120 grade six students from South Okanagan Middle Schools will come together today for the Power of Being a Girl Conference.

The conference is a first for Penticton but has been a staple in Kelowna for the past seven years.

The event is hosted by the YMCA-YWCA Okanagan thanks to a one time grant for the South Okanagan Women in Need Society as Events Director Kelly Howard explains.

"They were able to connect us to these people who are also passionate about girl empowerment programs and put this program together. They are arranging the speakers and the volunteers to come out."

The day will focus on esteem building, personal safety and healthy self expression.

"We have internet safety, Daryl Meyers coming out, we have welcome addresses with key note speakers, Brenda Peters is coming out to launch the conference. We have self esteem art projects that we've put together, a big power walk and a hip hop event."

The conference will be held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre from 9:30 AM until 2 PM.

For more information visit www.ymca-ywca.com/community-events/pbg.

Anita Sthankiya -Penticton