FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Peter Poon Kwong, [email protected]
SMART Girls Conference Empowers Over 100 Young Women Through Hands-On Learning and Inspiration
(Smart Girls attendees and staff pause for a quick photo at the Pulaski Club)
Columbia, TN – March 22, 2025 — Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee brought more than 100 girls together for its annual SMART Girls Conference, held at Columbia State Community College. The day-long event immersed participants in a series of workshops and activities designed to build confidence, self-worth, and practical life skills among girls ages 8 to 18.
Attendees took part in hands-on sessions ranging from nail design with Cassandra Armstrong to financial literacy with Keondra Tyler. Workshops spanned a wide range of topics, including cooking with Lucky Pierce, CPR with Tracy Ferguson, STEM activities led by SWAF and Ulitum, makeup artistry with Jyuna Martin, and self-defense training with Jodi. One standout session featured Carrika Washington’s “Project Runway,” where girls designed and modeled outfits, celebrating self-expression through fashion. Additional inspiration came from speakers JaDonna Secret, Andrea Poynter, and Shaylene King, who led empowerment discussions throughout the day.
Participants embraced each opportunity with enthusiasm. One of the most touching moments came when Mia, a young member from the Mt. Pleasant Club, joyfully showed off a dress she’d selected during the fashion session, beaming with pride as she realized it was hers to keep. Later, a spontaneous group singalong brought all the girls together, prompting Unit Director Carrika Washington to reflect, “We were all one in that moment.”
(Wayne Street Unit Director Carrika Washington addresses an enthusiastic crowd of attendees)
The conference also featured a special recorded keynote address by Boys & Girls Club Board Member, Dr. Christa Martin, filmed in Columbia State’s studio. In her message, she praised the intelligence and potential of the girls in attendance and encouraged them to envision their power to impact the world.
Community support was visible throughout the day. Columbia Police Department’s Sgt. Dalton attended for the third consecutive year, continuing a tradition of partnership and mentorship. Area businesses including Chick-fil-A, Franklin Buffalo Wild Wings, Lilly Jane, Festive & Flair, Blue Hydrangea, Pink Porch, and the NAACP donated meals, materials, and gifts to help make the day both memorable and meaningful. Volunteers played a vital role, assisting with logistics and guiding youth from session to session.
Staff and participants alike expressed their excitement and appreciation. “I had the privilege of attending my first SMART Girls Conference, and I’m already excited for next year,” said staff member Terra. “It was incredible to see over 100 girls gain confidence, make new friends, and create lasting memories.” One member, inspired by the keynote from Youth of the Year Kelsey J., told Washington, “Ms. Carrika, I am going to be the next Youth of the Year!”
This year’s programming was crafted in response to direct feedback from last year’s participants, ensuring the experience reflected what the girls themselves wanted to explore. “We were so excited to offer workshops chosen by the girls, for the girls,” Washington said.
With plans already underway for next year’s event, the organization is seeking a presenting sponsor for the 2026 SMART Girls Conference to help expand its reach and impact
About SMART Girls
SMART Girls is a national Boys & Girls Clubs program designed to help girls develop healthy attitudes and lifestyles. Through small-group sessions, field trips, mentorship, and hands-on activities, girls explore topics such as self-esteem, health, relationships, fitness, and leadership. The program serves girls in three age groups, from 8 to 18, and aims to inspire them to make positive choices and become confident young women.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
The vision of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee is to provide a world-class Club Experience that ensures success is within reach for every young person who enters our doors. Founded in 1999, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee serves more than 1,500 youth annually across three Clubhouse sites and eleven school-based locations. In partnership with Maury County Public Schools since 2016, the Club has expanded its reach to provide vital services to children and families throughout the region.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee and its programs, please visit BGCSCTN.