The Texas Diversity Council launched the Inaugural Corpus Christi Young Women's Leadership Symposium (YWLS) on Saturday, December 7, 2013. The event was held from 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Del Mar College-West Campus. "This valuable program is just one piece of the foundation needed to help these young women succeed," says Dennis Kennedy, founder and CEO of the National Diversity Council. "I am proud that the Texas Diversity Council has this opportunity to make a difference early in their lives."
The goal of the Symposium is to promote the development of future leaders by providing young women access to mentors and focusing on overcoming obstacles, dealing with change, and building self esteem while learning about different careers. Several women leaders throughout the Corpus Christi area volunteered their time to be a part of this program and assisted in not just guiding them through the day's activities, but also sharing their own secrets to achieving greatness.
It was Saturday and Corpus Christi was experiencing extremely cold weather that morning. Still, these young women ranging from 6th to 9th grade showed up fully energized and receptive to an elite group of presenters and activities.
The featured Keynote Speaker was Corpus Christi Mayor Nelda Martinez, who shared the importance of continuing one's education to be successful. She further stated, "I think highly of you for your discipline in coming out here today and although someone may have been over you saying 'You are going,you better get up' you still came!" Mayor Martinez had the girls fully engaged and sharing her beliefs and challenges that come with success. She pointed out the many factors that may influence the path they take towards their goals and said, "It is now and here at this time of your life, the decisions that you make are going to determine your future."
Participants were then introduced to Del Mar College's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) department to outline the different career options available in these fields and what they need to do to prepare.
It was back into work mode as Cecilia Orellana-Rojas, vice president of strategy and research with the Texas Diversity Council, facilitated a workshop titled Overcoming Challenges and Reaching Your Dreams. The workshop involved an interactive activity engaging participants in the development of a personal mission statement based on Sean Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. "The activity was a powerful way for these young women to identify their goals in life as they explored their talents, likes and inspirations," Orellana-Rojas said. "It was an exercise in self-discovery and self-projection into a bright, successful future they can start building today."
Closing off the speaker line-up was a career panel moderated by Diana Ortega-Feerick, disability specialist, Del Mar College. Panelists included:
- Dr. Emilia O'Neill, License Professional Counselor - Del Mar College
- Joelle S. Francois, P.E. (Professional Engineer) - URS Corporation
- Veronica Ocanas, Assistant City Attorney - City of Corpus Christi
- Denise Pace, Senior Police Officer - City of Corpus Christi
Panelists shared their personal story including challenges and inspirations to achieve success. Participants had an opportunity to ask questions and network with panelists after the session.
The feedback from this inaugural event has been phenomenal with Ms. Bernice Y. Trevino, a parent of a 13 year old daughter, stating, "I was blown away to see that my child held a conversation on such a topic in a real world setting. This was huge!" Ms. Trevino was referencing a conversation held between her daughter and her mentor about a career in forensic facial reconstruction.
The Texas Diversity Council has hosted similar symposiums within Texas as well as across the nation. It is inspiring to see an increase of participation each year. There are times that some of the YWLS student alumni return to serve as peer mentors or volunteers. The Texas Diversity Council is looking forward to returning to Corpus Christi- Winter 2014. For now, the next stop will be Austin, TX on January 18, 2014. http://www.ywlsymposium.com/ATX/index.html .
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