14 students were transported by van to the University of Missouri Kansas City with Maria Lopez as the chaperone March 8. The students attended the Women of Color Leadership Conference where they had the opportunity to attend different sessions that were centered around topics to help empower women of color. The theme of the conference was The Power of Sisterhood. Deena Essa who is a senior at UMKC was the opening plenary speaker. Ida Ayalew who is a recent graduate of UMKC was the keynote speaker.

The keynote speaker shared her personal experience growing up as a women of color. She encouraged the high school students to never stop chasing their dreams, and they can do whatever they set their minds to. Ayalew also emphasized embracing the women around you that helped you get to where you are.

The conference was held on International Women’s Day. Students were joined by other students from high schools around the Kansas City area.