I recently had the distinct honor of delivering the keynote address at the annual state conference of 1stA1stV – 1st Amendment-1st Vote, held on April 1st and 2nd in Fairport, New York. This remarkable program is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of women in politics and government, offering a non-partisan civics opportunity for high school teens who identify as girls to actively engage in the democratic process and envision themselves in leadership roles.

The vision of 1stA1stV is powerful and clear: to close the gender gap at all levels of government leadership. Founded by Melina Carnicelli, the first and only woman mayor of Auburn, this initiative is truly her legacy-building endeavor. Witnessing her passion and commitment to empowering young women was incredibly inspiring.

I had the privilege of speaking to 167 bright and engaged high school girls who are members of 1stA1stV Clubs in high schools across the state. My keynote address centered on the theme: Confident, Competent, Courageous, and Calm YOU!

My aim was to ignite a spark within these emerging women leaders, encouraging them to begin developing these critical leadership skills right now. It’s never too early for young women to embark on the journey of living in and on a self-defined purpose. We explored the importance of cultivating self-confidence, building competence through knowledge and experience, embracing courage to step outside comfort zones, and fostering inner calm amidst pressure.

The energy and enthusiasm in the room were palpable, and I left feeling deeply optimistic about the future of women in leadership. These young women are bright, articulate, and eager to make a difference in the world.

A special thank you to Anne Messenger for capturing a truly powerful moment during the conference. Her work in documenting this important event is invaluable.

I encourage you to learn more about the exceptional civic leadership development program that 1stA1stV provides for high school girls. Visit their website at 1stA1stV.org to see how they are shaping the leaders of tomorrow. It was an honor to contribute to their mission, and I look forward to seeing the incredible impact these young women will undoubtedly make.