RIVERSIDE, CALIF. – “Be Kind, Smart, Focused, Strong, Empowered” is the theme for the 16th Annual Empowering Young Women Conference, a collaborative effort of the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation, the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, Riverside City College, Riverside Police Foundation, Blumenthal Law Offices, and Riverside Unified School District.  The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2017 in the Landis Auditorium located on the Riverside City College campus at 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA.

This free conference, geared to young women ages 12 – 21 and their mothers/guardians, will feature informational workshops about health, nutrition, domestic violence, human trafficking, personal safety, self-image and dress, college and careers as well as a fashion show, a poetry contest, and a talent competition.

The morning keynote speaker, Sara Kruzan, a former victim of human trafficking, will share her story to motivate, educate and inspire conference participants. Opal Singleton, author and expert on human trafficking, will be our afternoon keynote speaker. Among the workshop presenters are Dr. Leita Harris, professor at UC Riverside’s School of Medicine, Andrea Bogan, author and motivational speaker; and Desiree Wroten, Special Projects Manager to Congressman Mark Takano, to name a few.

The afternoon career panel includes Dr. Judy White recently appointed Riverside County Superintendent of Schools; Michelle Carpenter, prominent attorney with Stronghold Engineering in Riverside; Aretha Scruggs, vocalist, entertainment industry specialist and adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University, and Virginia Blumenthal, president of the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees and one of the top 100 lawyers in the nation and other notable female leaders and entrepreneurs. These dynamic and accomplished women will share their experiences and the steps they took to achieve their personal and career goals with the conference participants.

Conference Coordinator, Wanda Scruggs said, “We are very excited about this year’s conference as we have a cadre of excellent keynote and workshop speakers willing to share their knowledge and personal experiences with the young women. Participants will receive breakfast, lunch, a goodie bag and information on everything from how to defend themselves to identifying human traffic perpetrators — and all at no cost, thanks to the generosity of our wonderful sponsors”.

Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz said, “The Empowering Young Women Conference is a wonderful opportunity to expose young women to inspiring role models. The participants also receive practical advice for academic and professional success. I’m proud that the Riverside Police Department is able to contribute to the conference”.

All conference participants will receive a free continental breakfast, lunch, a goodie-filled tote bag and opportunities for great door prizes. Participants are requested to pre-register no later than Wednesday, April 19 at www.empoweringyoungwomenconference.com.

About The Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation
The Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation (formerly Riverside Black History Parade Committee) is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization established in honor of founders Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts. The foundation focuses on the development of events and activities such as: the Riverside Black History Parade, Expo and Car Show; Empowering Young Women’s Conference, and the Back-to-School Back Pack Giveaway event, which promotes positive family and cultural interaction in a cross section of communities.