Encouraging girls to find their power

AUSTIN, TX (KXAN) - GENAustin hosted the 2nd annual Girls Now! Conference at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders in East Austin Saturday.

More than 1,000 young girls from around Central Texas learned what it takes to stand up for themselves now and how to become strong women for the future.

"We want these kids to get some real tools for their daily lives and we want them to walk away with practical things they can use to deal with the things they have to deal with," said Lolis Garcia-Baab, Girls Now! Conference Director.

Girls from 5th to 12th grade came out to the event. They learned how to deal with real life issues affecting girls like bullying and body image.

Kennedy Huff said it's tough being a girl and is now looking at herself in a new way.

"It's important because it makes you feel a lot better about yourself," said Kennedy Huff.

Both mom and dad also came out to support her.

"Not only does it inspire the girls, but it gives the mother an avenue to discuss self esteem and to encourage them to be strong, empowered women," said Shante Huff, Kennedy's Mother.

Desmond Huff, Kennedy's father, was one of the only men at Saturday's event.

"The one thing I love most about my daughter that she doesn't know is her unyielding desire to blaze her own trail," said Desmond Huff, Kennedy's Father.

The event was a way to reach out to many young girls, encouraging them to dream big and embrace the possibilities.