CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A first-of-its-kind conference on Chicago's South Side Saturday afternoon looked to provide teenage girls with a new outlet of expression and empowerment.
The Inaugural GEMS "Treasuring Myself, Treasuring My Sisters" conference at Dyett High School for the Arts featured workshops, makeovers and a resource fair for girls between the ages of 13 and 17.
"It's important to have a program like GEMS and a conference like this where girls can find a space where they can be honest and real about how they feel," said Jocelyn Jones, Executive Director of St. Sabina Church's ARK Youth Program. "They won't be judged by that. They can also be connected to resources who can actually help them sort through those emotions so they can grow and find their best self."
More than a hundred teens took part in the conference, which Jones hopes will become an annual event with even bigger crowds.