SAN FRANCISCO (November 29, 2024) – U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA) visited Roosevelt Middle School on her farewell tour of California to meet with students participating in the Career Girls Club program. The Senator shared her inspiring journey from growing up in Magnolia, Mississippi, to attending the Historically Black University (HBU) Jackson State University, to overcoming the odds of becoming one of only 2,004 individuals to ever serve in the U.S. Senate.
Addressing the enthusiastic group of 6th - 8th grade girls, Senator Butler offered valuable life and career advice, encouraging the students to dream big, persevere through challenges, and always believe in their potential.
“Imagine yourself being whatever somebody told you you couldn’t,” said Senator Butler. “When we push our boundaries, when we push our imagination, when you choose to do the hard thing, that’s when your greatness has an opportunity to shine. Senator Butler also said, “Alone is not the answer. Resist being alone and find community. Find comfort in one another and allow others in your life to play their role so you can be the best in your role.”
The Career Girls Club is a transformative program that provides girls with the tools, mentorship, and confidence needed to achieve their career aspirations. Through hands-on activities and role-model exposure, the program equips participants with soft skills like confidence building, leadership, presentation, communication, and teamwork. The program's 20-week curriculum, discussion guides, activities and supplies, snacks, and virtual support for implementers are free to schools.
Verna Liza Antonio, Program Director of Career Girls, emphasized the importance of the program’s mission: “Career Girls Club is providing a critical pathway for girls to realize their dreams and develop the skills they need to succeed in the workplace and in life. We’re honored to have leaders like Senator Butler inspire and mentor the next generation.”
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session where students eagerly asked questions about leadership, career challenges, and overcoming adversity. The visit served as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in programs that empower girls to achieve their full potential.
ABOUT CAREER GIRLS
Career Girls® features virtual camps and programming, in-school clubs and a free, non-commercial, online platform with more than 16,000 short video clips of 800 diverse women role models sharing career and educational advice to inspire young girls to expand their horizons, improve their academic performance and dream big about their futures. Launched in 1996, Career Girls is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization.