High school students from across St. Louis gathered recently at the Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center for the second annual EmpowerHER Tea Party, an event designed to encourage leadership and mentorship among young women.
The program was founded and hosted by Conchita Hughes, a teacher at KIPP High School.
Students shared artwork, poetry and music and participated in discussions with community leaders.
Speakers included Jaime Mowers, Dr. Kendra Holmes, Ebi Nicole, Lena Chapman and Dr. Marty K. Casey, founder of the UnGun Institute.
Participants also received video messages from U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters and actress Jennifer Lewis encouraging them to pursue leadership and community engagement.