Extracted from Lompoc Record, March 5, 2008
Girls Conference makes a difference

By Record Staff

The Lompoc Vandenberg branch of the American Association of University Women kicked off Women’s History Month with its annual Girls Conference.

Focusing on the theme, “Know the SCORE: Success using Confidence, Opportunities, Resources, and Education,” the conference offered 40 young women – representing all the local middle schools and high schools and La Purisima Catholic school – the opportunity to learn about opportunities to enrich their education and sense of purpose.

Emcee Dulcie Sinn started the day off with an icebreaker activity which encouraged the girls to represent their strengths by creating a mascot or logo. The girls then attended three workshops where they discussed such topics as building positive relationships, using Allan Hancock’s high school enrichment program, preparing for UC acceptance, and managing their finances to help pay for college.

Keynote speaker Maricela Morales spoke to the young women about facing their fears and seeking adventures and opportunities for self-improvement. Morales ran for City Council in Port Hueneme when she was 31 years old. She recently served as mayor on a rotation system. She grew up in a home where her immigrant parents valued education. She talked about being a shy young woman until she went to Stanford University. Then she started working as a community activist and traveled to many countries.

During the pizza luncheon, member Wynn Clevenger introduced two Tech Trek campers from last year’s camp at UCSB. The girls talked about their week at Tech Trek where they lived in the dorms and took science and math enrichment classes. The branch is currently interviewing recommended seventh grade girls for Tech Trek ‘08.

During the afternoon, the girls learned to appreciate their “inner beauty” from Mary Kay consultant Laura Lee Parks and then the day ended with a session in relaxation and yoga techniques led by Sharon Blewis of White Lotus Yoga Center.

All the presenters volunteered their time to make the day a success.

Local presenters included Tonya Schultz, Karin Powers, Jaime Marks of Rabobank, Eva Zimmerman, and counselors from AHC and UCSB. Boys and Girls Club leader Crystal Almanza attended with several girls.

AAUW members donate money, food, and services to present this conference as a free event. Lompoc High School has served as the host school for the past eight years.