East senior hopes to inspire others through event

A Columbus East High School senior is organizing an event to help middle and high school female students discover their potential.

Maia Campbell has organized Empower You 2019 that will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. March 2 as part of her senior project at First United Methodist Church, 618 Eighth St. The event is open to all middle and high school female students.

It will feature speakers focusing on topics such as breaking down barriers to empower one’s self, Campbell said.

“I am planning this event as a way to show young girls that they are beautiful and loved, but that they are also strong and can accomplish anything that they desire in life,” Campbell said.

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Campbell said Empower You 2019 is aimed at helping middle and high school students discover their true potential and the light they have inside of them.

“As a teenage girl trying to choose my future career, it has been difficult growing up and seeing professions dominated by males,” Campbell said. “The message to women from society is that we should look a certain way and act a certain way.”

Dinner and a souvenir will be provided during the event, which requires a $10 fee, but scholarships are available for anyone unable to pay, she said.

The event will include four speakers:

Jennifer Rumsey, vice president and chief technical officer at Cummins Inc.

Amy Schnapp-Brunnemer with Turning Point Domestic Violence Services

Tracy Heaton de Martinez with the Women League of Voters

Campbell’s mother, Sarah Campbell, who serves as director of youth and children’s ministries at First United Methodist Church.

Campbell said she wants middle and high school students to know that they can be in similar positions such as the four speakers when they grow up and that their gender shouldn’t stop them from being successful in life.

Campbell, who plans to pursue a career as a youth/family minister, also hopes that when students get older, they will be able to inspire others around them.

“I just feel that girls can do anything they set their minds to,” she said.

The Rev. Howard Boles, pastor at First United Methodist Church, described Campbell as an individual who is a great leader within the church and its youth group.

“She has an enthusiastic presence,” Boles said. “She has a real passion for helping other people. You can always trust her and go to her in a time of need.”

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What: Empower You 2019 event targeted to middle and high school females

Where: First United Methodist Church, 618 Eighth St.

When: 5 to 10 p.m.March 2

Cost: $10 to attend, but scholarships are available

More information: Contact Maia Campbell at [email protected]

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