Jill Biden is recognizing 15 young women as part of the inaugural Girls Leading Change event held at the White House to mark International Day of the Girl.
The more than 20 recipients, announced by the White House on Wednesday, were selected by the White House Gender Policy Council for their work “leading change and shaping a brighter future in communities across America.”
Among the honorees is Jazmin Cazares, an 18-year-old who became a gun violence prevention activist after her sister Jackie was killed in the 2022 mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
Leela Marie Haidieh, author of Changes in the Weather and climate change activist, Zahra Rahimi, a 17-year-old refugee and resettlement advocate, and Julia Garnett, a 17-year-old book ban opponent, also won. I am among the people.
“I am honored to celebrate this exceptional group of ‘women leading change’ at the White House,” Biden said in a statement about the event Wednesday afternoon.
“These young women are protecting and preserving the planet, writing and sharing heart-changing stories, and turning pain into purpose,” the first lady said.
“Together, they represent the potential of young people across the country, and I hope others can learn from their innovation, strength, and the power of hope,” Biden said.
In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly voted to observe October 11 of each year as International Day of the Girl Girl to “recognize the rights of girls and the unique challenges they face around the world.”
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