This Girl Can- A Workforce Solution Strategy in Action

As part of the Greater Vidalia® Workforce Development Strategy 2021, the “This Girl Can” initiative Development Strategy’s second priority) has been completed and was a great success! The program was chaired by Paige Williamson, Director of Toombs Family Connection, in an effort to introduce middle school girls in our area to non-traditional, local pathways for women. Beginning November 1st, the students experienced pathways in robotics, truck driving, welding, automotive, electronics technology, and even a session with a female lineman with Georgia Power. The students graduated on December 2nd and were all very proud of their accomplishments. “Thursday night we honored the very first graduates of This Girl Can in the auditorium at Southeastern Technical College”, said Williamson. “Helen Thomas of STC expressed the college’s excitement to partner with the Greater Vidalia® Chamber and Family Connection to provide young female students with hands-on experience in non-traditional career pathways for women. Rep. Leesa Hagan, our keynote speaker, encouraged participants to follow their dreams and utilize the knowledge they’ve gained to inform their decisions moving forward. Rep. Hagan is a perfect example of a woman smashing the proverbial glass ceiling. She is the very first woman to represent District 156 in the Georgia House of Representatives and what a wonderful inspiration she is. We heard testimonials from two of our awesome participants, Gracie Green and Katie Edguardo and all participants received a certificate of completion, a TGC T-shirt, and a stainless steel water bottle.”