Girl Power to honor girls who demonstrate perseverance
The community is invited to celebrate the strength and resilience of young women at Girl Power on Display, an event recognizing middle school girls who have demonstrated perseverance in overcoming challenges in their personal, academic, or extracurricular lives.
The event will be held on April 23, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Looft Hall, Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs.
Twelve girls will be honored, with twelve separate school districts submitting nominations highlighting one student who exemplifies perseverance.
Participating districts include Council Bluffs Community School District (Wilson, Kirn, and Carter Lake), Lewis Central, Children’s Square U.S.A., Underwood, Riverside, Treynor, AHSTW, Tri-Center, Woodbine, and Boyer Valley.
Brandy Wallar, CEO of New Visions Homeless Services, will serve as the featured speaker, sharing insights on perseverance and resilience.
“Each of these girls has faced challenges with courage and determination,” said Jan Creasman, president of AAUW Loess Hills Branch. “Girl Power on Display is an opportunity to recognize their strength, lift up their stories, and remind them—and our entire community—of the power of perseverance.”
The event is free and open to the public. Girl Power on Display is sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Loess Hills Branch, Iowa Western Community College, and the Community Foundation for Western Iowa.
Founded in 1881, AAUW is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.