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Jan
19

Pace Center for Girls: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders at the Florida Capitol

At Pace Center for Girls, we understand the extraordinary strength that each of our girls possesses individually, but we firmly believe that we are stronger together. When we collaborate, uplift one another, and unite for a common cause, we can achieve remarkable things. This unity and collective determination were on full display at the recent Pace Day at the Capitol event.

More than 100 Pace girls from across the state met with members of the Florida House, Florida Senate and other elected officials and leaders to share the impact of Pace’s model. Their presence and enthusiasm were not only a testament to the potential within them but also a celebration of the impact they can have on shaping a brighter future.

“I learned a lot about myself at Pace Day at the Capitol. I grew the confidence to stand up in front of my peers and tell my story. All the legislators made me feel comfortable. I know I’m part of a larger community and can share my experiences to create a positive impact for future generations. I’m proud of myself,” shared Annabel, a freshman at Pace Alachua.

“The Women in Politics panel really inspired me. They shared the importance of working hard to achieve your dreams. Because of Pace Day at the Capitol, I learned how much our voices matter and how important it is to lift our voices to advocate for ourselves,” shared Aaleigh, 14, a Pace girl from Collier.

“I loved meeting girls from across the state of Florida at Pace Day at the Capitol. They are so motivating, and their energy is great,” shared Alyssa, a Pace girl from Broward.

These heartfelt reflections from the young girls themselves showcase the profound impact of Pace Day at the Capitol. It’s not just about learning; it’s about finding their voices and realizing their potential as future leaders.

During two days of meetings, training and programs, girls learned about policymaking, ways to effectively advocate for themselves, and participated in a mock Senate session. Girls heard from Adrienne Johnston, President and CEO of Career Source Florida, Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Eric Hall, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and Sen. Jennifer Bradley, Chair of Criminal Justice Appropriations.  

A panel including members of the Pace Board of Trustees focused on Women in Politics and outlined the panelists path to their current role in politics and encouraged Pace girls to set goals and consider multiple career paths. The panel included Brittany Perkins Castillo, Chair of Pace’s Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer of AshBritt Environmental, Marva Johnson, Vice Chair of Pace’s Board of Trustees and Group Vice President, State Government Affairs for Charter Communications, Stephanie Smith, Vice President, State and Regional Affairs, TECO, and was moderated by Tracy Mayernick, of The Mayernick Group.  

Pace’s work has positively impacted the lives of more than 40,000 girls and over the past decade has contributed to a more than 60% decrease in the number of girls that are referred to Florida’s juvenile justice system. Eight out of 10 girls that attend Pace graduate from high school, pursue higher education or secure employment after the program.  

Pace Day at the Capitol was made possible thanks to a community of support who believe in the great in every girl, including Capital City Consulting, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, AmTrust Insurance, Charter Communications, The Mayernick Group and the Florida Lottery.

Dec
20

Once a Pace Girl, Always a Pace Girl

A Conversation with Anita Crumbacker, Pace Class of 1985

In 1985, Pace Center for Girls, then called Practical and Cultural Education, was a new organization looking to help girls in the juvenile justice system by giving them an education and a new outlook on life.

“I didn’t want to go to school. I wanted to be like every other young person that I was around. I wanted to be free, do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it,” shared Anita Crumbacker, who had run away from home after being kicked out of high school during her junior year.

Anita eventually ended up in a detention center and the judge gave her two options: stay in the detention center until she was 18 or go back to school. That was when Pace came to interview her for the first time.

With only 10 slots to fill in the original Pace class, Anita met Vicki Burke, Pace’s founder, who explained to her the new Pace model, offering her a high school diploma and an opportunity for a better future. Vicki was a passionate young social worker who saw the inequities in the treatment of girls by the juvenile justice system and had the courage to bring about change.

Anita started her senior year at Pace with Vicki, three teachers, and nine other girls. They met in an upstairs classroom at the Snyder Memorial Methodist Church in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Pace’s vision was to ensure that their futures were bright, the obstacles they were facing were addressed, and their needs were taken care of.

“I thank Vicki for believing in us. She saw a vision that nobody else saw, and she has helped so many young ladies,” shared Anita.

