Hundreds of students attend More Than a Princess girls' empowerment conference
Posted: November 18, 2025
Students from all levels of Newport News Public Schools participated in the 6th annual More Than A Princess Girls' Empowerment Conference on November 7 and 8 at Woodside High School. NNPS Youth Development organized and hosted the event, which was themed "Own Your Crown" this year.
Friday night's Empowerment Rally kick-off welcomed 1,000 NNPS students in grades three through twelve for a high energy experience complete with music, dancing and lots of fun. The event, which was open to students from all 40 schools, featured a female DJ and a high school all-female drumline.
Saturday's full day conference included nearly 20 empowerment workshops on positive self-image, relationships, social media and mental health. For the first time in the conference's history, fifth graders participated in the empowerment workshops and middle school students led workshops for their rising peers.
In addition to the workshops, students enjoyed fun interactive activities. Keynote presenter Dr. Jennell Riddick of Walk In It, Inc., conference sponsor BayPort Credit Union and volunteers who supported the event made the two-day event extra special.
