Governors State Hosts America's Big Sisters Conference
More than 300 giggly girls and teens from across Chicagoland gathered at Governors State University (GSU) on Friday for a powerful “All Girls Matter” conference led by Tragil Wade-Johnson, sister of basketball superstar Dwyane Wade. The founder of America’s Big Sisters Foundation, Wade-Johnson created the girls empowerment conference for 9 to 17 year olds who struggle with self-esteem and mental health challenges.
The daylong conference included warm welcome addresses from GSU President Dr. Cheryl Green, Wade-Johnson and others. Participants were treated to a nutritious lunch, as well as panel discussions on hygiene, education and mental health.
After calling out highly successful African American women—Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, and former First Lady Michelle Obama—Dr. Green offered participants a few tips to achieve their goals.
“Continue to work hard in school …. Make healthy decisions … Take care of your heart and emotions because they are connected to your mental health …Finally, never ever give up on your dream and always believe in yourself.”