NNPS I Am Enough Girls' Empowerment Event encourages girls to be their best selves
Posted: September 29, 2025
More than 200 middle and high school students took the opportunity to be inspired and motivated as Newport News Public Schools Youth Development hosted the I Am Enough Girls' Empowerment Event on September 27 at Denbigh Community Center.
Youth Development's Bloom and Flourish empowerment programs for middle and high school girls kicked off their programming for the year at this high-energy gathering. The day's packed program included motivational messages and helpful tips during sessions that included discussions of important topics, a cheer clinic, mental health, painting, a dance clinic and lunch.
"The purpose of the event was to encourage the participants to embrace and internalize the tenets of the Bloom/Flourish creed," said Bridget Adams, director of Youth Development. "Mindset is everything. Our hope is that they left the event focused and inspired to be their best selves moving forward."
Mini-workshops designed to promote social, emotional and physical well-being included sessions addressing body image, positive identity, healthy relationships, health and wellness, and more topics emphasizing the importance of positive relationships, environments and experiences as preparation for life success, according to Adams.
Several of the sessions were led by participants in Changemakers, a new Youth Development initiative that connects local female leaders with experiential learning opportunities for students. The Changemakers who led sessions were The Honorable Angela F. Reason, Clerk of Newport News Circuit Court; Dr. Iris Goode, assistant professor of theatre at Hampton University and director of the Goode Dance Project; and Kimtrese Slaughter, CEO of Hummingbird Counseling Services for Women.
Youth Development's 6th Annual More Than A Princess Conference will take place November 7 and 8 at Woodside High School with registration starting this week.
