On the picturesque campus of Western New England University in Springfield, MA, Girls Inc. hosted its first-ever TeenCon. Conceptualized by Girls Inc. executives of the Northeast region, TeenCon brought together Girls Inc. participants from across the region for a two-and-a-half-day immersive overnight experience giving Girls Inc. participants a taste of college life and access to industry leaders to learn about various career paths. Lessons included navigating the financial aid process, choosing a major, and writing college admissions essays. Participants also had robust opportunities to network and spend quality time with young women from affiliates outside of their own. 

Girls Inc. participant, Madeline of Girls Inc. of Greater Capital Region and Dreshta of Girls Inc. Long Island, shared their experiences below:

“Going into TeenCon, I had my mind set on a career in Computer Science and Cybersecurity. Although I am very interested in code and everything computers, TeenCon opened my mind to new possibilities. Going into TeenCon, I never looked into construction jobs and what it entails working for places like Plug Power, National Grid, or even electrical companies. I sat in a meeting I originally never planned on attending and saw people like me doing the things they loved. I learned how lucrative employment in the trades can be and how a computer nerd like me can go into the electrical branch. These strong women showed me how in even the toughest jobs, we women could be the best of the best! By the time I left TeenCon, I felt like I could rule the world and had a new family to rule with me. I met amazing people who shared the same interests; it was like we clicked. I have never experienced anything like TeenCon before, and I hope more people can experience the same things I did.”
-Madeline, Girls Inc. of Greater Capital Region

“I had always believed that to secure success, I had to work hard in school, get into a good college, and go on from there. TeenCon opened our eyes and showed us that there are different paths to success. I was especially interested in the panelists of women from various fields and backgrounds. These panels demonstrated the infinite amount of paths young girls can take on their journey to finding success. I also enjoyed meeting amazing women, such as Mukami Kinoti Kimotho, a CEO of a gaming company focused on empowerment, Girls Inc. alumnae, female entrepreneurs, admissions counselors from a couple of colleges, and so many more women. It was such a fantastic experience. I hope to see this event come back next year!”
-Dreshta, Girls Inc. of Long Island City.

TeenCon 2023 will take place this summer in Albany, New York with plans to expand its reach to additional Girls Inc. participants and affiliates.

A special Girls Inc. thank you to lead sponsor Cox Enterprises, as well as Lockheed Martin, and Bimbo Bakeries.