More than 100 young girls listened to words of empowerment yesterday from three of Galesburg’s leaders.
“Be a person of value.”
That was the message of Alisha Hodge, who works with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. She focused on professionalism, self worth and the importance of being a leader.
“To be a leader and to be a lady means you are valuable beyond measure,” Hodge said. “Be a person of value.”
Galesburg Police Sgt. Stephanie Cromien told the sixth through 12th graders they are responsible for their own safety, something that is sometimes as simple as saying no to peer pressure.
“There are time where I feel like I have to go along with some of my friends, and I really don’t want to,” she said. “It takes a lot of inner strength to say ‘no.'”
Also speaking was Knox County Health Department Director of Wellness Erin Olson. She spoke on social media etiquette, body image and healthy living. Her advice for what is appropriate to post online:
“If you do not want your parents to see it, you should not be putting it on the social media,” Olson said.
Young Women’s Empowerment Day was hosted by the Knox County YMCA along with the Carl Sandburg College Women of Character.
