Green Bay Packers 'Empower' event helps give girls the confidence they need to be successful leaders

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For the next two days, 300 Milwaukee Public School (MPS) students who show strong leadership skills will participate in leadership seminars hosted by the Green Bay Packers.

Monday, Feb. 27 was day one of the annual Green Bay Packers "Empower" event. It focused on girls and women from middle schools in Milwaukee. 

The keynote speaker was author Jovan Goodman. Goodman is from Milwaukee, and she's a successful author who aims to give all girls the confidence they need to be successful.

"What does confidence mean to you?" she started out the seminar asking a room full of 150 girls. 

Laiha Haris is a 7th grader from Morse Middle School. She, like the other girls, was chosen to attend the event because she already shows strong leadership skills. 

"I have an iron fist I need to soften that up. I think that this seminar can really help," said Haris. 

Her self-awareness is part of what makes her a good leader, but she is looking forward to connecting with other leaders her age. And with Goodman there to teach her, she'll get expert advice and support. 

Chaperones with the students say the seminar feels like someone is investing in the future of these children.

"The girls, sometimes, from the communities they come from, they really feel like nobody cares about them," said parent coordinator, Brittany Clay. "I thought it was a great opportunity for them to come and hear the speaker." 

They hope to take some of the tools and resources back to share with other students.

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, 150 boys and men will participate in a similar motivational seminar.