Calloway-Smith Students Explore Confidence and Resilience at Girls Empowerment Conference
On Monday, March 17, 2025, ten students from Calloway-Smith Middle School took part in a full day of inspiration and self-discovery at the 4th Annual Advocates for Girls “Confidently Resilient” Empowerment Conference, hosted at the Kiwanis Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama. Thanks to Fuse Project’s sponsorship through our ABC Academic Support Program, these students joined more than 100 girls from across Mobile for a transformative experience designed to build confidence, self-awareness, and life skills.
Led by the passionate and ever-inspiring Tiffany Pogue, a dedicated youth advocate at Boys and Girls Club who is also involved with everything from helping out at Mobile United to our Yoga Club at Florence Howard Elementary, this conference is more than just an annual event—it’s a movement. “Confidently Resilient” is both the conference theme and a call to action, emphasizing that true strength lies not in avoiding life’s challenges, but in meeting them with self-knowledge, courage, and support.
A Full Day of Empowerment
Held on a school holiday (teacher work day) to maximize accessibility, the conference opened its doors at 7:30 AM with music, games, and breakfast. Emceed by Miss Alabama 2023, Bri Burrell, the event kicked off with “Girl Talk,” an hour-long group session filled with icebreakers, journaling, vision boards, and peer discussions to encourage vulnerability and team-building.
Participants then rotated through two wellness workshops. The mental health session—led by Lifelines Counseling Services—offered strategies to manage stress, anxiety, grief, and self-care, empowering girls with a “mental health toolkit” and the understanding that asking for help is a sign of strength. In the hygiene session, girls learned about the emotional and physical changes of puberty, essential nutrition, and the importance of movement and mindfulness.
Later in the day, girls explored career paths through breakout sessions in healthcare, entertainment, entrepreneurship, sports, and leadership, followed by growth workshops on natural hair care, financial literacy, skin care, and building a positive reputation.
A Panel of Powerful Women
During lunch, attendees heard from a keynote panel of accomplished women, including:
Victoria Shoots, Intellectual Property Attorney (and a former Order of Fuse member)
Ashley Flores, Communications Director for the City of Mobile (and Fuse Project Yoga Club volunteer instructor)
Jorjalyn Smith, Marketing Coordinator for the Better Business Bureau
Their powerful stories answered questions like:
“What pivotal moments shaped who you are today?”
“How long did it take you to realize you are beautiful?”
“What advice would you give to your younger self?”
Their wisdom resonated deeply with the students, especially around themes of self-worth, persistence, and redefining success on one’s own terms.
Ending on a High Note
The day concluded with creative, hands-on activities ranging from cupcake decorating and dance to improv, art, and STEM experiments—reminding students that growth can be fun, expressive, and empowering.
Each student left with new tools, meaningful connections, and a deeper belief in her ability to rise. We’re proud to support opportunities like this that align with our mission to equip children with the skills and confidence to shape their own futures.
