Come to We Are Girls Houston to meet the science superhero, Volta!
Contributed by: Melody Huslage, Project Management Intern
Jancy McPhee is Volta, one member of the Female Superheroes of Science: a group of female scientists and engineers that is participating in the We Are Girls Houston Conference for the third year in 2019. During the first part of their workshop, the superheroes discuss their careers in STEM, the challenges they’ve encountered, and how they overcame those challenges. In the second part, they ask the girls to join them in becoming a superhero, too. The girls get to create their own superhero for themselves: choosing a name and deciding on a superpower they currently have or wish they had. Jancy’s favorite part of the workshop? A selfie at the end of the workshop with the Female Superheroes of Science and all of their new recruits!
Why should someone bring their daughter to the We Are Girls Conference?
The conference is a wonderful, protective environment where young women really get to let their hair down and think about how they are powerful. The day is all about them and they are reminded of all of the things that make them awesome.
Why should someone present a workshop at the conference?
It’s because of joy. You get to inspire, to share, and give something back.
What do you believe is one of the biggest challenges women face?
Our own self-doubt. I don’t know if it is genetic or cultural, but we have a tendency to think about what others are thinking and feeling. The positive side of this is that we can show great empathy, which is a strength. The negative side is that we often worry about what others are thinking when we make a decision. This tendency can also lead to never thinking we are good enough.
Why do you believe empowerment is important for young girls today?
If you don’t feel the courage, if you don’t think you can, then you won’t overcome barriers. And I don’t think there’s a person alive that hasn’t encountered a barrier. We all have to encourage each other.
What is one piece of insight that you would share with your ten year old self?
Don’t worry about what other people think! That doesn’t mean don’t follow any rules; you still have to hold yourself accountable to your personal ethics and own code of honor. But it’s an epiphany moment: I don’t have to follow that code, I can make my own.
Want to know what Volta’s superpower is? You’ll have to come to the We Are Girls Conference in Houston this April 27 to find out! Thanks to Jancy, and all of our other presenters at We Are Girls. To find more information about the conference visit www.wearegirls.org.
Girls Empowerment Network is always looking for fresh, creative, and informative workshops to offer at our We Are Girls Conferences. If you are interested in presenting a workshop at WAG, please fill out the online form here. All proposal submissions for our Houston conference must be received by Girls Empowerment Network by 5pm Friday, March 8, 2019 (International Women’s Day!). For answers to our most FAQ’s on being a presenter, see here.