March 13 was a busy day at the state capitol as forty middle and high-school-aged girls and non-binary students from across the region traveled there for the Girls on the Hill event. The students represented Centralia High School, Oakville School District, Olympia High School, and George Bush Middle School.
ESD 113 partnered with the Washington State Women’s Commission (WSWC) for the event, which was part of WSWC’s Activate 3.8 campaign. The campaign aims to “improve the social well-being and economic growth of 3.8 million Washington women.”
Through their “Pay Equity Messaging Tour,” WSWC hopes to inspire school-aged girls and non-binary students by increasing visibility and accessibility to careers where women are underrepresented.
The day began with the students meeting state officials, including Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, WSWC Policy Advisor Grace Huang, State Treasurer Mike Pellicotti and two inspiring women on his staff, and State Senators Vandana Slatter and Tina Orwall. They also toured Governor Bob Ferguson’s office.
The latter part of the event featured five rotating activities for the students. These events were hosted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Washington State Patrol.
These activities focused on marine life and their environment, crime laboratory stations and the types of evidence they handle, the importance of hand washing and how to facilitate hand washing behavior, and how vessel impacts impact our local orca population.
Girls on the Hill was a rousing success in connecting young students with women in high-paying and growing careers across various agencies in our state government.
Photo Credit: Washington State Women’s Commission
