The Sri Lankan Youth Organization (SLYO), a 501(c) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and molding them into the leaders of tomorrow, put together the International Women’s Day Conference that took place on March 5th, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA. The conference was intended to embolden young women and equip them with the knowledge and resources to overcome and navigate challenging life circumstances. The event was sponsored by longtime sponsors, Kinecta Federal Credit Union.
SLYO partnered with the Lighthouse Organization to feature a fashion show celebrating domestic violence survivors and invited some women to share their inspirational stories. Prominent community members attended the conference as speakers including Senator Vanessa Delgado who spoke on finding and pursuing your passion, Lully Noble and Loria Frometa from Kinecta Federal Credit Union spoke on the importance of financial literacy, Sherine Zaza gave a motivational and inspirational speech, and the conference closed with a yoga session from Manuri Ranasinghe where she taught useful everyday yoga poses.
A variety of female entrepreneurs and small business owners from baked goods(Bakedwithkat) tocandles(Shopavalit), books(Milestorow, Good Day Sri Lanka, Mindset Service), and jewelry(ProKreatebyKara, Alejandra Garcia Jewelry Collection) were highlighted, and given the opportunity to advertise and sell their products at the conference. We believe this conference had a strong impact on empowering women in the community to be bold, brave, and #BreakTheBias.
Photo Credit: @Tom Barette