Baldwin Middle School student Lily Baumgardner contemplated career pathways, she found the options daunting. This inspired her to create an uplifting Women’s History Month event for her peers that highlighted successful women.

“I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to do once I left high school. I felt like there was such a vast unknown about the careers, like there were so many options but none that seemed obtainable. That got me thinking there are probably a lot of other girls that feel this way—especially in such a male dominated world, it can be scary. That series of ideas then began to form the Women's Empowerment Event.”

In collaboration with LIGHT Education Initiative, Baumgardner curated a star-studded event, featuring women who have pursued and attained fulfilling careers, including:

  • Jen Shapler, attorney
  • Amy Snyder, attorney
  • Natalie Gentile, family practice physician
  • Katie Stewart, psychologist
  • Amber Kolesar, nurse and college professor
  • Amy Baumgardner, podcaster, mental health advocate
  • Heather Abraham, newscaster
  • Kelly Dzanaj, radio broadcaster/newscaster

Over 100 young women from Baldwin Middle School and Baldwin High School signed up for the event. The evening was well received by attendees, who noted that it was both informational and inspirational. Keely Duzyk, eighth grade, recalled, " I loved how all of the women were mothers as well, showing that women can have careers that are successful and also have children." Emmelia Gabel, eighth grade, said, "it really made me feel amazing and just uplifted me as a person." Overall, I think the event was received very well with the girls at Baldwin Middle/High School.