All around the world, girls grow up hearing what they can’t do, what they should wait for, or who they should become. But something different happened. The EmpowerHer Summit, hosted by Lemonade with Ice, took place in Houston, bringing together young girls to focus on preparing for their futures. The summit aimed to provide girls, especially those from underserved communities, with practical tools, support and inspiration to succeed in their education and careers they want to pursue.
The event featured workshops, career panels and networking sessions, allowing girls to connect with women who shared their experiences and provided guidance on how to achieve their goals.
A Day of Learning and Connection
The summit was designed to give the audience a chance to learn and hear directly from professionals in different fields. The day included interactive discussions and opportunities to meet women working in STEM, business, law and other industries. These sessions helped the girls gain insight into the paths they could take and the challenges they might face along the way.
Meet the Speakers
A key part of the summit was hearing from a variety of leaders who spoke about their careers and personal experiences.
- Dr. Pamela Holland Obiomon: Dean & Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Prairie View A&M University
- Tania Daniel: VP, Entrepreneurship Initiatives at Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas
- Dr. Chaitra Arakere: Cosmetic Dentistry Practitioner & Captain, Texas Air National Guard
- Dr. Charisma D. Edwards: Account Technology Strategist at Microsoft
- Kim Bond Evans: CEO & President of Seremedi Inc.
- Anima Sabale Patil: EVP Operations Flight Controller & SME (KBR) at NASA Johnson Space Center
- José Silvia: Executive Vice President, Business Development and Strategy, Xecta
- Bridget Adiukwu: College Counseling Department Lead at The Village High School
- Sarah Chawda: Philanthropist & Board Member at EMC Foundation & PHRII
Each speaker shared their journey and offered advice to the attendees, helping them see that it is possible to succeed in their chosen careers.
Real Opportunities for the Attendees
The summit offered more than just advice; it also provided real opportunities for the girls. They had the chance to apply for internships in fields like AI and science, as well as scholarships for SAT prep and college visits. The summit also provided resources that can help with academic and career goals in the future.
Supporting Underserved Girls
Many girls in Houston face challenges when it comes to education and career opportunities. The EmpowerHer Summit aimed to help address this by focusing on young women who might not always have access to the same resources or support. The event provided a platform for these girls to meet mentors, learn about different career paths and build confidence for their futures. “We wanted to make sure that every girl here felt heard and empowered to lead,” said seventh grader Vihaan (Viz) Venkatesh. “By offering these opportunities, we hope to help these girls feel more prepared for what lies ahead.”
Looking Toward the Future
The EmpowerHer Summit is part of Lemonade with Ice’s ongoing work to provide support and guidance to young girls. Though the event was just one day, it helped plant seeds for the future, giving the attendees the chance to learn about leadership, career opportunities and personal growth. “Helping just one girl can have a lasting impact on her community.” said freshman Ice Venkatesh, founder of the Lemonade with Ice Foundation. “The summit gave them the chance to think about their future and start working toward their goals.” The summit’s impact is expected to continue as the girls take what they’ve learned and apply it in their own lives.
