Empowering Women, Empowering Youth: Lessons from Young & Empowered Women’s Empow(her) Conference
PHOENIX, AZ – August 20, 2025
Written by New Pathways for Youth’s marketing coordinator, Kiana Cole
In June, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 5th annual Empow(her) Conference hosted by Young and Empowered Women, an inspiring event devoted to uplifting women and equipping us with the tools we need to thrive. Surrounded by a community of passionate women, committed mentors, and future leaders, it was a day dedicated to empowering voices, sharing wisdom, and advancing the cause of gender equity.
One of the most eye-opening parts of the conference came during a conversation about the gender pay gap. I learned that, nationally, women on average make only 85 cents to each dollar earned by men. The numbers are even more staggering when broken down by race, Black women earn just 66 cents and Hispanic women only 58 cents to the dollar. These aren’t just statistics; they are realities for women everywhere, particularly for those of us in marginalized communities.
Yet, rather than feel discouraged, we collectively acknowledged the crucial role that spaces like this play in closing the gap. Empow(her) wasn’t just another conference; it was a vibrant community, a network of support and volunteering spirit that is essential to overcoming these barriers. With countless mentors in the room, each table was guided by a seasoned professional. I valued the unique chance to sit with several mentors in mini-coaching sessions, learning about their years of hard-earned wisdom in just a few minutes at each stop.
Some of my biggest takeaways came from these hands-on mentoring conversations. I learned that advocating for myself is a necessity if I want to position myself as a leader in the room. Building confidence through daily affirmations and acknowledging my own achievements repositions my internal narrative. I learned some networking skills, and how it’s about building authentic relationships with those who see and value your unique contributions. I was reminded that my ideas deserve to be heard and that I have every right to speak up at the table.
Throughout the day, candid conversations challenged the narrow stereotypes often assigned to women, like being “just” the notetaker or “too emotional” for leadership. We explored how our strengths, including empathy and resilience, are assets, not weaknesses. The importance of embracing change was another powerful lesson: It’s okay to pivot career paths, learn from failure, and try something new. The recurring message was clear: We must continue to advocate for ourselves and each other, demand raises, strive for higher positions, and work together to close the wage gap.
Reflecting on this experience, I see powerful connections to the mission of New Pathways for Youth. The energy in the room reminded me why our youth deserve powerful role models. Just as the Empow(her) Conference fosters mentorship, skill-building, and support among women, New Pathways for Youth is dedicated to providing mentoring, stability, and a nurturing community for youth who face poverty and adversity. Through personalized guidance and opportunities to connect with caring mentors, we empower young people to build the skills, confidence, and relationships they need to overcome barriers and realize their potential.
Whether we’re talking about women in the workforce or youth overcoming adversity, one thing is clear: support, mentorship, and a strong community are the keys to transformation. If we keep uplifting one another, advocating for ourselves, and opening doors for the next generation, we really can change the world, and close every gap that stands in our way.
Are you passionate about making a difference? Find out how you can become a Level Up mentor and make a 1:1 difference in the life of a young person today. Sign up for a virtual mentor introduction session to learn more and get started.