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A group of people poses around a table with a pink tablecloth in a brightly lit gym. They are smiling and appear to be at an event.
Brentwood’s ‘EmpowerHer’ Summit Inspires Next Generation of Leaders

The Brentwood Union Free School District recently hosted its annual “EmpowerHer” event in partnership with Girls Inc. and Girls United, bringing together middle and high school students for a day centered on leadership, sisterhood, and professional growth.

Superintendent Wanda Ortiz-Rivera specifically credited the Board of Education and Board President Eileen Felix for their long-standing support of initiatives for young women, alongside the Office of Funded Programs and Coordinator Vincent Todisco, Dr. Stephanie Weeks, Assistant Principal of North Middle School, Kenia Nunez, Community Partner and all the staff who donated their time to make the event a tremendous success.

“What was especially meaningful was witnessing the sense of sisterhood that continues to grow among the girls in these programs,” Ortiz-Rivera said. “I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Board of Education for their continued support, and especially to Board President Eileen Felix, who has long believed in the importance of creating opportunities like this for our young women.”

The gathering provided students with professional mentorship and workshops aimed at strengthening their belief in what is possible.

Among the featured speakers was Mistress of Ceremonies Dailisha Eve Rodriguez, the executive director of the Hey There Beautiful Foundation and a national motivational speaker. Keynote speaker Minué Yoshida, CEO of Yoshida Academy, shared insights from her career as a multicultural entrepreneur and author. The students also engaged with professionals like Dr. Mica Rencher, the Dean of Benjamin Franklin College at Yale University, who discussed her journey through academia and entrepreneurship.

Beyond the professional workshops, the event emphasized a growing sense of community among students. The day concluded with students and administrators sharing moments of connection, reinforcing the district’s message that Brentwood’s young women have the support and tools necessary to achieve any goal they set their minds to.
 

A group of people, some wearing red shirts, are gathered and interacting with each other in what appears to be a school or community setting.
The image shows a group of women on a stage, with one woman in a pink hat and coat speaking into a microphone, while two other women in black outfits are seated next to her, smiling and engaged in conversation. The background includes a green screen, suggesting this is a television or media production setting.
A group of people, both men and women, are seated in front of a backdrop with red and white balloons, posing for a photograph in what appears to be a school or community setting.
Two young women in casual clothing are engaged in conversation, with one gesturing animatedly while the other listens intently. In the background, a crowd of people can be seen, suggesting this is taking place at some kind of event or gathering.
A group of people, some wearing red shirts, are gathered around a table in a classroom setting with a scoreboard and artwork on the walls.
A large group of people, mostly women, are seated in a gymnasium-like setting, with a stage and chairs in the foreground.
A group of people wearing red shirts are standing together in a school hallway with a chalkboard visible in the background.