City of Bloomington Safe and Civil City Program to Host Inaugural Young Women’s Leadership Summit

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington Safe and Civil City Program (SCCP) invites middle school- and high school-aged girls to attend a one-day Young Women’s Leadership Summit on Thursday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall (401 N. Morton St.).  “Celebrating Black Girl Magic” is the theme of the inaugural summit, which will feature three workshops led by professionals from the fields of higher education, creative writing/podcasting, and counseling/psychology: Social & Body Image, Belonging & Imposter Syndrome, and Melanin & Mental Health. Although focused on African American and Latina girls, the summit is open to young women of all races and backgrounds.

Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) will excuse registered middle school and high school attendees from classes during the hours of the summit and will provide transportation. Registration for the free event is available here, where registrants may also find permission forms.  Complimentary breakfast, snacks, and lunch will be offered during the event. The registration deadline is November 10. 

Workshop leaders include Ellise Smith, a Ph.D. student in Urban Education Studies at Indiana University and creator of Fatness Fiction and Plus Size Magic Radio;  Nichelle Whitney, Senior Assistant Director for the IU Office of Admissions; and Dr. Denise Hayes, IU Counseling and Psychological Services Director.

The Young Women’s Leadership Summit is dedicated to championing fairness and empowering, enhancing, and nurturing children and youth through community engagement. More broadly, the goals of the summit are to strengthen community ties among individuals working in education reform, civil and human rights, youth development, and related fields.  The summit also seeks to support girls of color by coordinating and delivering resources and information specifically addressing the needs and concerns of this traditionally underrepresented group.  

“We’re looking forward to holding this space for young women of color in our community to connect with one another and exchange ideas and feelings about issues especially relevant to them,” said City of Bloomington Safe and Civil City Director Shatoyia Moss. “It will also be an opportunity to connect with resources in the City, at IU, and across the community that will nurture and support this next generation of leaders.”