providing money back to the community and empower young women to grow up to be future philanthropists, We are so happy the community has supported us to give these girls an amazing event and could not be happier to give back.”
To find out more information about the event itself or the organization that held it you can go to www.girlpowertyler.com.
—
Anna Kutukova / Shutterstock.com