Strong. Smart. Bold.

Brentwood, NY (April 2019)—Students and administrators from Brentwood Union Free School District (BUFSD) recently attended the annual Girls Inc. “Year of the Girl” Breakfast” hosted by Canon USA in Melville, New York. The breakfast and panel discussions were organized to educate and motivate girls throughout the community. Brentwood’s female students heard from a number of guest panelists who shared messages of power, mental health, and leadership. Panelists informed attendees of the top most crucial issues facing women across the region, including the importance of leadership skills and opportunities for girls, mental health awareness, and the “#girlsttoo” initiative, which originated from the “#MeToo” movement.

“As a district, we strive to not only educate all of our students but empower them as well, broadening their horizons by providing a diverse array of strengthening and encouraging activities and opportunities,” said Mr. Richard Loeschner, superintendent of Brentwood Union Free School District. “This occasion served as a learning experience for our female students, while simultaneously acting as an event that emphasized their values as individuals.”

This year’s panelists were some of today’s most exemplary female leaders—Shanequa Levin, founder and CEO of the Women’s Diversity Network; Colleen Merlo, executive director of L.I. Against Domestic Violence; Nily Rozic, assemblywoman of New York’s 25th District and Sofia Pertruz, senior advisor for JED Campus and Diversity & Inclusion for the JED Foundation. Each panelist provided insight on how each female is capable of leading her own successful life, overcoming the barriers that plague today’s society and changing the world for the better.

Founded in 1864, Girls Inc. is an organization that strongly believes in the importance of females in society, working day in and day out to empower young girls everywhere. Their programming is delivered by trained professionals who focus on the development of the whole girl, aiming to support, mentor and guide them in an affirming and pro-girl environment. Girls will learn to value their whole selves, discover and develop their inherent strengths, and receive the encouragement they need to overcome the challenges they face in life.

For more information about the Brentwood Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at www.brentwood.k12.ny.us. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BrentwoodUnionFreeSchoolDistrict.