Young women in the community learning to be the leaders of the future

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) --The Young Women's Leadership Conference brought together moms and daughters from throughout El Paso. The conference inspiring them to get a head-start in thinking about their future.

It was a day filled with female empowerment, connecting young women, and teaching girls about how to be leaders.

"I've learned about women in action," said Lily Lerma, a participant in the conference.

"I want to major in business economics," said Regina Nunez, a participant in the conference.

"In aerospace engineering," said Lerma.

"My daughter is in sixth grade and she's already learning about the S.A.T," said Johanna Gallardo, a parent whose daughter is participating in the conference.

“Girls making a difference” is the theme for the leadership convention. The workshop focuses on supporting girls with dreams and preparing them to become women with a vision.

"We've seen a lot of the parents and children really building bonds and getting closer together and then working closely together towards their goals of promoting leadership and promoting their college and career readiness," said Alicia Rascon, Development Manager at Young Women's Preparatory Network.

"My daughter loves it here. She is already talking about different colleges that she wants to apply at. She's already looking into what things she needs to do to get into those colleges that she chose. So I just think it's really great because she's already having that thought process of college and it's not an option for her. It's kind of like I'm going to college," said Gallardo.

Participants in the young women’s leadership academy receive sessions on leadership, civic engagement, volunteerism, advocacy, wellness, career exploration, and college preparation.

"I think it would really help in the future," said Lerma.

"I just really recommend this course to any young lady because this is just an amazing program," said Gallardo.

"So when they are getting into colleges or high school they know what to do actually. So they're not just what to do with dealing with," said Lerma. "You get to learn a lot of new things and make new friends."

These emerging leaders will leave with the experience inspired to create positive change in their schools and communities.