Young Women’s Leadership Conference at CAPS Inspires Next Generation of Change-Makers

WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) recently welcomed the Young Women’s Leadership Conference (YWLC) to Danforth campus in partnership with the Pangea Network. The program brought together 18 high school students from 8 different schools across the St. Louis region for a week of leadership development, mentorship and community-building.  Guided by the Pangea Network’s curriculum, participants gained practical leadership skills and launched their Take Action Challenges (TACs) — community-based projects designed to channel each student’s passions into real-world impact.

Building Leaders, Building Community

The young women who attended the conference identified issues close to their hearts and translated them into mission-driven action. Their TACs ranged from improving mental health awareness and promoting equity in education to addressing environmental sustainability and creating spaces for young women’s voices to be heard. One participant captured the spirit of the week with her mission statement: “I want to empower my peers to see their own potential and take ownership of change in our community.” Another focused on fostering inclusivity in schools, noting: “Every student deserves to feel like they belong, no matter their background.” These individual projects reflect the broader CAPS commitment to the “In St. Louis, For St. Louis” initiative, which strengthens the region by supporting education, equity and community leadership at every level.

A Partnership with Purpose

Hosting the YWLC though CAPS aligns with the school’s mission to empower modern learners and expand access to transformative education. By opening WashU’s doors to these young women, CAPS provided a platform for them to grow as leaders and imagine new possibilities for their futures. “This type of work is truly In St. Louis, For St. Louis,” said the event’s organizer. “We can’t wait to see the impact each participant has in their community. The hope is to host the program again next year and inspire even more young women when they step on our campus.”