VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Figuring out what you want to do in life can be a frustrating process, but one organization is making sure young women in the region find some inspiration.
An inaugural young women's empowerment event brought hundreds of young women together to explore career paths and connect with business professionals in Hampton Roads.
The event, hosted by the nonprofit organization Junior Achievement, connected 200 students with business professionals. It also gave them resources and tips on how to access non-traditional careers.
The empowerment program aims to inspire young women to go after the careers they want, despite gender disparities.
Careers in architecture, engineering, finance, computer science, the trades and more were highlighted at the event. Students had the opportunity to network with women in these fields.
Panel discussions, mentor activities, and a presentation by Dominion Energy's Cherise M. Newsome were featured at the event.
Junior Achievement's purpose is to "inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy," so they work to help kids pair what they learn in school with experience outside the classroom. The program's core content areas include work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
There are more than 100 local JA Areas across the country. According to the program website, JA of Greater Hampton Roads reaches approximately 7,855 students per year.
The organization is always looking for volunteers. If you have an interest in helping young people find and prepare themselves for success, you can visit the Junior Achievement's website.
There are both in-person and virtual opportunities to get involved as a volunteer.