ROSWELL, Ga. – Empowerment is “the process of becoming stronger and more confident,” and thanks to Swift School’s inaugural Girl Boss Day, Swift’s middle division girls have a new confidence that they can achieve anything.

Girl Boss Day was the vision of Chris Pomar, head of school. Pomar asked Amanda Windsor White, president of Rugby ATL, to speak to Swift’s fifth through eighth grade female students on her career path, while also sharing encouragement.

In addition to Windsor White, Pomar asked three additional prominent females – Jennifer Gruber, Swift School board member and assistant general counsel, intellectual property for Koch Industries, La’Keitha Carlos, chief of staff to Dekalb County CEO Michael L. Thurmond, and Kim Rometo, senior vice president, chief innovation and technology officer for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena – to join the panel.

“I know these women personally and professionally,” noted Pomar. “They inspire me, so I wanted to create an opportunity for them to meet our students and for our middle division girls to know that there are no limits to what they can achieve.”

The theme of the one-hour seminar was empowering the next generation of hard-working females. Lindsey Daniell, Swift School’s physical education teacher, introduced the speakers, and eighth grader and study body president, Valentina, moderated a question and answer session with the four panelists. Valentina asked questions submitted by her peers, which focused on confidence, respect, empowerment, giving advice to your younger self, and handling difficult moments.

“It’s important for us to give back from a mentorship perspective and share our experiences,” Windsor White said. “It’s my first time speaking to this age group. Girls at this age are impressionable, and it’s rewarding to be in a position to give back like this.”

One of the most intriguing questions came when Valentina asked how the group would respond to individuals who do not believe in them or do not encourage them to follow their dreams.

The group of girls resonated with a response from La’Keitha Carter. Carter told the group, “People might not expect you to chase your dream, but that does not matter. You have to stand in your truth. Walk in the room with your head held high.”

Gruber immediately spoke up to add to Carter’s comment, adding to the idea of working hard and gaining respect. “You cannot control what they think of you,” she said. “Know that you’re there for a reason, do things with excellence, demand respect, and good things will happen.”

The event successfully showed the students that with effort and passion, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

“These are young women who will be in the workforce in a few years. To be able to tell them that they can be anything they want to be is hugely important and impactful,” Rometo noted.

Hearing from four women in prominent roles inspired the students, and plans are already in the works for a Second Annual Girl Boss Day in the spring of 2024. Interested in being part of the 2024 Girl Boss Day? Email Banks Scothorn at bscothorn@theswiftschool.org