The Treasure Coast Girls Coalition hosted a Girls to Greatness luncheon at the Pointe West Country Club that reaffirmed its mission to plant the seeds of strength and purpose among young women with programs designed to help them reach their full potential. Guests enjoyed a lovely luncheon against a décor of brilliant yellow, the color of the nonprofit’s signature sunflowers. The vibrant color scheme served as a reminder to program participants that they have the potential to be future leaders, as long as they stay rooted in a solid community and reach toward the sun. Founded by Shala Edwards in 2001, TCGC serves girls ages 9 to 18 who are from economically challenged households in the county, living at or below the poverty threshold. Afterschool and summer enrichment programs are focused on education, elevation and empowerment, including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math), digital literacy, emotional intelligence, leadership development, and experiential learning. Vashonte King, the mother of a 15-year-old girl, shared her appreciation for TCGC and spoke of the impact it has had on her daughter during these formative years. She also commented on the abundance of negative influences for children these days. King, who said she was thrilled when Edwards founded the nonprofit, said her once timid daughter has blossomed into a confident leader. The Treasure Coast Girls Coalition’s safe, supportive environment has empowered her to express herself, develop meaningful relationships, and gain important life skills. “It is amazing to see how these experiences have shaped her into a more confident young woman, with a stronger sense of purpose and ambition for her future,” said King. After several young ladies spoke of how the Treasure Coast Girls Coalition has impacted their lives, Edwards commended them. She noted how difficult it can be to talk in front of a group of people and stressed the importance of overcoming that fear of public speaking. Edwards said that it is a skill which they actively promote, explaining that by broadening the girls’ experiences, they can become valued members of the community. Keynote speaker Eric Seymour, who retired this January after a 34-year career in education, spoke of the difficulties young adults face today. “It’s about friendships and good decisions,” said Seymour, also emphasizing the importance of a supportive community. He reflected on his own upbringing in Gifford, a neighborhood where every adult on the street was a guiding figure. This same sense of community support is what TCGC aims to replicate, and is what makes the program successful. Seymour said that when he worked at Lincoln Park Academy, he had the pleasure of working under Gerri Smith, a strong female role model who he credits with giving him “the fundamentals of being a true leader in education.” He learned the importance of building relationships and connections, carrying that attribute throughout his career. “Relationships generate character. Character improves the students’ self-advocacy, priorities, and helps them feel good about themselves.” Seymour reflected that Edwards, who he knew as a student, has lived the same struggles as her program participants and, as a result, has been able to build a program to support them. For more information, visit GirlsCoalition.org. <em>Photos by Joshua Kodis</em> [gallery ids="219017,219018,219019,219020,219021,219022,219023,219024,219025,219026,219027,219028,219029,219030,219031,219032"]