High school girls from all four United Independent School District high schools gathered at the UISD Student Activity Center for Empower Her, a leadership training workshop designed to inspire confidence, resilience, and purpose in young women across the district.

 

The morning event, held in partnership with 360 Athletics, brought together a select group of students from each high school for an interactive experience centered on personal growth and leadership. With the theme “Claim your power. Shape your future,” the workshop encouraged participants to reflect on their potential and learn practical tools to help them navigate life’s challenges.

 

The program focused on four key areas essential to student success: building confidence and a positive self-image, developing healthy relationships and boundaries, mastering financial literacy and life skills, and strengthening communication and leadership abilities. Through engaging presentations and personal storytelling, speakers emphasized that leadership begins with self-belief and intentional action.

 

“This is a valuable opportunity for our girls to focus on what it means to be a leader and to develop skills that will help them throughout their lives,” said Adriana Ramirez, UISD executive director for federal and state programs. “They are going to face challenges and obstacles, and it’s important that they have the confidence, focus, and tools to navigate those barriers and keep moving forward.”

 

Ramirez highlighted the importance of encouraging young women to step into leadership roles early and to trust themselves. “A lot of times, students want to do things, but nerves or fear of what others might think cause them to take a back seat,” she said. “When you feel strongly about something, it’s important to take the opportunity that life gives you. Events like this empower students and remind them that they are capable.”

 

The workshop featured speakers from 360 Athletics, a motivational program that uses athletics-based leadership principles to inspire students. One of the speakers, Ghiniva Phillips, focused her presentation on self-image and identity, encouraging students to look beyond labels and roles.

 

“Self-image is important, but what matters most is identifying with who you are on the inside,” Phillips said. “So often, we define ourselves by what we do or the roles we play, but there is so much more to us than that.”

 

Phillips shared her personal story, including growing up with a single mother, facing financial instability, and experiencing homelessness at a young age. She explained that sharing these experiences helps students understand that challenges do not determine their future. “Your circumstances do not define you,” she said. “What you’re going through is shaping you into a version of yourself you may not even realize yet.”

 

Students in attendance said the speakers’ honesty and relatability made the event especially meaningful. Katia Velasquez, a sophomore at United High School, said she was excited to hear from women who had faced similar challenges. “It was powerful to hear that our circumstances don’t define us,” Velasquez said. “That message really resonates, especially in a community like Laredo.”

 

Velasquez added that the workshop reinforced the idea that young women should dream big and challenge limiting beliefs. “There’s so much more out there for us than we sometimes imagine,” she said. “We can start our own businesses, run companies, or pursue careers that once felt out of reach. You can be the best at what you do if you believe in yourself and put in the work.”

 

Fatima Felizardo, a junior at United South High School, said the event reminded her of how far she has come since middle school. “Girls doubt themselves a lot,” Felizardo said. “I used to be very shy and timid, and I doubted myself all the time. But once you start breaking out of your shell and surrounding yourself with positive people, you realize how much potential you really have.”

 

Felizardo said hearing the speakers share their real-life experiences made the workshop relatable and encouraging. “It’s comforting to know their stories and to see how they overcame challenges,” she said. “It reminds us that we still have a whole life ahead of us and so much to learn and accomplish.”

 

Another speaker, Karla “DJKickit” Rendon, shared her journey as a former boxer and powerlifter and discussed overcoming self-doubt, bullying, and self-image issues. Rendon emphasized mindset and accountability as key elements of success.

 

“The world is always going to change, and things aren’t always going to be easy,” Rendon said. “What you can control is your mindset. When motivation isn’t there, discipline steps in. It’s about showing up as yourself, holding yourself accountable, and using challenges as fuel to keep going.”

 

District leaders say Empower Her reflects UISD’s commitment to supporting student leadership and personal development. By connecting students with strong female role models and providing a space for open conversation, the district hopes to empower young women to recognize their worth, embrace their voices, and confidently shape their futures.