On Saturday, February 2nd, the Soroptimist International of Central Alberta will be hosting their eighth annual conference at Red Deer College, inside the Margaret Parsons Theatre from 10:00am-4:00 pm with a provided lunch.

Soroptimist International is an organization aimed at empowering women and girls socially and economically. Soroptimist international promotes gender equality, empowerment, education, diversity and fellowship for girls and women around the world.

The local event has two different sessions and girls aged 10-13 are encouraged to attend with their mother or guardian for a session designed for both of them together. Older girls aged 14-18 will have sessions focused on post-secondary education, goal setting, overcoming obstacles, and dealing with stress.

Topics that the conference may be addressed include social media, internet use, predator safety, self-defence, alcohol use, cannabis use, and financial literacy.

Soroptimist International of Central Alberta member, Sheri Smith: “We try to bring an informative day together for moms and girls to kind of learn about issues in society that affect girls and some of the topics we talk about also help moms. It’s a nice bonding day for them.”

All the women and girls will be able to attend a presentation by Amy Roscoe the author of Be Your Own Superhero, who is the events’ keynote speaker. The conference is centered around the theme of superheroes.

Smith says that this event is “Trying to encourage girls that, you are a superhero already and our keynote speaker is just going to be there that day to help you learn a little bit more about that, help you to capitalize on it, help you find the career you might want in the future, and how you are going to be able to achieve it.”

For more information about the event or Soroptimist International of Central Alberta check out the link here.