An organization seeking to inspire young women recently came to Crawford County and, in its wake, leaves more centered and confident future leaders.
Thanks to a group of area volunteers from local companies and 30 sponsors, about 200 female high school sophomores and juniors from across Crawford County came together at Lincoln Trail College April 19 to participate in a day long program by Young Women Lead.
YWL is an organization whose purpose is to inspire, as well as boost the confidence and ambitions of high school aged girls — and they did not disappoint.  
YWL keynote speaker Julie Carrier, a success coach and host of MTV’s Made, as well as an Emmy-Nominee and award-winning national speaker and author featured on NBC’s Today Show, shared her hard-won secrets of success in a way that every girl understood.
Her message of authentic confidence and leadership resonates with women of all ages, especially young women who are working to find their place in the world. With her mantra “ABC — Always Be Confident,” she challenged her audience to “Put on their brave” and meet life’s challenges head on.
Most importantly, she impressed upon participants that they have a support system in each other, as well as the event volunteers.
By days end, it was evident that the individuals who came through the doors that morning, uncertain of what the day would bring, were leaving armed with newfound confidence in themselves and each other.  
Also speaking was WTHI-TV newscaster Patrece Dayton. Dayton volunteered her time to emcee of the event and shared her experience in a heavily male-dominated field and gave advice on following your dreams to achieve the career you want to pursue.
Event organizers are planning to make this an annual event and to expand their reach, by adding additional schools next year.
Marathon Robinson refinery manager Amy Macak, knows how important it is not only be a role model for these young women, but to participate in ensuring they have all the tools necessary to be successful.
“As a leader, it is my responsibility to always be a role model for my employees,” she said. “As a woman, it is my privilege to provide other women an example of what they can be, even in an industry that is traditionally geared towards men, especially in leadership positions.”
The YWL event was organized by a group of local people, who include Tanya Reed, Kristy Boyer and Emily Rockwell, Marathon; Michele Brown, SENCO; Kristi Zane and Becky Ruppel, Crawford Memorial Hospital; LTC President Zahi Atallah; Resa Shaner, Crawford County Development Association; Janelle Oxford, Robinson High School; Bonnie Coulter, Hershey; and Kylie Veach, First Robinson Savings Bank. The steering committee was interested in bringing opportunities to learn and expand their horizons to Crawford County youth.
For more information on Young Women Lead, visit, YWL - Leadership, Development & Education | Young Women LEAD.