Story

Girlhood Summit 2024

On November 2, 2024, the Ann Bancroft Foundation welcomed middle and high school girls from across Minnesota to our Girlhood Summit, an empowering day filled with exploration, connection, and inspiration.

We welcomed hundreds of girl-identifying youth and community members from across Minnesota to our Girlhood Summit, an empowering day filled with exploration, connection, and inspiration. Together, young women came together to engage in thought-provoking sessions, interactive STEM labs, and powerful mentorship circles, all while celebrating the strength of girlhood.

Highlights included:

  • Trailblazers Rising Talks – TEDx-style presentations by youth, where emerging leaders shared stories of resilience, creativity, and dreams for the future.

  • Panel of Firsts – A distinguished group of trailblazers, including prominent figures in sports, business, and social impact, shared their journeys, encouraging attendees to dream big and challenge limitations.

  • STEM Labs and Workshops – Youth participants engaged hands-on in science, technology, and creative labs designed to spark curiosity and highlight future possibilities.

  • Keynote Address by Hildie Edwards – 14-year-old Hildie captivated the audience with her vision and message on the power of youth to shape the world.

Our summit was a chance to celebrate the incredible potential of young women and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their journeys. 

Thank you to our speakers, volunteers, sponsors and partners, and especially the attendees who made this event truly unforgettable. We can’t wait to see what’s next for each of you.

Lucy Hugunin
Minneapolis, 12th grade
2025-2026 Trailblazer Fellow