Lakewood High School teamed up with the Lakewood League of Women Voters on Sept. 30 to host an empowering Women in Politics Forum for a gathering of over 50 young women from grades 9-12. The event featured an inspiring panel of trailblazing leaders including U.S. Congresswoman Rep. Shontel Brown, State Sen. Nickie Antonio, Cuyahoga County Council Vice President Cheryl Stephens and Sarah Kepple, President of Lakewood City Council.

President and owner Vanessa Tey Iosue of Burges & Burges Strategists and Sen. Antonio’s senior legislative aide Mia Barnes also shared their unique journeys working behind the scenes. Each speaker discussed their pathways, the challenges they overcame, and their hopes for the future—all while empowering and encouraging our students to get involved and make an impact in their democracy.

Shout out to Social Studies teachers Ron Lewis and Lauren Flynn for championing this event with League of Women Voters member and Lakewood Councilwoman Cindy Strebig Cindy Strebig and to Tric-C Democracy Fellow and moderator Sylvia Snow-Rackley. It was a fabulous morning for our students filled with motivation and wisdom for the next generation of leaders!