Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region – Albany

Saturday 20th February, 2016 - 8:00am

Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region, Union College Women’s Union and Kenney Center hosted a Community Conversation on Thursday, February 18th from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. at College Park Hall at Union College in Schenectady. Attendees enjoyed breakfast as we hosted a panel discussion of local experts and explored the correlation between body image and self-confidence.

The media’s definition of “beauty” can lead to a poor body image and low self-esteem, which can influence every aspect of life. Learn how to help those we love, and ourselves, to shut out negative messages and embrace their individuality. Attendees had an opportunity to ask questions and were equipped with information and tools to help girls and women of all ages including themselves.

Learn more about our panelists: https://girlsinccapitalregion.org/2016/02/meet-the-panelists/

Thank you to Schenectady County Public Library for providing a list of positive body image and self-confidence books for you to share with a young girl in your life: https://girlsinccapitalregion.org/scpl-postive-body-image-booklist/

Meet the Panelists

Friday 5th February, 2016 - 8:00am

We are proud to present our breakfast and panel discussion on Thursday, February 18th. This year’s Community Conversation is You are Good Enough. Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region’s 2016 Ambassador of Positive Body Image and Self-Confidence, Miss New York Outstanding Teen Alisa Vasquez, will moderate a panel discussion. Local experts will delve into the correlation between Body Image and Self-Confidence and how to help ourselves and others be accepting, and proud, of our individuality. Below, learn more about our panelists and click here to register for the breakfast.

Simone Arrington

Simone is a 2015 graduate of the College of St. Rose. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications & Public Relations and works as a Communications Coordinator at Excelsior College. Simone is a YouTube blogger, Naturalista Neff focused on natural beauty, and encourages her more than 10,000 Capital Region followers to embrace their own natural beauty and individuality.

Andrea Foroughi
Andrea is Associate Professor of History and Director of Women’s and Gender Studies at Union College. She teaches American women’s history from colonial times through present day, the history of women’s rights and citizenship, American Indian history, and comparative North American frontiers course. Her area of research is on women and gender in settlement of American west.

Robyn King
Robyn is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) at Schenectady County Community College and specializes in civility, obesity, and positive body image. She is the author of “Eating Lunch in the Bathroom,” her own story of being bullied in school. Robyn is Girls Incorporated of the Greater Capital Region’s 2014 Anti-Bullying Ambassador. She received the National Association of Professional Women’s Professional Woman of the Year award in 2012 and 2013.

Ron Suriano

Owner of Moisture Salon in downtown Schenectady, Ron is a certified specialist in curly hair of various ethnicities. With his expert advice and education, Ron helps his clients discover renewed self-confidence when they not only love their hair but also the person in the mirror wearing it.