PCULempowHER Girls Summit Gives Young Women Room to Grow

On June 26, the Pinellas County Urban League welcomed middle and high school girls to St. Petersburg College’s Downtown Center for the PCULempowHER Girls Summit. The day was created to give young women a space where their goals, questions, ideas and futures could be taken seriously while connecting them with leaders who understand the value of investing in the next generation. 

When the girls arrived, enjoyed breakfast and stepped into a space filled with community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators and professionals ready to pour into them, share their experiences, and encourage them to see new possibilities for their futures. They spent the day hearing from women in leadership, exploring new opportunities, learning practical life skills and building connections with one another. 

PCUL President and CEO Nikki Gaskin-Capehart moderated the PowHER Panel, kicking off the conference with Deneen Wyman with the City of St. Petersburg, Dean Belinthia Berry with St. Petersburg College and Kathleen Young-Parker with Pinellas County Schools who shared their experiences with the girls and spoke honestly about the work it takes to grow, lead and keep growing through challenges. The girls heard from women who have stepped into leadership in different ways and continue to create opportunities for others through the work they do. They were reminded that there is no one way to be successful and that their future can take shape through education, courage, service, hard work and believing in themselves even when they are still figuring things out. 

After the panel, the summit shifted into workshops that gave participants the chance to learn, move through campus, and explore topics that connect directly to their lives. 

The SPC campus tour gave the girls an opportunity to see themselves in a college setting while learning more about the possibilities available to them after high school. Along the way, Money Moves was hosted by Delrick Baker with Suncoast Credit Union, sharing financial insight and encouraging the girls to begin thinking about their money, goals and future decisions now. The conversation helped connect financial confidence with the choices they will make as they continue growing into young adults. 

Social Savvy gave the girls a chance to think more deeply about how they present themselves, both online and in person. Jamie McClendon, CEO of Facetime Beauty Lounge, led a presentation centered on confidence and personal presentation, while Lynn Johnson, CEO of Community Tech House, guided a branding and technology conversation that encouraged the girls to think about their digital presence with intention. It was a chance to talk about the power of their image, their voice and the way they choose to show up in the world.

The girls also participated in “The Zen Zone”, led by Latrecia Ali, gave the girls a quieter moment in the day to pause, breathe and focus on themselves. Through a guided Zen practice, participants were encouraged to slow down, center their thoughts and recognize that taking care of their well-being matters just as much as preparing for what comes next.

They ended the day on a high note with some unexpected line dancing, a fun moment that showed just how quickly the girls had connected and the energy that carried through the summit. 

Pinellas County Urban League would like to thank St. Petersburg College, Suncoast Credit Union, Deneen Wyman, Dean Belinthia Berry, Kathleen Young-Parker, Jamie McClendon, Lynn Johnson, Latrecia Ali, Delrick Baker and everyone who helped make the 2026 PCULempowHER Girls Summit possible. Thank you for believing in the development of these young ladies and continuing to show up for their growth, confidence, and future.