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Walker’s Students Advocate for Change at National Leadership Summit

Four students and two alumnae from Walker’s C.H.A.N.G.E. (Connecting, Helping, and Nurturing Girls Everywhere) Club were among hundreds of young leaders from around the country to participate in the 5th annual Girl Up Leadership Summit, held July 11-13 in Washington, DC.

India Awe ’18, Emma Crate ’19, Holly Paul ’18, Eshita Rahman ’17, Lian Nicholson ’16 and Nell Shea ’16 spent three days participating in leadership training and workshops, hearing from influential speakers including Treasurer of the U.S. Rosie Rios and UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kate Gilmore, and speaking with congressional representatives about the Girl Up campaign. The students had the opportunity to meet with Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes where they voiced their support of the Education for All Act and the Refugee Education Act.

“Overall, the summit educated me not only about issues that affect women close to home, but also across the globe,” said Holly Paul ’18. “I was inspired by the passion of the speakers and political officials and their dedication to making a change.”

Girl Up is the United Nations Foundation’s adolescent girl campaign, dedicated to empowering girls everywhere to take action and advocate for change. The Girl Up Leadership Summit strives to empower, educate and embolden the potential of every girl there (girlup.org).