With only two weeks left before graduating, Pace helped Anita land her first job as a mail opener at Illinois State Scholarship Commission. She would eventually become a business analyst at the same company, working there for the next 16 years. Later, she worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield and Jones College where she had the opportunity to go back to school and obtain her bachelor’s degree in business.

“In the back of my mind, I always wanted to go back to Pace, to give back what was given to me,” she said.

I thank Vicki for believing in us. She saw a vision that nobody else saw, and she has helped so many young ladies.

In 2021, Anita joined the Pace Jacksonville team as a resource coordinator. The Pace she now knows looks very different from the one she had attended, with 21 centers in Florida as well as serving communities and school districts in Georgia and South Carolina. But the core values and principles that Pace was founded on remain the same.

Anita is inspired to show Pace girls, many who come from backgrounds similar to her own, that a career and a future beyond the obstacles they have faced are possible.

“There’s nothing more powerful than when I see a girl come into Pace that has had her back against the wall and then I look up and she’s back in school, or in law school, or trying to become a nurse or have a career that’s going to help someone else.”

Anita is still in close contact with three former students, including her best friend Erin and two staff members of the original group at Pace back in 1985. “From ‘85 to today, Pace has been a testimony to every girl that there is a future and hope,” Anita concluded.

Dec
06

The Power of Representation: Inspiring Girls in Male-Dominated Fields

At Pace Center for Girls, we are unwavering in our commitment to providing girls with the support and opportunities they need to succeed. We understand that representation matters, and it goes beyond being a catchphrase; it’s a fundamental principle that shapes aspirations and self-belief. Pace Clay’s recent visit by Sheriff Michelle Cook and her female peers in law enforcement underscored the significance of representation and the transformative impact it can have on our girls.

As the only female sheriff in the state of Florida, Sheriff Michelle Cook shattered gender norms, paving the way for future generations of women in law enforcement. Her presence and her willingness to share her journey resonated deeply with the 40 Pace Clay girls in attendance at the event. Particularly, Gia, 16, a junior at Pace, hopes to become a detective in the future.

Gia’s fascination with solving mysteries has been a lifelong passion. She recalls a childhood experience where she and her friend created a fictional mystery case, igniting her interest in solving real-life mysteries.

Gia is determined to turn her dream into reality. She is an active participant in the Explorers Program with the Clay County Police Department, gaining valuable experience and opportunities to work her way up in law enforcement. Following high school graduation, she intends to attend a community college to earn a degree in criminal justice, further enhancing her qualifications.

Gia’s advice to girls like her aspiring to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields is both simple and profound: “Follow your dreams. If you really think you can do it, then you should just try, because if you don’t try, you’ll never know if you can do it or not.”

Gia’s story highlights the critical importance of encouraging more representation in all fields, especially those where women and girls have been historically underrepresented. When girls can see themselves in diverse roles and positions of authority, it broadens their horizons and empowers them to believe in their potential.

At Pace, our vocational and education program is designed to empower at-promise girls in every way possible. We equip them with the tools needed not only to earn their high school diploma or GED but also to develop long-term employability skills. Beyond that, we actively support their pursuit of higher education, whether that means entering a professional training program, joining the military, attending a community college, or enrolling in a four-year university.

Sep
01

Paving the Way for Girls Through Higher Education and Vocational Opportunities

At Pace Center for Girls, we recognize the power of education in shaping the futures of young women. Our commitment to providing girls with access to higher education, vocational and trade opportunities is not just a mission, but a vision for a more inclusive and empowered future.

Offering a diverse range of opportunities – from leadership roles to STEAM programs, arts, sports, and beyond – provides our girls with the chance to explore, discover their passions, and challenge norms that may have limited their choices.

Unlocking Doors through Interactive Experiences

At Pace, we understand that education is not just confined to textbooks and classrooms; it’s an experiential journey. Our annual college trips and tours serve as immersive experiences for our girls, broadening their horizons beyond their immediate surroundings.

