Many young women facing academic or personal challenges struggle to see themselves in leadership roles. They often lack the opportunity to witness government in action or understand how laws affect their daily lives. True confidence requires hands-on experience. Young women need chances to use their voices and see exactly how policies take shape.
Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach solves this problem by providing education, counseling, and direct advocacy. Recently, Pace Palm Beach students and staff traveled to Tallahassee for Pace Day at the Capitol. The girls met with legislators, joined policy discussions, and toured local colleges. We sit down with Executive Director Mindy Hanken to discuss this trip and how it prepares girls for long-term success.
Q: Pace Day at the Capitol gives girls a front-row seat to the legislative process. What were the primary goals for the girls from Pace Palm Beach during this trip to Tallahassee?
Mindy Hanken: For the girls from Pace Palm Beach, the trip was about more than visiting the Capitol—it was an opportunity to see themselves as leaders, understand that their voices have value, and recognize that they can make a meaningful difference in their communities and in the lives of other girls.
Q: The girls had the chance to meet with members of the Florida House and Senate. How does this direct interaction with elected officials change their understanding of civic duty?
Mindy Hanken: Meeting directly with members of the Florida House and Senate transforms civic duty from an abstract concept into a personal experience. Instead of simply learning about government in a classroom, the girls see firsthand that elected officials are real people who listen, ask questions, and make decisions that affect their lives.
These conversations help the girls understand that civic engagement is about more than voting when they become adults—it is about speaking up, sharing their experiences, and advocating for issues that matter to them and their communities. They learn that their voices have value and that policymakers want to hear from the people they represent.
For many Pace girls, this experience is especially empowering. By telling their stories and discussing the challenges and successes they have experienced at Pace, they gain confidence in their ability to influence change. They begin to see themselves not just as students, but as leaders, advocates, and engaged citizens.
Ultimately, the trip reinforces an important lesson: democracy works best when people participate. The girls leave Tallahassee with a greater appreciation for their rights and responsibilities as future voters, community leaders, and changemakers, understanding that even one conversation can help shape public policy and improve opportunities for girls across Florida.
Q: During the visit, the girls took part in a mock debate and heard from a "Women in Politics" panel. What stood out as the most valuable lesson for the students during these exercises?
Mindy Hanken: During the mock debate, the students learned that effective advocacy isn't about winning an argument; it's about listening respectfully, thinking critically, supporting ideas with facts, and communicating with confidence. They experienced firsthand how public policy is shaped through discussion, collaboration, and compromise.
The "Women in Politics" panel reinforced another important lesson: there is no single path to leadership. Hearing from women serving in government demonstrated that perseverance, resilience, and authenticity are just as important as expertise. The panelists showed the girls that women can lead at the highest levels of government and that their unique perspectives and life experiences are valuable assets.
Perhaps the greatest takeaway was that their voices matter. The girls left these experiences with a stronger belief that they do not have to wait until they are older to make a difference. Whether advocating for themselves, their families, or their communities, they learned that informed, courageous voices can create meaningful change—and that one day, they could be the leaders making those decisions themselves.
Q: The trip also included tours of Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College, and Florida A&M. Why is college and career readiness such a vital part of this legislative visit?
Mindy Hanken: College and career readiness is an essential part of the Pace Day at the Capitol experience because it helps the girls connect today's opportunities with tomorrow's possibilities. While the legislative activities teach them how to influence change in their communities, the college visits encourage them to envision a future where they are prepared to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Q: Pace has supported young women for nearly 40 years. How does teaching these girls to advocate for themselves at the state level align with your broader mission?
Mindy Hanken: For nearly 40 years, Pace has focused on helping girls build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. Self-advocacy is one of the most important life skills they can develop. When girls learn how to communicate their experiences, ask thoughtful questions, and engage respectfully with decision-makers, they begin to recognize that their voices have value and that they have the ability to influence positive change.
The experience in Tallahassee is about more than government—it's about empowerment. Many of our girls arrive at Pace believing they are not heard or that their opinions don't matter. Meeting with legislators, participating in discussions, and sharing their personal stories helps change that perspective. They leave knowing that their lived experiences can inform decisions and that they have the right and the responsibility to participate in their communities.
This aligns directly with Pace's broader mission because our goal is not simply to help girls succeed while they are enrolled in our program. We want them to leave Pace as confident, engaged, and compassionate leaders who advocate for themselves, support others, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. When a girl discovers the power of her own voice, she carries that confidence into her education, her career, her relationships, and her future. That is the lasting impact Pace strives to create.
This trip to the Florida Capitol is more than just a standard field trip. It acts as a starting point for personal growth. By taking part in the legislative process and seeing higher education options firsthand, the girls at Pace Palm Beach build practical self-advocacy skills. The experience proves that when young women get a seat at the table, they take the initiative to become active leaders in their communities.
Organizations that focus on both academic and emotional development remain essential for young women facing unique challenges. Creating direct avenues for civic engagement ensures that the voices of these future leaders receive attention. Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach stands as a strong example of how targeted advocacy and education can change life trajectories and build stronger communities.
To learn more visit https://www.pacecenter.org/