The event will feature an official opening ceremony to be attended by Hon. Charles Maynard, MP (Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture), who will give the keynote address.  The ceremony will be moderator by Therena Cunningham, President, S.T.R.A.W. Inc. ™ Center for Young Women ©

Break-out session presenters will include: Mr. Lionel Elliott (Director- Junior Achievement Bahamas); Mr. Spence Finlayson, Master Motivator, Mr. Wayne Johnson,  Economist, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Youth Ambassadors for Positive Living; Teorah Ferguson, College of the Bahamas and Mr. Patrick George, Youth Life Coach.  Numerous other experts will tackle such topics as: Internet Safety, Body Image, Global Citizenship and Health and Wellness.

One of the highlights of the day will include a POWER Lunch to be attended by US Ambassador Nicole Avant who will give the luncheon keynote address. 

Other special guests include Miss Gospel Bahamas, Miss Teen Bahamas World; Miss Caribbean Talented Teen and Miss Teen Caribbean Bahamas. Conference participants will represent public and private junior and senior high schools and our special schools throughout New Providence and the Family Islands. The participants this year will be entertained by Miss Anuschka Wright, Miss Lenelle Michelle (The New Face of Mime) and Giles “G-Juice” Wells.

The premise behind the theme of the conference is to deliver the message to the participants that they possess the basic ingredients (education, talent and drive) which will ensure their personal success.  During the conference, the participants will focus on building a broad knowledge base and becoming well-rounded individuals who can chart their own destiny.

The S.T.R.A.W. Inc.™ Center Young Women in Leadership Awards® will be presented once again to young women displaying exceptional achievement in academics, enterprise, community service, the arts, personal success and sports.

The purpose of the conference is to bring together high school and first year college female students and motivate them to achieve academic excellence and personal responsibility.  Young women will be have the opportunity to network, learn new skills, receive encouragement, interact with adult experts and of course have fun!

S.T.R.A.W. Inc.™ Center for Young Women© is a non-profit youth development organization located at No. 83 Mount Royal Avenue, Nassau, New Providence Bahamas.