'Girls' Day' event at City Hall inspires women, girls to take charge of their future

Girls' Day at City Hall

MILWAUKEE -- Hundreds of girls of all ages packed City Hall Wednesday morning, March 14 -- taking the day off from school to discover a potential career path in public service. "Girls' Day" inspired young women to take charge of their future.

Independence. Confidence. Self-love. Those are just a few words that embody "girl power."

Girls' Day at City Hall

Ray Hill

"I think it's very impactful. I think it's great for women of all ages, colors and ethnicities to see different women in politics and public service," said Ray Hill, who brought her daughter to Girls' Day.

Milwaukee Alderwoman Milele Coggs hosts Girls' Day each year, connecting Milwaukee's girls with successful women in the community.

"Public service knows no gender. In which our voices are much needed. Our ideas and innovations are much needed," Coggs said.

Girls' Day at City Hall

Throughout the day, girls attended workshops on leadership development and roles in politics.

Girls' Day at City Hall

"The 'L' in 'girl' stands for leadership," said Girl Scouts Troop Leader Maria Penager.

Penager said young women should feel empowered to reach their full potential.

"I think it's important to inspire young girls to, one: look at professions in public service; and to see that women can do anything," Penager said.

Coggs says this is an investment in their future.

Girls' Day at City Hall

Nadia Planter

"She sees herself in us and believes that we can make it to where she is one day," said Nadia Planter, high school freshman.

"Let young women know there's a seat at the table for them," Coggs said.

Alderwoman Coggs said if young women and girls take just one thing away from Girls' Day, it is that they belong in leadership roles.

Girls' Day at City Hall