High school girls pose for their friends during the conference. Photo/Nancy Chan
For the 1,300 young high school women attending the Sixth Annual Women's Health Conference, co-sponsored by UCSF's National Center of Excellence in Women's Health (COE), March 9 was a day of enlightenment, empowerment and possibilities.
"It is up to you to make the world a better place," said State Senator Jackie Speier, the event's primary sponsor, as she opened the one-day event. "It is all about you taking charge of your lives, your future and your environment. This is why we wanted to create a day just for you."
Held annually at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, the conference features workshops on health care access, empowerment, reproductive rights, nutrition, self-defense and a wide range of other youth-selected themes. This year, presenters numbered more than 30. Some 50 community resource exhibitors were also on hand.
Making the Conference Relevant
Each year, 20 members of a Youth Steering Committee, made up of a diverse group of Bay Area girls between 16 and 18, spend nine months planning and designing the conference. This year's theme: "Beyond Looks, Beyond Words: Stand Up and Stand Out!"
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| State Senator Jackie Speier and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom pause after addressing the teens. Photo/Christina Bernard |
"The young women who plan and attend this conference are inspiring," said Nancy Milliken, director of the COE and vice dean of the UCSF School of Medicine. "Every day, they confront challenges and make complex choices that can impact their lives for years to come. They have a right to set their goals as high as they want to and seek appropriate resources for their future. We want them to find out what it is that makes them sing in their heart."
Students were treated to a parade of high-profile, high-powered women throughout the day. Speakers such as performance artist Aya de Leòn, sociologist Bertice Berry and author Francine Ward engaged the audience with spirited dialogue, touching on subjects that resonated with the teens' everyday lives.
"Cute Is Fine, but Smart Is Better"
"Cute is fine, but smart is better," Berry told the audience. "It is critical to learn something new every day. Believe it or not, you don't know everything."
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| Members of the Youth Steering Committee demonstrate how "we've got your back" during a morning movement session conducted by Rachel Fleischman of Dancing Your Bliss. Photo/Nancy Chan |
Noontime emcee Jessica Aguirre, KGO-TV news anchor, introduced in succession many of San Francisco's top female civic leaders, including San Francisco Police Chief Heather Fong, Interim San Francisco Superintendent of Schools Gwen Chan, San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White and San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris.
"Pursue your dreams," said Harris. "Be the best you can be. We're counting on you to be our legacy, and we will support you along the way."
"Women Rule"
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newson, greeted in rock star fashion by the audience, recited statistics on the economy and the key role women play as purchasing decisionmakers. He also praised the women who lead the city's public safety sectors and those who lead the state politically.
The highlight of the event was the open microphone session, during which young women spoke their minds through performance, narratives and poetry. Topics ranged from gang and gun violence to drug addiction.
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| Youth Steering Committee members Fiona Cruz (left) from El Camino High School and Apple Liu from Mission High School are flanked by San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes White (left) and San Francisco Police Chief Heather Fong. Photo/Christina Bernard |
Source: Nancy Chan
