The Girls Empowerment Mentorship (GEM) hosted the fifth annual Lancaster Teenage Girls Empowerment Summit at Millersville University. The event welcomed seventh-grade students from Jackson Middle School, emphasizing the district’s commitment to nurturing the growth and development of its young female students.
With the goal of equipping young girls with the tools to navigate the complexities of life, the summit focused on various aspects including conflict resolution, understanding healthy relationships, and managing emotions. Speakers emphasized the importance of fostering meaningful connections and building resilience to navigate challenges effectively.
“This summit is about setting our girls up for success,” expressed Vondol Hammond, founder of GEMs. “We want them to understand how to navigate the different aspects of their lives with mindful hearts, empowering them to become leaders not just in school but in their communities.” Organizers were thrilled to welcome the enthusiastic participation of Jackson Middle School students, emphasizing the importance of setting these young girls on a trajectory toward success and leadership.
The event marked the fifth consecutive year of the GEM Summit at Millersville University, resuming after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on fostering healthy relationships, conflict resolution strategies, and emotional intelligence, the GEM Summit aimed to equip young girls with the skills necessary to become leaders not only in their school but also in their communities and beyond.
“We’re here today to help girls navigate the various challenges they encounter in their lives,” stated one of the summit organizers. “Our goal is to instill in them the confidence and resilience they need to overcome obstacles and build healthy relationships.”
The theme “Empowering Her, Navigating with Mindful Hearts” encapsulated the essence of the summit, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and resilience in navigating life’s complexities. Through interactive workshops and discussions, attendees delved into topics such as conflict resolution, identifying healthy relationships, and managing challenging emotions.
Jazira Aviles, a former participant in the GEM Summit who is now in high school, reflected on the impact of the program on her personal growth. “Attending the summit in seventh grade was a transformative experience for me,” she shared. “It taught me to approach situations with empathy and understanding, rather than acting impulsively. The lessons I learned continue to shape my perspective and decision-making, both in school and in life.” Aviles also highlighted the importance of programs like GEM in empowering girls, particularly in urban areas where social dynamics can be challenging. “This event is crucial for developing girls’ confidence and fostering a sense of unity,” she emphasized. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back by mentoring other girls at Jackson Middle School and continuing the cycle of empowerment.”
As the summit concluded, organizers expressed their gratitude to Millersville University, School District of Lancaster, High Foundation, Bright Side Opportunities Center, Lancaster County Community Foundation and Cargas for their support in making the event possible. With the success of this year’s summit serving as a testament to its impact, the School District of Lancaster remains committed to empowering girls and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of life. GEM—which stands for Girls Empowerment Mentoring’s mission is to get middle school girls talking about healthy relationships, confidence, and where they want to go in life. Hammond has a long history organizing girls empowerment programming. She began Naomi’s Girls Ministry at Ebenezer Baptist Church, which aimed equip and empowering girls ages 13-19 to confront and overcome obstacles facing their generation. In 2016, she founded the Lancaster Teenage Girls Empowerment Summit.
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