JACKSONVILLE – Nearly 1,000 girls and women from Clay, Duval and St. Johns counties will unite for an afternoon experience designed to help girls’ build leadership skills, gain confidence, foster deeper connections and elevate their voices while bolstering self-esteem. Generation WOW is a program where girls, the leaders of tomorrow, come together with women, the leaders of today, to share the wow by forming mentor connections that will reap long lasting benefits.

Generation WOW encourages girls to believe in the positive and the possible and strive to boldly live their best lives, crucial lessons in today's social climate. Research on the impact of mentoring reveals benefits are two-fold: strengthening life, career and personal skills and competencies for mentees, and strengthening listening and interpersonal skills and increasing job satisfaction among mentors. Mentorship shows girls and women that they are not alone. A recent Dove self-esteem study reveals both girls and women struggle with issues of self-confidence and self-esteem.

• Eight in 10 women and girls report they feel pressure to never make a mistake or show weakness.

• Eight in 10 teen girls say they avoid normal daily activities, such as raising their hand to share their opinion or attending school when they feel bad about their looks.

• Seven in 10 teen girls believe they are not good enough, don’t measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school, and in their relationships with friends and family.

• Seven in 10 teen girls say they have lacked assertiveness or wavered in a decision when faced with opposition.

Between elementary school and high school, girls’ self-esteem drops 3.5 times more than boys, according to a LeanIn study.

At this year’s Generation WOW, 600 girls between the ages of 13-18 will join 300 women who are already leading in their communities, homes and workplaces for a day of authentic connection that is the hallmark of the Generation WOW program. Generation WOW is set for Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. at the University of North Florida’s Lazzara Performance Theatre.

The Generation WOW experience will feature inspiring speakers, interactive activities, and topics that are relevant to young girls today. Exposure to diverse career pathways, leadership development, mentorship, healthy living, goal-setting and decision-making are just a few of the key issues that will be explored during the afternoon. The event will culminate with the signature Geraldine Mentor Walk on the campus of UNF, providing an opportunity for mentees and mentors to deepen their connections, trade insights, share personal stories and give advice.

Generation WOW mentors come from all walks of life, and their motivations for mentoring are powerful stories that touch hearts.

“I want to mentor because I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. I have been so very blessed and I feel that this opportunity will allow me to give back and be there for someone, like others have been there for me,” a Vystar Credit Union employee said during a recent mentor training session.

All mentor volunteers complete background screenings and mentor training before the event. Generation WOW provides a trusted and inspiring experience that will forge relationships, fuel dreams and deliver results that enhance young girls’ lives and help them realize their value and full potential.