The inaugural GLOW Girl LeadHERship Circle brought together young participants and community leaders for discussions on confidence, decision-making and personal growth.

EmpowerU 1st brought together girls ages 10 to 18, community leaders and professional women for its inaugural GLOW Girl LeadHERship Circle summit in October, a day of sessions, discussions and activities focused on leadership, confidence, character and wellness.

Founded by Shikita L. Hill, EmpowerU 1st aims to help girls build the confidence and character to navigate life’s challenges while recognizing the possibilities ahead of them.

Shikita, who has more than 30 years of community service, including a career in the criminal justice field, understands the importance of reaching young people early and surrounding them with positive influences, guidance and accountability. The event, themed “Preparing Today’s Girls to Become Tomorrow’s Leaders,” created a space for girls to explore their potential, ask questions, express themselves creatively and connect with women whose stories show that success can take many different paths.

“Every young girl deserves the opportunity to discover her voice, recognize her worth and envision a future filled with possibility,” Shikita says.

Throughout the day, participants attended sessions on topics ranging from social media responsibility to physical wellness and personal accountability.

Major Christie Mysinger of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office led a discussion on digital reputation, encouraging the girls to think about how their online activity could affect future educational, professional and leadership opportunities.

Detective Arroyo of the Eustis Police Department addressed accountability and decision-making, while Zee J. Merrill encouraged participants to believe in their abilities and dream beyond their current circumstances.

Other sessions included painting and creative expression with Susanne “Susie” Klingberg, confidence-building with Michelle Crossman Brown, and fitness and wellness activities led by Fleuryne “Flo” McGahee.

A panel discussion titled “Her Story, Her Strength” gave participants a chance to hear from women working in a variety of fields. Panelists included Rhonda Golden, Dr. Monique Prince, Sydne Baca, Alexis Anderson of the Eustis Fire Department and Dr. Summer B. Young of Eustis Lakeside Dental. Anderson, a firefighter and paramedic, was named the department’s 2026 Firefighter of the Year.

The panelists shared how their careers took different paths and that challenges can become opportunities to learn.

Participants also took part in group activities designed to encourage friendships and self-expression. In one exercise, the girls wrote messages of encouragement for other young women.

The event ended with a crowning ceremony symbolizing confidence, character and leadership.

“GLOW Girl LeadHERship Circle is about planting seeds,” Shikita says. “If we can help a young lady understand her worth, discover her voice, and see herself as a leader today, we can help change what she believes is possible for her tomorrow. It truly takes a village, and I am humbled to be a vessel for this vision.”

EmpowerU 1st plans to continue the initiative with monthly GLOW Girl LeadHERship Circle gatherings and another annual summit in July 2027. For Shikita, the goal is to build a sustainable circle of support that continues long after the final session ends, rather than limit the program to a single event.

For information about future gatherings, contact EmpowerU 1st at admin@empoweru1st.com or 888.611.8384.