A forum for young women to see “what real female leadership and empowerment looks like” afforded an eye-opening experience across three days to a record number of middle school pupils.

The annual conference, She Leads, was launched in 2019 through a partnership between Bermuda High School and HSBC Bermuda for young women heading into their final year of high school.

In 2023, the programme was expanded to welcome younger students to explore personal growth and leadership skills.

Christyn Simons, co-ordinator for She Leads, said the conference, which took place from March 31 through April 2 at the BHS campus, “introduces them to women in leadership as well as to real information and experiences to help them build their own leadership journeys”.

She added: “It was a pleasure to be part of curating this experience for this middle school cohort, watching them be open to new people and experiences, stretching themselves and growing with each day of the conference.

“The goal is for this to have been an investment in not only their individual futures, but in the future of woman in leadership.”

The conference mixes hands-on experience and workshops with guest speakers.

Participants got to forge friendships and pick up new skills, from learning about healthy relationships to healthy eating and cooking.

Workshops included self-determination, goal-setting and resilience, and a career panel with HSBC executives that came with a course in financial literacy.

The conference culminated in a volunteering session led by Omar Dill, of the charity Home Bermuda.

On their final afternoon, students welcomed invited guests to view their self-expression projects, which they created over the course of the conference to showcase their learning.

Lesley Cox, the BHS board chairwoman, said the school was “excited” to continue its partnership with HSBC with an event to “empower young women and develop their potential to stand out with confidence and purpose as they navigate the world around them”.

Activities were designed to encourage “self-expression, self-reflection and personal growth”, developing confidence and a sense of purpose while giving young participants an opportunity to build their social skills.

Carol Swainson, the head of school, thanked HSBC for its sponsorship.

She added: “This is an ideal age to have an impact on their growth and development, empowering them to invest in themselves and gain the tools to achieve their goals.

“From yoga to friendship, they learnt concrete strategies to use when faced with decisions, rejection and life’s hurdles that must be overcome.”

Osheah Douglas, of Dellwood Middle School, called it “an amazing experience”, adding: “We learnt how to become our best selves and were exposed to new and creative opportunities.”

Caylin Harshaw, of BHS, said she had signed up to meet new people.

“The programme has introduced me to girls I would never have met otherwise,” she said.

Tjaia Butler, of Sandys Secondary Middle School, gave the conference high marks.

She added: “My experience has been very good, and everything was well organised and put together.”

Judy Doidge, of HSBC, said the company was committed to providing opportunities to support girls in “shaping our society”.

She thanked the BHS Charitable Trust for its commitment to the programme.

“Together, we’re fostering a future where every girl can thrive and lead in confidence,” she said.

Applications are now being accepted for the summer She Leads programme from June 30 to July 4 at BHS for young women at all schools on the island who will enter their final year of high school in September.

Details are available through the BHS website.