The halls of Walt Whitman Middle School (M.S. 246) on March 19 were transformed into a hub of leadership and self-discovery for the I Am Worthy girls empowerment seminar.
As part of a milestone partnership with Dove, the event provided middle school scholars from Flatbush with evidence-based tools to navigate societal beauty standards and social media pressures, directly aligning with the 2026 Women’s History Month theme, "Leading the Change."
While Women's History Month often honors the past, students spent the day investing in the future. The seminar addressed a sobering reality: research from the Dove Self-Esteem Project indicates that eight in 10 girls opt out of important life activities when they don’t feel confident in their appearance. By age 13, girls’ self-esteem drops significantly more than boys’, often due to the "perfection trap" of digital media.
"For a girl to shape a sustainable future, she must first believe she is worthy of leading it," said Vanessa Grenan, principal at Walt Whitman Middle School. "Today wasn't just about feeling good; it was about providing our scholars with the psychological armor they need to remain authentic and authoritative in a world that often tells them to be otherwise."
The day featured a keynote address by Lakimja Mattocks, chief people and culture officer at LEAP, who challenged the scholars to define their value on their own terms.
"Pouring into the next generation of leaders is a value of mine and aligns with my personal mission statement," said Mattocks. "Our young women are incredibly bright, and they benefit from more than just encouragement; actionable steps and living examples experienced are a guide they can use on their journey of becoming who they want to be in this world."
Attendees also participated in a series of immersive breakout sessions designed to foster "sustainable self-esteem," including:
- The Mirror Method: A transformative session where students practiced positive self-affirmation techniques to dismantle digital distortion.
- Cosmetology & Confidence: A student-led workshop on hair braiding.
- Mindful Movement: A yoga session focused on body gratitude and mental clarity.
- The Empowerment Banquet: A formal lunch where students practiced networking and social etiquette in a supportive environment.
