{"id":210915,"date":"2020-03-09T16:14:07","date_gmt":"2020-03-09T20:14:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=210915"},"modified":"2020-03-09T16:14:07","modified_gmt":"2020-03-09T20:14:07","slug":"who-runs-the-world-girls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2020\/03\/09\/who-runs-the-world-girls\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Runs the World? Girls."},"content":{"rendered":"

Young women learn they are stronger together at EOF leadership conference<\/em><\/p>\n

In a day devoted to empowering young women to pursue higher education, the University\u2019s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) hosted its 7th Annual Young Women\u2019s Leadership conference on Friday, March 6.<\/p>\n

More than 400 young women from 15 high schools across New Jersey alternatively listened in rapt attention or reacted with boisterous shouts and applause throughout the day\u2019s programming, as presenters and the students themselves shared and inspired each other. In addition to the compelling stories of speakers, the young women enjoyed a riveting runway show and thrilled to a jaw-dropping talent showcase.<\/p>\n

Daniel Jean, executive director of the University\u2019s EOF program, explained that the women\u2019s leadership conference \u2013 along with a separate companion Boys to Men conference<\/a> \u2013 not only is a source of inspiration and education for attendees, but is also an enrollment pipeline.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to make certain our target communities are aware of the EOF program as a vehicle to ultimately have our scholars reach their personal and professional goals,\u201d Jean said. \u201cSo we invite essentially every school from all of our target districts to sign up. We always are over capacity and have to turn schools away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Regarding the fun and dynamic elements of the conference, Jean explained, \u201cWe understand that college age and high school age students want to be engaged and it goes beyond the curricular. Ultimately we want them to be excited about pursuing higher education and consider Montclair State and the EOF program as an option.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keynote speaker Maryann Diaz, a licensed social worker, and American Sign Language interpreter and workshop facilitator, told her story of being the first in her family to attend college \u2013 and a missed opportunity. At a welcome event for EOF freshmen, she recalled \u201ca sea of black and brown beautiful faces\u201d that \u201cgave me a sense of home.\u201d<\/p>\n

But Diaz had missed the six-week summer EOF program that would have provided support \u2013 despite the fact that she qualified. \u201cI missed the fine print. Because I didn\u2019t know. I didn\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTalk to your sister and let her know, \u2018I got you,\u2019\u201d said Diaz. \u201cWhen one sister wins, we all win.\u201d<\/p>\n

Best-selling author Tiffany Stallings \u201999 gave the young women the advice, \u201cFace<\/em> it until you make it. Ask for help.\u201d She related a fall from success and grace that had her deeply depressed and contemplating suicide. \u201cBut my circle, my network would not let me,\u201d Stallings said. \u201cThey called me every day. They prayed for me. I opened up. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stallings and Diaz emphasized the need to accept help and build community. To that end, EOF provides academic support, leadership development, financial literacy, career enrichment, intentional counseling\/advisement and need-based financial assistance. The program is available to students from underrepresented populations who meet income criteria and exhibit potential.<\/p>\n

At the conference fashion show that included business attire, \u201cready for class\u201d wear and school spirit swag, the students were invited to the runway to strut their stuff. Walking to the strains of Lizzo\u2019s \u201cJuice\u201d<\/em> and Beyonce\u2019s \u201cRun the World,\u201d the young women showed pride, confidence and communal support. When one young woman named Jarmilla returned to the runway after stumbling on her first try, the crowd erupted into deafening cheers. \u201cThey helped me get back up there. I think this conference is going to make a difference,\u201d Jarmilla said.<\/p>\n

The young women were also given a takeaway: \u201cI\u2019ve given you little gifts,\u201d said Diaz, \u201cKeys<\/strong> \u2013 you are the key that unlocks your potential, be patient and kind with yourself, you are powerful; there are rocks<\/strong> in your bag \u2013 adversity always looks huge when you face it, turn your stumbling blocks into stepping stones; once you journey through and look back they are as small as the pebbles in your bag. And the mesh bag<\/strong> \u2013 set your intention, be graceful, walk with integrity and secure the bag. In the words of Queen Bey, \u2018Okay, ladies, now let\u2019s get in formation!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Finally, Diaz said, she is reminded that \u201cmy community will see me when I can\u2019t see myself. Nothing is done alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Story by staff writer Mary Barr Mann<\/a><\/p>\n

Click on an image below to enlarge photo.<\/p>

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