Allergan Aesthetics, Girls Inc. Debut Nationwide Mentoring Initiative

Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, announced yesterday a partnered with Girls Inc. for its third consecutive year.¹ Along with this partnership is the debut of the nationwide mentoring initiative, the Empowering Confidence Workshops. 

The virtual workshops will partner high school aged girls with female physicians who will offer career guidance and help develop their skills as they consider higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

“Empowering the next generation of future leaders is a critical imperative to our future success,” says Carrie Strom, senior vice president, AbbVie and president, global Allergan Aesthetics, Irvine, California. “Allergan Aesthetics is proud to partner with Girls Inc. and provide these girls access to educational resources to help them navigate their future leadership potential and pursue opportunities in the world of STEM.” 

This workshop was created in response to first year findings reported by Girls Inc. citing a comparison study conducted by the American Institutes for Research to evaluate the impact of Girls Inc. 

It was found that 91% of girls aged 5-12 describe themselves as creative, and an interest in STEM might not align with their self-perception. Meaning, many girls do not view STEM as a creative field. Many girls who know a man in STEM have a greater understanding of how to purse a STEM career and the relevance of STEM to future success.

Reportedly, 61% of girls said they would like to be in charge, but 46% report not speaking their minds or disagreeing with others because they want to be seen as likable. Also, the prevalence of depression and anxiety is increasing among teen girls in the US and 93% of girls surveyed said they would offer help to a friend who was sad, stressed, or depressed, but only 71% said they would reach out to a friend for help if they felt the same way.

“Research shows that there is still critical work to be done to address the barriers that lead to the underrepresentation of young women pursuing STEM majors in college and STEM-related careers,” says Stephanie J. Hull, president and CEO of Girls Inc., New York, New York. “We are grateful to Allergan Aesthetics for their continued support and involvement in our programming. The dedication of such accomplished professionals to encourage young girls to become future leaders in STEM and beyond has a profound influence on their attitudes and drive for success.”

The 1-hour workshops with begin in September and enrolled girls ages 13-18 from Atlanta, Georgia, Houston, Texas, and New York, New York. The focus of these workshops will be career choice, leadership, and mindfulness with each session including a breakout discussion designed to encourage dialogue. This dialogue will help promote skill development to focus on career goals, create passions, and establish relationships with women in STEM, according to a press release announcing the workshops.

With a focus on mental health, the workshops will begin with exercises led by Faith Hunter, meditation expert and author of Spiritually Fly: Wisdom, Meditation and Yoga to Elevate Your Soul. Also, all participants will be given subscriptions to Headspace and Audible. 

Reference:

1. Allergan aesthetics continues partnership with girls inc. To empower confidence in high school-aged girls interested in stem. Cision PR Newswire. Press release. July 21, 2021. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allergan-aesthetics-continues-partnership-with-girls-inc-to-empower-confidence-in-high-school-aged-girls-interested-in-stem-301338540.html