Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the remarkable women in our lives. Nearly 50 Fremd students kicked off International Women’s Day at the first ever Fremd Girl’s Summit on March 7, acknowledging women’s social, economic, political, and cultural achievements throughout history.
The summit, hosted by dean Jennifer Wrzala and assistant principal Michael Smith, included events ranging from guest speakers, self-defense classes, creative workshops, Q&A from a panel of women leaders, and a yoga class.
During the course of the day, women from the community came together and covered topics like sexual assault and abuse to raise awareness and provide information about these critical issues.
Wrzala thinks these events that empower young women are priceless.
“It makes you feel like you are not alone in this stage of life,” Wrzala said. “It provides good examples for ways to feel empowered. You do have some control over your decisions and experiences like this are what builds that confidence and independence.”
Wrzala even received positive feedback from not only those who participated but also from their parents, who acknowledged the event’s positive influence through Instagram.
For many participants, the summit allowed them to meet other students and women with both similar and diverse backgrounds. It invited them to remember they are irreplaceable, acknowledge how resilient they are, determine the legacy they want to leave behind and celebrate their beauty inside and out.
Students listened to the voices of resilient and empowering young women who managed to bounce back after any challenge. The goal is to ignite sparks that cultivate the power of diverse women and to call on girls to seize opportunities.
Wrzala emphasizes the importance of collaboration in advancing opportunities for young women.
“A lot of the women who sat on the panel were self-made,” Wrzala said. “They started with their education, then they grew into something big. Some are business owners and that was a passion they had that they channeled onto the students.”
Wrzala shared how she invited passionate teachers in the building and reached out to individuals in the community who could come in and deliver presentations.
Jan Wood, a member of a martial arts company in Palatine, ran the self-defense portion of the day. Many students engaged with Wood’s lesson and left the building feeling more confident and powerful.
“I wanted girls to leave feeling empowered and that their presence and who they are is important and I do feel like people walked away feeling that way,” Wrzala said. “It exposes them to possibilities that do exist.”
William Fremd Girl’s Summit will become an annual event in order to create a ripple effect within the school and community. There has been positive feedback from students who attended the summit.
“We had at least five students reach out who want to help plan next year’s so we’re starting really well.” Wrzala said. “I’m excited for this to become a tradition and see where we can take it next year.”
