By Melissa Wagoner
The annual She Shines Empowerment and Wellness Event has an inter-generational component this year. Now a two-day conference, the second day of the non-denominational event is entirely dedicated to young girls aged 10 to 16.
“These girls are really facing so much at their age,” presenter and health coach Amy Gigena said. “We have a speaker that’s going to talk with the girls about coping skills.”
The overarching theme of the day will be “building a tribe,” according to Gigena, with the girls meeting several local women who will act as role models, imparting knowledge on various subjects throughout the day. Topics will include nutrition, physical changes during puberty, maintaining a healthy self-image and dealing with social issues – such as bullying.
“Especially in today’s age, with social media, they’re growing up with comparison – somebody’s always judging you,” presenter and psychiatrist Audry Van Houweling said.
“When I meet with my teenage clients, anxiety is probably the biggest thing and then it’s depression. Empowering girls to have a voice is a big goal.”
The girls’ event will take place on Sunday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the heels of the women’s conference on Saturday, May 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. And coordinators are encouraging mothers and daughters to purchase
tickets together.
“As a mother, if you’re having this moment on Saturday and then your daughter is having a moment on Sunday, you have the potential for really having a family change,” presenter and midwife, Lindsay Kinman, said. “You have the ability to meet your daughter where she’s at.”
She Shines Empowerment 
& Wellness Event
Canyonview, Silverton
Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Ages 17 and up
• Ticket price: $60 (lunch included)
Sunday, May, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Ages 10 to 16
• Ticket price: $40 (lunch included)
• Mother/daughter tickets: $85
For ticket information go to:
www.facebook.com/pg/sheshinesevent or Believing in Birth, 502 N. First St., Silverton
