Young Women’s Leadership Charter School of Chicago (YWLCS) presented its 10th Annual Girl Power Luncheon on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the Hilton Chicago. Girl Power celebrated the accomplishments of YWLCS’ students accomplishments in the areas of robotics, engineering, arts, science and math. The girls opened the luncheon with their new energetic video that’s attracting a lot of buzz, Girl Power – highlighting their sisterhood, education, STEM focus, graduation and career pursuit.
The event also featured a lively panel discussion accentuating the need for more women in the workplace, STEM fields, and government with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia and Water Reclamation District Commissioner Kari Steele. The panel was moderated by Michelle Relerford of NBC 5 Chicago.
YWLCS, along with the partnership of more than 500 influential corporate, community leaders and other prominent women in STEM fields, empowers future generations of women in STEM fields, by exposing them to industry trailblazers. One such trailblazer, Dr. Teresa Woodruff, one of the school’s founding board member, was honored at Girl Power for creating the Women’s Health Science Program for High School Girls and Beyond (WHSP), as well as the Oncofertility Saturday Academy (OSA) at Northwestern University, both of which have been instrumental in improving access and exposure to science professionals and career paths for the students.
“It’s important for our girls to see people like them, who have been successful, to inspire them as they enter college and their careers,” said Dr. Vanesa Scott-Thompson, Principal of YWLCS.
Young Women’s Leadership Charter School was founded in 1999, the only all-girls, STEM charter high school in Chicago that offers a well-rounded education in math, science, engineering, technology and fine arts. With nearly 350 young women, YWLCS offers a safe, nurturing learning environment and has achieved 100% graduation and 100% college acceptance rate.
