G3 Sonoma Mother-Daughter Day on Jan. 28

We asked the moderators and presenters what they see as the key challenges and opportunities facing young women today.|

Recommended reading from the G3 speakers

“The 5 Love Languages of Children” – Abodeely

“The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran – Dale Jernigan

“The Mindful Teen: Powerful Skills to Help You Handle Stress One Moment at a Time” – Givanelli

“Dharma Parenting” by Robert Keith Wallace and Fred Travis - O'Bryan

The Sonoma Valley-based G3 (Gather, Grow, Go) series of conferences is tackling timely topics this weekend as it gathers speakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing today's young women at its Mother-Daughter Day workshop. The moderators and speakers on Sunday include G3 co-founders Piper Abodeely and Michelle Dale Jernigan as well as Sonoma Valley High senior Megan James, child-yoga practitioner Leslie Giovanelli, Theater School founder Libby Oberlin and Heart Without Borders founder Shannon O'Bryan. The purpose of the day is to give mothers and daughters an opportunity to connect with each other and to discuss some key challenges and opportunities facing young women. The Index-Tribune asked the presenters and moderators for some examples.

Libby Oberlin: 'The social norms that girls today grow up being a part of are so vastly different than any previous generation that it can be hard for parents to understand or relate. When there is a screen hiding our face, a perfectly tailored profile picture, or even a screen name different from the name we are given, there can be a detachment between young people, which inhibits their ability to meaningfully connect with another person. This can cause girls to feel isolated, misunderstood and detached from truly connecting with those they care about.

'Though this generation of girls has a whole new set of challenges, the beauty of this day and age, is that the facts are there for them to learn from. It's no longer a secret that social media is affecting people negatively, hindering relationships and self-esteem. It's no longer a secret that bullying goes on in schools when it is posted to YouTube for us all to see. It's no longer a secret that women and girls are treated differently in an educational setting as well as in their careers. This generation has power in the knowledge that is being shared.'

Leslie Giovanelli: 'The greatest opportunity I see is that there are so many strong female role models and leaders in the media now… I am hopeful that girls today feel more empowered to have a strong voice and to aim for goals that aren't just reserved for females historically.

Shannon O'Bryan: 'I think the greatest challenge for any parent is empowering and inspiring our children to truly step out from behind any kind of mask that they feel moved to hide behind and to be wildly and proudly who they are... to raise their beautiful voices for all to hear no matter who is telling them their voice is wrong along the way.

'There have never been more opportunities for women than there are now even in our countries current political state. It is such an exciting time for women to really step out and be change-makers... We need to fearlessly step into our feminine natures and lead from a place of balance. We have to then educate others on what this looks like and hold their hands as they step into that scary place of simply being ourselves.'

Megan James: 'The greatest challenge that I face as a young woman is balance. Balancing school with my extra curriculars, preparing for college, being an older sister and a friend. On the other hand, the greatest opportunity that I have as a young woman is having the chance to try out whatever hobbies I want, and to begin to pursue whatever career that I truly see fit for me.'

Piper Abodeely: 'My biggest challenge is supporting the balance of how to leverage the innovative opportunities that are being offered to our children while preserving the foundation of who we are through our values, morals, etc. It is important that my children be in touch with their roots as a place to 'jump' from as they embrace the many elements in growing selves.'

Michelle Dale Jernigan: 'One of the greatest challenges facing parents of girls is the fact that there is so much 'outside noise.' So many avenues of information telling and or showing them so many different things. Media, social media, friends, society etc...When I refer to outside noise I also mean that having too much influence, of any kind, can sometimes quiet their own intuition, heart and mind.

'I think the greatest opportunity is to support other females and welcome the differences in each other. Building each other up while climbing to greater heights yourself is powerful and essential for this generation. Doing so with compassion and confidence is an important opportunity.'

The G3 Mother-Daughter Day runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28 at Ramekins. Learn more or reserve a spot at g3sonoma.com.

Recommended reading from the G3 speakers

“The 5 Love Languages of Children” – Abodeely

“The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran – Dale Jernigan

“The Mindful Teen: Powerful Skills to Help You Handle Stress One Moment at a Time” – Givanelli

“Dharma Parenting” by Robert Keith Wallace and Fred Travis - O'Bryan

UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy:
  • This is a family newspaper, please use a kind and respectful tone.
  • No profanity, hate speech or personal attacks. No off-topic remarks.
  • No disinformation about current events.
  • We will remove any comments — or commenters — that do not follow this commenting policy.