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9th Annual I Matter-Girls Empowerment Conference -October 7th, 2023

Girls with dreams become women with vision!

October 1, 2023

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) proudly presents the return of The I Matter-Girls Empowerment Conference. This FREE event returning to East LA College for its 9th year. Girls ages 12-18 will get the opportunity to hear from powerful women innovators, educators, trailblazers and beyond! Girls will have an opportunity to connect with their peers and speakers to feel connected, inspired, and empowered.

LA County Parks will host an array of exciting and engaging workshops, panels, and keynote speakers. Girls are invited to join and participate in all events, including a Girl Power Lunch Party and Resource Fair! We have a variety of experiences and workshops, including:

  • Love is Respect - a safe space where we will encourage discussions about positive and healthy relationships. This workshop will include discussions about dating, negative peer pressure, bullying, harassment, rumors, slurs, and teen pregnancy etc.
  •  Full STEAM Ahead - this hands-on workshop will be led by industry-leading professionals that will introduce you to      Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and mathematics-related career paths.
  •  Girls Glow – this workshop will have discussions regarding self-care, body image, personal hygiene, puberty, and other changes related to growing up as a powerful young lady.
  •  Be You Vision Board Party  – with an emphasis on mindfulness and self-care, this art-focused workshop will emphasize the importance of self-care and resilience. These art-based activities will take you on a journey of taking care or your mind, body, and soul.
  •  My Community My Trauma – learn about Adverse Community Experiences and how trauma can be a barrier to your healing, well-being, and progress.
  •  Youth Media Literacy – look for hidden messages and learn how to deconstruct advertising and media marketing strategies, especially substance use-related ones.



 LA County Parks is excited to bring back the Girl Power Lunch Party Experience complete with a Resource Fair hosted by over 25 government and community-based organizations. Spend time networking, connecting with peers and enjoying art-based activities, all while enjoying lunch, music, and a dance party! You don’t want to miss this!

Registration is free and required. Space is limited, so register today!

Transportation will only be provided at select sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Please regularly check our Girls Empowerment Website for more details regarding transportation at parks.lacounty.gov/gec.

*Parents and guardians are welcome to join with their children, but parents, guardians, and adult chaperones will have limited access to the workshops and other experiences at 2023 GEC. All workshops, experiences, resources, and event space/seating will be reserved for registered GEC youth participants. We will have free parking in Parking Structure.


LA County Parks
I Matter-Girls Empowerment Conference
Saturday, October 7, 2023