Through partnerships that bridge the gap between education and real-world application, we open doors to fields that have been traditionally underrepresented by women. Despite accounting for around half of the employed US workforce, women made up only a third (34%) of those employed in STEAM occupations in 2019. Our collaborations in Emergency Management and STEAM careers are particularly noteworthy. From attending the annual Hurricane Conference in Florida to exploring the intricacies of cellular biology, our girls are exposed to the limitless possibilities that these fields offer.

Imagine the scene: young girls removing candy “kidney stones” and touring the fourth-floor operating room at the University of Florida. These hands-on experiences are not just intriguing, but transformative. They showcase the significance of women in science, demonstrating that our girls can shape the future of these fields.

Addressing Alarming Trends

In recent years, there has been a decline in the enrollment of female freshmen in colleges, as reported by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. This trend is concerning, as it points to potential barriers that young women are facing in accessing higher education. However, at Pace, we are determined to be a part of the solution.

Our Comprehensive Approach

Our vocational and education program is designed to empower at-promise girls in every way possible. We equip them with the tools needed not only to earn their high school diploma or GED but also to develop long-term employability skills. Beyond that, we actively support their pursuit of higher education, whether that means entering a professional training program, joining the military, attending a community college, or enrolling in a four-year university.

Pace has seen transformational improvements among girls personally and professionally. Eight out of 10 girls graduate from high school, pursue higher education or secure employment after the program, and nine out of 10 have experienced overall academic improvement. 

Are you a girl who’s interested in Pace? Do you know a girl who may benefit from our programs? Click here to learn more about life at Pace and how you can enroll. 

Aug
29

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Pace Center for Girls’ Inaugural Girls Leadership Institute 

In a world where empowering young women and lifting their voices is paramount, Pace Center for Girls took a meaningful step forward by hosting its inaugural Girls Leadership Institute. This three-day celebration of learning, growth, and sisterhood brought together girls from 21 Pace locations across the state of Florida, fostering an environment where they could learn valuable leadership skills, address challenges, and create innovative solutions to shape the future of Pace. 

Unveiling Leadership Skills and Innovative Solutions 

Through workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions, Pace girls explored the intricacies of effective leadership, honed their communication abilities, and gained insights into problem-solving strategies. 

But it wasn’t just about theoretical knowledge. The heart of the Institute was in identifying opportunities and solutions to strengthen the Pace experience for future girls.  

“My favorite part of the institute was collaborating with other girls and bringing forward solutions to challenges — like transportation and dress code — that we all think are needed.” — Jazlyn, Junior, Pace Volusia-Flagler 

A Glimpse into History and Inspiration 

During the second day of the Institute, girls gathered at the historic Ritz Theatre and Museum in Jacksonville for a morning filled with inspiration and empowerment. Stepping into the corridors of history, they were reminded of the strength and resilience of those who came before them. The museum’s legacy served as a powerful reminder that they, too, have the potential to leave their mark on the world. 

A Conversation with Pace’s President and CEO  

“My favorite part of the experience was to come together with all the girls and have the opportunity to speak to the Executive Leadership Team about what matters to us. We were able to voice what we need at Pace.” – Ryann, Senior, Pace Jacksonville 

A highlight of the Institute was the opportunity for the girls to engage in one-on-one conversations with Mary Marx, President and CEO of Pace Center for Girls. These discussions provided a platform for the girls to share their visions for the future, seek guidance, and receive inspiration from a woman who has dedicated her career to empowering young women. 

Presenting to the Future 

“It was empowering to get together with girls from across the state and collectively unite our voices. I like that the staff gave us a chance to discuss our views and opinions.” –  Serenity, Senior, Pace Clay 

At the culmination of the retreat, the girls presented their findings to the Executive Leadership Team at Pace. This was a moment of empowerment, as they showcased their innovative solutions and ideas. The girls’ poise and confidence while presenting was a testament to the transformative impact of the Institute. 

The Girls Leadership Institute was a resounding affirmation that the future is indeed in capable hands. These young leaders are not waiting for opportunities; they are creating them. The Institute was made possible thanks to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and generous supporters including Fondation CHANEL, Florida Blue’s Women’s Affinity Group (WIN), First Horizon Bank, and Fifth Third Bank.  


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