More than 200 Lynwood Unified School District middle school students gathered on March 28 for the third annual Girl Empowerment Summit, an inspiring conclusion to Women’s History Month that focused on leadership, self-confidence and personal growth.

The event featured empowering messages from City of Lynwood Mayor Rita Soto and Lynwood Unified Board of Education member Dr. Alma Carina Castro, who both emphasized the importance of perseverance. Psychotherapist and Lynwood High School alumna Lisa Perkins also spoke, sharing insights on mental health and self-confidence.

A student panel led by high schoolers provided attendees with an opportunity to ask candid questions about navigating academics, friendships, bullying and self-growth, fostering meaningful dialogue between younger and older students.

“To me, girl empowerment means teaching girls how to be themselves and be the best version of themselves they can be,” said Cesar Chavez Middle School seventh-grader Kayla Armstrong.