On March 7, Dr. Veronica Hinman, Dr. Jessica Farrell, and Dr. Christy Schnitzler joined women from Putnam County and beyond for the annual Girls Can event, held at C.L. Overturf Jr. District Center. More than 80 women participated, connecting with nearly 70 tenth grade students to discuss their aspirations and provide guidance and encouragement.
The event is a Day of Fellowship and Empowerment for Putnam County and Girls Can is a collaborative partnership between local community and business leaders committed to empowering young women to take charge of their future. Strong and successful women of varying backgrounds and education levels provide the inspiration needed for this mission, including women representing law, medicine, science, engineering, manufacturing, health and human services, art and entertainment, public service, environmental protection, agriculture, banking, insurance and entrepreneurship. This original event is designed to serve as a catalyst for career exploration and positive connections for teens throughout Putnam County.
Participants connect with more than 80 remarkable women and experience how their unique paths, personal challenges, professional roles and service to society are carving pathways for tomorrow’s visionaries and trailblazers. The day starts with an inspirational keynote presentation by Judge Angela Cox from the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida and throughout the day role models meet with students.
"I have attended multiple years since it started in 2017 and it is always a great event, said Christy. "Thank you to Whitney Former Board of Trustee Linda Myers for connecting us with this organization."
Founded in 2017, the Girls Can event aims to connect female high school students with accomplished women in a variety of professional fields, offering mentorship and support. After a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event made its return last year and continues to serve as a platform for empowerment and inspiration.