December 2024
By Alexander Martinez, Staff Reporter
As I entered my junior year of high school one thing was evident there was more diversity in the clubs that the school now offered. Though many sparked an interest, one especially stuck out to me and that was Girls Empowerment Club. I wanted to learn more about the club’s: origin, achievements, goals, structure, and environment. I Asked my friends Edith Lazaro, Jasmin Del Rio and the club’s sponsor Ms. Massey some questions to answer my questions about the club.
The Clubs Origin
The club was officially brought to life last school year with the purpose to generate a safe and supportive space. This was also to serve both the communities’ need for a place where girls could share experiences and build confidence and leadership skills within themselves.
The Club’s Achievements
The club has garnered many wonderful and inspiring achievements.
Jasmin shared that to her the club’s greatest achievement was the overwhelming amount of money they were able to collect during First Friday. Edith commented “We were surprised that we made the most sales from all the groups in that gym.” Ms. Massey also noted that other than fundraising success the club has also seen its success through workshops that help girls better their self-esteem and mental health. With an addition of learning how to become strong leaders.
The Clubs Goals
The goals of every member can sometimes be different for a club but in Girls Empowerment the Main goal is to empower girls on campus. In Jasmin’s own words she shared that “One of our goals is to do more projects for the school”. Edith also expressed the goal of their projects was to educate girls on topics that were not really shared to her or her classmates early on in their high school career. Ms. Massey further supported these statements with her words “The main goals of the Girls Empowerment Club are to empower young women by promoting self-confidence, leadership, and community engagement.”
Current Leaders of The Club
President: Johanna Morales (Senior)
Vice President: Edith Lazaro (Senior)
Treasurer: Emine Trejo (Junior)
Secretary: Jasmin Del Rio (Junior)
Though these are typically roles that many would attribute to most of the clubs success Ms. Massey pointed out the importance of other leaders that the club possessed students like Jacqueline Cruz, Jimena Felix, Keyla Alvarez, Raquel Del Rio, Evelyn Benitez Diaz, and Kimberly. She went on to state “They are dedicated to helping others, creating a welcoming space, and making meaningful contributions to the school community. As individuals, they are supportive, motivated, and strong advocates for their peers.”
Environment of A Girls Empowerment Meeting
Ms. Massey describes the meeting of the club as a space filled with positivity, inclusivity, and empowerment. Jasmin and Edith both came to an agreement which was that the meeting served as a time where the members could encourage one another. As well as mentioning that every member that is currently in the club though being many every one genuinely likes to be around and engage with one another. Ms. Massey also included the point that each meeting has served to Forster mutual respect and collaboration within the community that is the club.
Though I am clearly not a part of the club nor will I ever know the experience many of my female peers go through, one thing is certain. I have seen the amount of friendships and community that this club has built first hand. I see many of the members eating lunch together in the hallways. the waves they give each other during the passing period. One hope I have is that current and future young women on campus can be a part of The Girls Empowerment Club. So that no young girl can feel like they are isolated or alone and that we foster a future in which women can truly accomplish what their heart most deeply desires.
The Cardinal Post 