YOUNG WOMEN SPEAK

Young ladies at the National Assembly

I was asked to put together some reflections of some young ladies who attended the 22nd annual National Assembly in Washington, D.C.

The first person I spoke with was Ms. Heather Fraser-Harris, 24, a graduate of the University of Bridgeport. She is now an intern in the WFWP United Nations headquarters office in New York. She has attended WFWP events internationally, but the National Assembly was the first serious WFWP event she attended in America. The main thing she took away from it was that it helped her realize some of her career goals. "I was amazed at all of the women who came out for this event," she said. "They were from all different backgrounds and were of various ages.

"Recently I have been applying to graduate schools for health services, but I didn't know what specific field I wanted to specialize in. After attending this event, I decided to specialize in the area of women and children. The WFWP assembly helped me realize that I can become empowered and also helpful in my career path."

Hanna Schmittat, 27, is studying naturopathic medicine at the University of Bridgeport. This was her first time attending a WFWP event of this stature and size. She said, "It was fantastic to hear and meet some amazing women, many of whom have built something significant out of nothing. There were a lot of women who were working to make their world a better place with what they have, and that was inspiring. It made me feel empowered, because I know I want to contribute to making this world a better place, whether it's through WFWP or through some other vehicle in my life. I look forward to continuing to work with WFWP."

As for me, Emily Cornier, 21, I am an intern for WFWP's online newsletter as well as a full-time student at the University of Bridgeport. This was my first time attending a national WFWP event.

I think WFWP has done incredible work to make this world a more peaceful place. Through years of selfless sacrifice, and with a mother's heart, the members of this federation have created numerous service projects that have helped and uplifted women and children in many places throughout the world. It was inspiring to hear the different testimonies of women from all backgrounds, who, in their own unique ways, found an opportunity to uplift and make a difference in their communities and even in the world. There is a truly remarkable foundation that WFWP stands on.

I am happy to see that WFWP is reaching out to younger women. I feel that it is so important for WFWP to make this organization more relevant to the younger generation. Recently, there has been an unprecedented dialogue around what it means to be a feminist, and women's role in our world. I know there are so many young women who are looking for answers to those questions, and I think WFWP can help. There is still a lot of work to be done, and I intend to be there to see it through.