On Friday, women from Putnam County and beyond gathered for the annual Girls Can event, held at C.L. Overturf Jr. District Center. More than 80 women participated, connecting with nearly 70 students to discuss their aspirations and provide guidance and encouragement.
This year’s event featured a powerful keynote address by Judge Angela Cox of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Speaking to the students, Judge Cox emphasized the importance of self-belief, courage, and perseverance.
“You matter,” Cox told the students. “If no one has ever told you that you matter, we're telling you that today — your well-being matters, your future matters, your life matters.”
Following the keynote address, students participated in small group discussions with women from diverse professional backgrounds, including healthcare, business ownership, accounting, and the judiciary. The girls had the opportunity to ask questions about career paths, personal growth, and overcoming obstacles. Many students shared their dreams of becoming therapists, scientists, welders, and other professionals.
On Friday, women from Putnam County and beyond gathered to inspire and motivate local 10th- and 11th-grade girls to pursue their dreams at the annual Girls Can event, held at C.L. Overturf Jr. District Center. More than 80 women participated, connecting with nearly 70 students to discuss their aspirations and provide guidance and encouragement.
Founded in 2017, the Girls Can event aims to connect female students with accomplished women in a variety of professional fields, offering mentorship and support. After a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event made its return last year and continues to serve as a platform for empowerment and inspiration.
This year’s event featured a powerful keynote address by Judge Angela Cox of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Speaking to the students, Judge Cox emphasized the importance of self-belief, courage, and perseverance.
“You have women here today with years and years of experience, professional experience and life experience,” Cox told the students. “We have learned through our collective lived experiences that girls can when they believe in themselves, have courage and never quit. You matter. If no one has ever told you that you matter, we're telling you that today — your well-being matters, your future matters, your life matters.”
Following the keynote address, students participated in small group discussions with women from diverse professional backgrounds, including healthcare, business ownership, accounting, and the judiciary. The girls had the opportunity to ask questions about career paths, personal growth, and overcoming obstacles. Many students shared their dreams of becoming therapists, scientists, welders, and other professionals.
Denise Bramlitt, co-owner of Bramlitt Plumbing & Electric and executive director of Feed the Need of Putnam County, shared her own journey and offered words of encouragement. “It wasn’t until my grandchildren were born that I realized I was in control of my life,” Bramlitt said. “I was the keeper of me. … When you decide you need to do something or want to do something in your life, you can make that win happen. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be with a job or going to college. It can just be the simplest things in your life.”
The Girls Can event continues to be a powerful and uplifting experience, showing students that with belief in themselves and the right support, they can achieve their goals and shape their futures. The event’s return reaffirms the commitment of Putnam County to nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
The Girls Can event continues to be a powerful and uplifting experience, showing students that with belief in themselves and the right support, they can achieve their goals and shape their futures. The event’s return reaffirms the commitment of Putnam County to nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
#ProudtobePCSD