Local nonprofit sending seven girls to Harvard women’s conference to gain hands-on business experience

Seven Richmond area high school girls are Harvard-bound this weekend to gain hands-on business experience. On November 4th, the girls, part of local organization Girls For A Change, will attend the Young Women’s Business Leadership Conference organized by Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business.

“I have a strong desire to become a lawyer and someday own my own law firm,” said 14 year old Ai-Zane’ Mason, one of the handful that will attend the conference this weekend. “The conference will help me build support and empowerment from business leaders not only from Harvard University but from across the world.” Mason is a freshman at Highland Springs High School and is having her trip sponsored by local firm TMI Consulting.

“All the students in our group are members of Girls For A Change,” said Girls For A Change CEO Angela Patton. “At the conference the girls will learn more about the business world and make contacts with others who share their passion for business and leadership. They’ll also have the opportunity to practice interviews, sharpen their resumes and job hunting skills.”

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting girls of color and inspiring them to visualize their bright futures and potential through discovery, development and social change innovation in their communities.

The cost to send each girl totals around $500 once lodging, meals, and transportation are factored in. If you’d like to help reimburse Girls For A Change and sponsor an attendee, you can donate here or mail a check to Girls For A Change, 100 Buford Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23235.