Shreveport Hosts Empowering Teen Summit Amid Rainy Weather
Shreveport, La. — It was a rainy day in Shreveport as clouds loomed overhead, promising a significant downpour with a 100% chance of rain and expectations of over one inch of rainfall. But the dreary weather didn’t dampen the spirits of local young teens, who gathered to take part in the highly anticipated Teen Summit organized by the Shreveport Mayor’s Women’s Commission. The summit aimed at empowering and educating young girls on essential life skills, and it turned out to be an enlightening and productive event even with the rain pattering outside.
What Was on the Agenda?
Held in the heart of the city, the summit brought together teen girls from various neighborhoods to gain knowledge on critical topics like financial literacy, sex trafficking awareness, and etiquette. It was the second iteration of this event, and the eagerness of the girls was palpable. Attendees were excited to soak up invaluable information that they could carry into their futures.
The president of the Shreveport Mayor’s Women’s Commission, Theresa Jacobs, expressed her joy at the turnout, stating, “If we get one person and provide them with that information, I’m excited about it because they take that with them; it brings me joy.” This summit aims not only to educate but also to inspire young ladies to become aware and knowledgeable young women, eager to share what they’ve learned.
Diving into Financial Literacy
A significant focus of the summit was financial literacy. Many teens tend to have a spend-first-ask-questions-later attitude when it comes to money, so the discussions led by Erica McCain, the Teen Summit chairwoman, struck a chord. She emphasized budgeting and the importance of having separate savings accounts for regular expenses and fun activities. “You want to have fun when you make money, but you don’t want that to be a part of your day-to-day spending,” McCain noted. By promoting the idea of saving and budgeting, the summit aimed to ensure that the girls left feeling prepared to make smarter financial choices as they step into adulthood.
Awareness on a Critical Issue
In addition to financial education, a heavy emphasis was placed on the alarming subject of sex trafficking, a topic that shocked many attendees. Jezya Lyles, one of the participants, reflected on her experience saying, “Shreveport is one of the top three places in Louisiana that is high in sex trafficking. I didn’t know that before I came here, and I’m glad that I learned that.” With such alarming statistics, the attendees were motivated to stay more vigilant and aware of their surroundings, which is crucial for personal safety.
Preparing for the Future
Senior high school student Niah Smith attended the summit with hopes of learning essential skills for post-graduation life. She stated, “I want to learn more about financials since I am a senior and, you know, I’m going into the real world.” Her desire to understand these pressing issues reflects a heartening trend among youths wanting to be informed and prepared for the complexities of adult life.
Looking Ahead
As the event wrapped up and the evening skies turned cloudy, marking a transition into the nighttime with a 50% chance of rain, the organizers felt hopeful for the future. The Shreveport Mayor’s Women’s Commission is already discussing plans for another Teen Summit, aiming to continue this critical mission of empowerment and education. In a world full of challenges, events like these provide young women with the tools and knowledge they need to forge their own paths.
Amidst the rain, the spirit of collaboration, empowerment, and education showered down on Shreveport, making a lasting impression that no storm could wash away.
