Middlesex County, NJ – Wellspring Center for Prevention hosted the 21st Annual Young Women’s Conference on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Middlesex College at College Center. This year’s theme, “Shine Bright Like A Diamond,” honored the resilience, brilliance, and potential of young women across Middlesex County.
Held from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the College Center on campus, the interactive and educational conference welcomed 10th-grade female-identifying students from across the region.
Attendees participated in a range of workshops, group discussions, and hands-on activities designed to inspire confidence, promote leadership, and support mental and emotional wellness. Highlights of the day included engaging sessions such as:
- Ending The Silence: Understanding Your Mental Health – Understanding the importance of good mental health, and how to get help for yourself or a friend if they are struggling.
- Beauty and the Media – Explore social media’s influence on body image and mental health on young women.
- Let’s Talk About Opioids – Learn about how opioids affect the body, the signs of an overdose, and how to use Naloxone.
- An Adventure Worth Taking: Finding Your Inner Best Friend! – An interactive workshop focusing on self-love and compassion.
- Financial Fitness – Learn about financial literacy, including basic banking and budgeting.
- You Are Your Best Bet – Understanding responsible gaming and how to identify and curb gaming addiction.
- Envisioning Goals Into The Future Through Mind Mapping – An interactive workshop that explores your dreams, visions and aspirations for the future.
- What’s In Your Future – A panel discussion where you can gain inspiration and insight from professionals working in various careers.
- “Act Like A Lady”: Challenging Society & Breaking the Box – Explore the gender roles and expectations for young women and how to counter the negative impact of gender expectations by making small changes in your life.
The event also featured an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Jacynth Joyce, who shared personal stories of perseverance and empowerment, encouraging attendees to embrace their unique strengths and shine confidently in all areas of life. A second guest speaker, Iris Jones, Executive Director of the Office of Women’s Health, also spoke passionately about the importance young women play.
Each workshop and presentation offered practical tools and thoughtful discussions to help young women navigate high school and beyond with resilience and purpose.
The annual conference served as a powerful platform to encourage young women to recognize their worth and pursue their goals with purpose.
For additional information, interested parties are encouraged to contact:
ShaRonda Amon
Coalition Coordinator
Sharonda.Amon@wcpnj.org