Posted in General GirlBoss Connect Summit

Date: 24 March 2020

Last Wednesday a select group of OHS senior students attended the GirlBoss Connect Summit here at school. We were very fortunate to not only have GirlBoss founder Alexia Hilbertidou but also five people from MPI to mentor students.

Not many 21 year olds have achieved what Alexia Hilbertidou has. She founded GirlBoss NZ at just 16 years old. She has spoken at the United Nations, met the Queen, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, attended leadership programmes in Cambridge and London, met past British Prime Ministers John Major and Theresa May and so much more!

Alexia wanted to empower and support young women, especially those studying Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Entrepreneurship programmes. When Alexia was 16, she was the only girl in her digital technology class and at 17 was the only girl studying advanced physics, a situation which she knew had to change. She wants to make sure that in the future women will make up more than the current 2% of CEO’s in NZX listed companies. Girlboss works hard to empower and support young women in their drive to the top.

Students were encouraged to aim to be the most hopeful, the most optimistic and the most ambitious people in the room at any time. Alexia told students to “never be afraid to be a little bit different. Have the confidence to stick to your passion and stay on your own path.”

Students then prepared and rehearsed their elevator pitches and worked around the room introducing themselves to our guests and to each other. Just as importantly, students were taught how to leave a conversation while making a good and memorable impression; skills which will be invaluable for a lifetime.

We wish to thank MPI for their support of this fabulous programme which Alexia and Vicky host for our very grateful students.