The Cinderella Project at Elon celebrated another successful conference this spring with programs that promoted women’s empowerment and fostered student development through mentoring.
Buffie Longmire-Avital, assistant professor of psychology, was the keynote speaker for Elon’s 3rd annual Cinderella Project conference on April 18, 2015, in the Numen Lumen Pavilion.
Longmire-Avital spoke to a crowd of Cummings High School students about the “fairy godmothers” that have influenced her life. As the keynote speaker, she encouraged the young women to overcome any adversity that they face.
During the daylong event, high school students attended workshops about personal branding, the transition to college, safe prom night practices and makeup tips. The princesses received breakfast and lunch, and were provided with entertainment from Sweet Signatures.
Approximately 70 dresses, donated by both students and sponsors, were available for the attendees to take for their upcoming prom. The attendees also received free jewelry, makeup sessions and gift bags. Supplied with the perfect dress, accessories, and make up, the smiling Cinderellas were more than ready for the ball.
The conference was planned by a leadership team made up of Elon University students. Additional students volunteered the day of the conference to accompany the girls and serve as mentors.
Conference success would not have been possible without the generous donations of AKA Mystique, Estee Lauder-Dillards, Lancome-Dillards, Fat Frogg, Mackenzie Michaels, Merle Norman, Tickle My Ribs, Trendi & Associates, All that Jas, BJs, Mellow Mushroom, Harris Teeter, Lowes Food, The Oak House and other local businesses.
The Cinderella Project Elon is a conference that takes place every spring and is service opportunity offered through the John R. Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement located in Moseley 230.