Last week, we participated in the South Seminole Academy’s (SSA) Girls in Government Event!
The event was hosted by the League of Women Voters Organization for their annual ‘Girls in Government’ event.
SSA is a magnet school with a focus on leadership, law and advanced studies. The students were hand-selected by their teachers to attend this event based on their strong interest in pursuing government careers.
Students engaged in conversations about women’s right to vote, asked thought provoking questions about the voting process, and had the opportunity to have conversations with guests from the League of Women Voters and SCPS School Board Members, along with Florida Representatives Anna Eskamani and Rachel Plakon.
Both speakers shared their empowering stories and information about their responsibilities as women working in the government.
Representative Eskamani, member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 42nd district discussed her upbringing as a Florida native from a culturally diverse background. She encouraged the young women by stating, “Always lead with grace, grit, but don’t forget who you are. Be yourself. Don’t try to fit in a box and be someone you’re not. That’s the strongest you that you could be. Anything is possible, if someone like me can do this, you can too!”
Representative Plakon who currently serving for the 36th district added that her challenge was having a child during her primary, but her dreams of working in government did not stop! She encourages women to never stop chasing their dreams, and to be an advocate. “Don’t put your dreams hold because tough times will not last forever. Women have inner grit. I encourage you to keep on doing the right thing, like what you see in the mirror, and believe in yourself.”
Dr. Lynnette Gonzalez, Instructional Coach and Magnet Facilitator who helped to organize and lead this event said, “I hope the students see themselves represented with the leaders here today and hope this can empower them to reach their goals and understand there is a need for women to speak out and be part of the decision-making process in this country. I hope they leave this event inspired and ready to lead!”
