The day was inspired by Project Exploration's Sisters4Science group when they told us: "It is important for all girls to know about themselves.  It is important to learn from experts.  A lot of girls don't have support for their concerns or a chance to learn."

The tone of the day was set by a riveting keynote by Chicago jazz musician and performer Maggie Brown. Each girl then attended three workshops on topics ranging from sexuality to self-defense presented by About Face Youth Theater, Thousand Waves Self Defense and Martial Arts, Planned Parenthood, Chicago Women's Health Center, and Young Women's Action Team from Friends of Battered Women and Their Children.  The workshops were designed to create safe space for girls to have meaningful conversations about their lives, and receive accurate medical information about how to stay physically and mentally healthy. One presenter commented that she felt, "a sense a pride and satisfaction that [she had] informed and equipped [the girls] with valuable information about their bodies."

Maggie Brown delivers keynote performance. Photo: E. Vecchione © Project Exploration

The much anticipated "Women in Science Luncheon" offered participants an opportunity to have an intimate lunch and conversation with a woman scientist. The twenty-five female science professionals included biologists, chemists, engineers, and zoologists who shared their passions and careers as scientists, professionals, mothers, daughters, and sisters.  Ginny Too, a statistician and consultant with The Cambridge Group commented, "The girls had never heard of my job—it was great to share with them!" The girls' conference culminated in a series of short plays written and performed by the girls under the skillful facilitation of About Face Youth Theater.

Top Row, left to right: Rita Culp, Catherine Lowry, Deb Schmidt, Me’lani Joseph, Karen Mulfort, Dr. Claude Lacasse, Quana Green, Wendy Cerny, Christine Lipkin, Juanita Sharpe, Sara Salahi, Ellen Worsdall Second Row, left to right: Nina Nola, Laurie Walter, Karen Hannah Third Row: Kimberly Werner, Sue Marguiles, Alia Black, Marsha Dowd Kneeling, front row, left to right: Laurie Parker, Roberta Lai, Anjali Goswami, Laurie Dominijanni, Ginny Too (Not pictured: Amy Luke) Photo: E. Vecchione © Project Exploration

In addition to the sessions designed for girls, Girls' Health and Science Day also provided a professional development track for adults who work with girls. Jobi Peterson, the executive director from the Illinois Caucus on Adolescent Health provided some context for thinking about girls' lives with a snapshot of what is happening with girls in Illinois, and then led a discussion about ways to effectively support girls as they work through difficult decisions, and offered resources for teaching sexuality education.

The adult track included a panel of two girls who shared their recommendations about how adults could support girls' lives.  According to one teacher the day provided her with the opportunity "to learn what other schools are dealing with around sexuality education." According to end-of-day evaluations, Girls' Health and Science Day transformed the way girls think about themselves and their bodies. An 8th grader captured a sentiment shared by many girls when she told us in her evaluation that she'd learned "I am worth defending" We look forward to using thoughtful suggestions from girls, teachers and scientists to create as we plan next year's event.

About Face Youth Theater facilitates a workshop Photo: E.Vecchione © Project Exploration

Special thanks to the Girls' Health and Science Day sponsor—The Chicago Foundation for Women, and to conference host and partner—The Lincoln Park Zoo.  This event would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of educators and girls from Young Women's Leadership Charter School, Triumphant Charter School , Amundsen High School, Telpochcalli High School, and Perspectives Charter School.  Thanks also to the generous women scientists and conference facilitators who created this day.

Girls' Health and Science Day participants with women scientists
Photo: E.Vecchione © Project Exploration