33 Students Take Part In ‘She Leads Conference’
33 students — from BHS, Dellwood, Sandys, Warwick Academy and Whitney Institute — took part in the third annual She Leads Middle School Conference held at BHS.
A spokesperson said, “The third annual She Leads Middle School Conference took place at BHS from March 31st to April 2nd. A record 33 middle school students participated in this year’s conference.
“Students from BHS, Dellwood, Sandys, Warwick Academy and Whitney Institute spent three days connecting at the leadership and development programme, organised by BHS with sponsorship from HSBC.
“Created as an extension of the popular She Leads: A Real-World Readiness Programme, which runs in the summer for female high school students, this three-day event introduced themes that empower girls from a younger age.”
“She Leads provides girls with a great opportunity to be exposed to what real female leadership and empowerment looks like. The conference introduces them to women in leadership as well as to real information and experiences to help them build their own leadership journeys.
“It was a pleasure to be part of curating this experience for this middle school cohort, watching them be open to new people and experiences, stretching themselves and growing with each day of the conference. The goal is for this to have been an investment in not only their individual futures, but in the future of woman in leadership!” said She Leads Coordinator, Christyn Simons.
The spokesperson said, “The conference included a robust schedule with a mixture of hands-on experience, guest speakers, and workshops.
“During the first day, invited speakers spoke with the girls about breaking down barriers [Stacey-Lee Williams, CURB], healthy relationships [Stephany Outerbridge, Coalition for the Protection of Children], and the importance of healthy eating and cooking [Sarah-Jane Mattinson and Rosana Strickland, Island Nutrition]. In addition to the guest speakers, students participated in a workshop on self-determination.
“On day two, She Leads participants began the day with a yoga session led by Tiffany Paynter of Treehouse, followed by a workshop on goal setting and resilience. Sponsors HSBC joined the event in the afternoon, leading an HSBC career panel featuring Megan Sousa, HR Business Partner, and Michelle Walkes, Head of Customer, International and Marketing. Shantel Smith and Selita Daniels of HSBC continued the afternoon by walking the students through a Financial Literacy Course.
“The conference culminated in a volunteering session led by Omar Dill at HOME Bermuda. During the final afternoon, the students welcomed invited guests to view their self-expression projects, which they created over the course of the conference to showcase all they had learned.”
“The She Leads Programme is an amazing experience for young women. We learned how to become our best selves and were exposed to new and creative opportunities.” – Osheah Douglas, Dellwood.
“I signed up for She Leads to meet new people. The programme has introduced me to girls I would never have met otherwise. Everyone was really nice and welcoming throughout the three days.” – Caylin Harshaw, BHS.
“I would highly recommend the She Leads Middle School Conference. My experience has been very good, and everything was well organised and put together.” – Tjaia Butler, Sandys.
Lesley Cox, BHS Board Chair, commented, “It is exciting to continue our partnership with HSBC to host the third annual She Leads Middle School Conference, which aims to empower young women and develop their potential to stand out with confidence and purpose as they navigate the world around them. Through an intentional set of activities designed to encourage self-expression, self-reflection, and personal growth, the She Leads Programme directly supports the development of confidence, resilience, and purpose among participants while also providing them with a critical opportunity to expand their social network and skills. These young women are our leaders of tomorrow, and BHS is delighted to support them on their journey as they develop their individual skills and potential.”
Carol A. Swainson, Head of School, added, “We are so grateful to HSBC for funding this important real-world programme for middle school students. This is an ideal age to have an impact on their growth and development, empowering them to invest in themselves and gain the tools to achieve their goals. From yoga to friendship, they learned concrete strategies to use when faced with decisions, rejection, and life’s hurdles that must be overcome.”
HSBC Executive Sponsor, Judy Doidge, added, “At HSBC, we believe in providing opportunities to support girls in shaping our society through their valuable contributions. That’s why we’re honored to once again partner with the She Leads Middle School Programme, which provides the framework to empower its young participants’ growth as they progress both academically and personally. Thank you to BHS Charitable Trust for their commitment to delivering this impactful programme to the community. Together, we’re fostering a future where every girl can thrive and lead in confidence.”
The spokesperson said, “Applications are now being accepted for the Summer She Leads Programme.
“The programme will run June 31st—July 4th at BHS and is open to young women from all schools on the island who will enter their final year of High School in September 2025.
“For more information go to www.bhs.bm/school-life/she-leads.”
