Girls ages 12 to 18 are encouraged to participate in the 7th annual “I Matter: Girls Empowerment Conference” on Oct. 9. (photo courtesy of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation)

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation will host the 7th annual “I Matter: Girls Empowerment Conference” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, at Earvin Magic Johnson Park, 905 El Segundo Blvd.; Loma Alta Park, 3330 Lincoln Ave., in Altadena; and the Hacienda Heights Community Center, 1234 Valencia Ave.

Themed “Girls with Dreams Become Women with Vision,” the conference will provide attendees an opportunity to meet and hear from women innovators, educators and trailblazers. They can also attend fun and educational breakout sessions, connect with peers, receive free gifts and showcase their dance moves during a lunchtime dance party with a DJ. The free event is open to girls ages 12 to 18.

The keynote speaker will be Mikaila Ulmer, a 17-year-old entrepreneur who launched Me & the Bees Lemonade and appeared on the reality TV series “Shark Tank.”

Conference breakout sessions will focus on empowering girls to use their voices for change and build upon their individual visions for success. Workshops include Women in Tech, which will teach girls how to close the gender gap in the technology industry, and Delete the Divide, which will provide training, technical certifications, scholarships and employment opportunities.  Career exploration, pathways to college and career workshops, and sports and dance sessions are also scheduled.

“We are honored to host the ‘I Matter: Girls Empowerment Conference,’ which will encourage young women to use their voice to live a life full of endless possibilities,” L.A. County Parks Director Norma Edith Garcia-González said. “It is extremely important to empower today’s young women so that we may have a future where all people have room to succeed, regardless of their gender.”

Due to COVID-19 protocols, all participants must wear masks indoors and physical distancing will be mandated. Parents may not attend the conference, as the event is solely for girls ages 12-18.

Space is limited. For information and to register, visit parks.lacounty.gov/gec2021.