WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — More than 200 women came together at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport for the YWCA Northcentral's third Women's Empowerment Conference.
Brittany Fischer, the YWCA's communications and development director, says the conference is designed to inspire women.
"Where they're doing workshops to help foster a sense of healing through a writing workshop, or they're learning to feel more confident in their public speaking by taking a public speaking workshop, they're just really finding ways to connect to the things that are making them incredible women, and fostering this confidence that when they leave here, they feel empowered," said Fischer.
"To be here with 200-plus women, who all bring their own stories and just be together and feel unified and a unit, and just to learn and grow and honestly helps me to actually refresh and take some deep breaths and recharge a little bit," said Bobbie Woolcock, UMPC director of operations for senior communities.
The conference provided networking opportunities, activities, and presentations about topics women face every day.
"There's something, such a warm embrace that comes from coming together with other women, especially when there's bonds to be happening, if they're like-minded already or they developed something they didn't realize they had in common, they're boding, they're connecting, and they're walking away with newfound friendships," said Fischer.
"Every woman in any career path, you start somewhere, so to build yourself up and learn to empower yourself, even if you start at the bottom and work your way up, you know we all have to learn from somewhere," said Emily Rodriguez, Woodlands Bank assistant manager.
It's Alexandra Mendez's first time attending the Women's Empowerment Conference. She says it's the perfect opportunity to meet and connect with other women.
"These days, a lot of women struggle to be there for each other and empowering women, and us getting together and doing that as a group, maybe kind of helps us be there for each other as well," said Mendez.