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Close to 300 Girls from Across the County Convened to Connect and Share Experiences
The Westchester County Youth Bureau, in partnership with local non-profit and private organizations, hosted its annual International Day of The Girl (IDG) Conference at Manhattanville University’s Reid Castle. Established in 2019, it is a day to inspire and empower girls from across the County with a program of interactive experiences. The Westchester County IDG Conference is inspired by the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl Child, which was established on October 11, 2012, to highlight and uplift girls throughout the world.
The conference opened with remarks by YWCA White Plains and Central Westchester Chief Executive Officer, Tiffany S.W. Hamilton and President of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) Westchester Chapter, Marcia Brewster. The attendees then moved on to a panel discussion on “Pathways to Success,” a workshop called “Making Your Mark,” musical performances by the all-women’s jazz band Sage, resource tables and a photo booth to capture the day.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Every girl deserves the freedom to dream boldly, find her voice and shape her own future. This year’s international theme focuses on girl’s rights and is a call to allow girls to reach their potential in their own time. It is up to us, as adults, to protect their freedoms and to support their leadership, agency and rights. Our annual IDG conference reflects Westchester’s commitment to building a future where every girl is seen, heard and supported.”
Westchester Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald said: “Under County Executive Ken Jenkins’ leadership, Westchester County is proving once again to be at the forefront of preparing our youth for the future. We are proud to continue to host the Annual International Day of the Girl Conference. It is an important day for girls to come together to share ideas and develop and strengthen their friendships with their peers. I was honored to be part of today’s event and hopeful for our future leaders who attended today’s conference.”
Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden said: “The conference is more than an annual gathering—it is a catalyst for a movement. Inspired by the United Nations’ call to action, we are committed to creating a future where every girl and young woman has the confidence, opportunity and support to shape the world around her. Each year, we bring together hundreds of girls, educators, mentors and community leaders from Westchester County and beyond to amplify their voices, ignite their potential, and equip them to lead with purpose. Our objective is to empower girl and young woman to lead and create meaningful change in their communities and the world.”
Hamilton said: “Our responsibility is not simply to tell girls they can lead, but to create the spaces, access and opportunities that allow them to discover how they are uniquely called to lead. When girls recognize the value of their own voice and know they do not have to navigate their journey alone, they begin to see that they already have the capacity to shape what comes next.”
New Rochelle High School Senior Jaslene "Jazzy" Chambers said: “Girls Day helped me reflect on myself, feel connected to others, and leave feeling inspired to be my best self.”
Participating Westchester County School Districts included:
Barack Obama High School
Briarcliff High School
Byram Hills High School
Croton-Harmon High School
Horace Greeley High School
MLK Junior High School
Mount Pleasant Cottage School
New Rochelle High School
Ossining High School
Peekskill High School
Pelham Memorial High School
Pleasantville High School
Rye Neck High School
Sleepy Hollow High School
Southern Westchester BOCES
Walter Panas High School
White Plains High School
