On March 30, 2012 the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford hosted the 1st Annual SMART Girls, Girls Unite Leadership Summit. The Club hosted over 80 young ladies representing the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stamford, Greenwich, Ridgefield, Shelton, New Haven & Redding. The evening started with a sit down dinner catered by Southport Brewing Company. Keynote speakers, Special Agent in Charge (FBI), Kimberly Mertz, and Life Coach & Pastor, Rolita James of P.A.S.S.I.O.N. captivated the girls’ attention, as they spoke about the damage that bullying can cause, the importance of perseverance, as well as standing up for what you believe .
The Summit offered five workshops. The Jewelry Making session gave the girls an opportunity to express themselves in a positive and creative way. During the Beauty Salon session the girls made” I love myself’ stars and had their nails painted. The Hip Hop Dance session shared the importance of fitness and the beauty of dance. The Pilates session brought a new perspective to exercise. It also demonstrated the benefits the art of Pilates brings to the mind, body and soul. The Cooking Class made reinforced how critical it is to maintain healthy habits and good nutrition. The girls learned to prepare healthy desserts.
The 1st Annual Girls, Girls Unite Leadership Summit would not have been possible without the support of the Stamford community and the Connecticut Association of Boys & Girls Club Professionals.
