Path to Empowerment: Empowering High School Girls forum

The Path to Empowerment: Empowering High School Girls forum is brought to you by SHS student Sonya Chen in partnership with the Greenburgh and Scarsdale Public Libraries.

This series was designed to equip girls to feel more empowered, self-confident, and better prepared to handle the day-to-day challenges they encounter. Participation is open to high school girls in grades 9-12.

Consisting of six hybrid* program sessions, co-hosted in-person alternately at Greenburgh Public Library (300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford, NY 10523) and Scarsdale Public Library (54 Olmsted Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583) from January to June 2023, at 7 PM on the second Tuesday of the month. *Participants may join each program either in person or via Zoom.

To register for each session, scroll down to the bottom of each event page (hyperlinks embedded below), complete the required fields, and click “Register.” Registration is encouraged for each event as space is limited, and registered attendees will be accommodated ahead of walk-ins.

If you wish to join via Zoom from home, registration is required so we can email you the Zoom link.

The six sessions in the series will focus on the following topics:

(Click on a session to redirect to the event page, at the bottom of which you may register for each event.)

Session 1: 

Time & Location: Tuesday, January 10, 7-8 PM at Greenburgh Library (or Zoom from Scarsdale Library or remotely)

Theme: Creating a healthy self-image despite toxic beauty standards promoted in social media

Facilitator: Dr. Jennifer Walker, Psychologist, Scarsdale High School

Session 2: 

Time & Location: Tuesday, February 14, 7-8 PM at Scarsdale Library (or Zoom remotely)

Theme: Developing a “toolkit” of power phrases and poses to respond to triggering comments and stay in your power 

Facilitator: Barbara Kapetanakes, PsyD, specializing in work with adolescents

Session 3: 

Time & Location: Tuesday, March 14, 7-8 PM at Greenburgh Library (or Zoom from Scarsdale Library or remotely)

Theme: Learning self-defense through Krav Maga with the goal of increasing self-confidence

Facilitator: Chris Berlingo, experienced Krav Maga instructor teaching children, women and men for over a decade

Session 4: Please read the book* prior to the event!

Time & Location: Tuesday, April 11, 7-8 PM at Scarsdale Library (or Zoom remotely)

Theme: Identifying what makes relationships healthy and discussing those elements in the context of a book discussion

Facilitators: Emily Dowie, Jennifer Brinley, and Akeyla Todd, Greenburgh and Scarsdale Public Libraries

*The book selection for April's discussion is There's something about Sweetie by Sandhya Menon. 

Claim your complimentary paperback copy of the book* by registering for April's book discussion and agreeing to pick yours up at Scarsdale Public Library or giving your mailing address to receive it by mail.

Also, we will have a giveaway drawing at the end of this book club for Taylor Swift's "Midnights" album. You must be registered and present to win!

Session 5: 

Time & Location: Tuesday, May 9, 7-8 PM at Greenburgh Library (or Zoom from Scarsdale Library (or remotely)

Theme: Creating empowered self-portraits using colored pencils and sketch paper (will be provided)

Facilitator: Elizabeth Panting, Art Instructor

Session 6: 

Time & Location: Tuesday, June 13, 7-8 PM at Scarsdale Library (or Zoom remotely)

Theme: Receiving and discussing empowered images created by the Scarsdale High School student who created the series and reflecting on the lessons from the overall forum

Facilitator: Sonya Chen, Scarsdale High School

Please reach out to the Teen Services Department at Scarsdale Public Library with questions about this series and/or registration assistance: teen@scarsdalelibrary.org -or- 914-358-6053.