Three innovative seniors from Weber High School transformed their vision into reality, hosting the inaugural Women of the Workplace (WOW) Conference at Weber State University. This groundbreaking event welcomed over 900 seventh-grade girls from across the Weber School District, offering them a unique opportunity to learn from accomplished women across diverse career fields.
The conference featured inspiring keynote addresses by Gina Butters, Superintendent of Weber School District, and Kristi Pack, founder of Tax Pack. Both speakers emphasized the significance of making intentional decisions today to shape future opportunities.
From its inception three months ago, the WOW Conference was designed to empower young girls by broadening their understanding of career possibilities. Inspired by similar initiatives like "SheTech," the conference showcased a wide array of industries, including computer science, medicine, public service, finance, and entrepreneurship. The goal was to spark curiosity and ambition, ensuring attendees left with a clearer vision of their potential paths.
"We wanted to show these girls the diversity of opportunities available to them," one of the student organizers shared. "Many don't realize careers like drone piloting for law enforcement or becoming a pilot are options for them. This event was about expanding horizons."
The event’s success was bolstered by support from Weber School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) department, the Warrior Business Academy, and College and Career Awareness (CCA) teachers. A lineup of remarkable women, all leaders in their respective fields, shared stories of perseverance and triumph, encouraging students to dream big and take actionable steps toward their goals.
Reflecting on the experience, one attendee said, “It’s inspiring to see so many successful women in different industries. It made me think about the kind of life and career I want for myself.”
With a mix of empowering speeches, engaging activities, and insightful networking opportunities, the WOW Conference ignited a spark of possibility in the hearts of hundreds of young girls. It demonstrated the power of mentorship and how a single idea can grow into a movement that changes lives.