13th annual Girls' Day at Milwaukee City Hall inspires the next generation of female leaders

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For the 13th year, the city of Milwaukee is welcoming a group of young women to spend a day at City Hall.

It's an opportunity for students to engage with powerful women who have dedicated their lives to public service.

More than 200 middle and high school girls were in attendance, to be inspired and learn from female leaders in our community.

Joceline Sanchez, an 8th grader at Bruce-Guadalupe Community School, said she was excited about the day.

"I wanted to come to Girls' Day to learn about people's passions and careers, maybe more jobs to see what it's like and what I could do in the future," she said.

Mixtli Murillo is also an 8th grader at Bruce-Guadalupe Community School. She said this is her third year attending and each year she learns a lot about different careers and the panelists she connects with.

"Too often, women, in order to run for office, wait to be asked. I hope that the middle school and high school-aged young ladies here today see this whole event as 'the ask,' and that they decide for themselves if they want a life of service," said Milele Coggs, District 6 Alderwoman and Girls' Day founder.

Alderwoman Coggs says the day is about introducing young women to leaders in public office and public service through informative panel discussions and networking.

More than a dozen panelists were eager to share their knowledge and experiences with the next generation.

Panelists included Wisconsin Supreme Court Judge Rebecca Dallet, Milwaukee Public Schools Board Director Aisha Carr, Glendale 1st District Alderwoman Tomika Vukovic, and many more.

"It's my favorite day of the year in City Hall, to have all of these young women here, excited to learn about city government and how they can serve our community. It's such an exciting and electrifying day," said Milwaukee District 14 alderwoman and panelist.

Alderwoman Coggs says Girls' Day gets bigger and better each year and is recovering quickly from changes made during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.