HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-W.Va.), and Huntington Fire Chief Jan Rader today brought the West Virginia Girls Rise Up program to Meadows Elementary School to promote female empowerment, education, fitness, and self-confidence. Fourth and fifth grade students participated in the program, where they had the chance to hear from Senator Capito, Congresswoman Miller, and Chief Rader on their personal experiences as female leaders. Today’s event marks the first Girls Rise Up in Cabell County and the 22nd event since the program’s launch in 2015.

“Today marked the first Girls Rise Up event in Huntington, and I was excited to do this alongside two very accomplished and inspiring Huntington women today—Congresswoman Carol Miller and Huntington Fire Chief Jan Rader,” Senator Capito said. “Since launching this program, it’s been my hope that Girls Rise Up will inspire our next generation of female leaders, and I’m confident the young girls at Meadows Elementary will achieve success, and most importantly, build each other up each and every day.”

“I was honored to join Senator Capito today and be part of her West Virginia Girls Rise Up Program. Instilling confidence in young girls and empowering them to take on the world is one of the most important things we can teach our next generation,” said Congresswoman Miller. “All girls should be raised in an environment that encourages them to achieve their dreams, and this program does a wonderful job of doing that right here at home in West Virginia.”

“Young girls in West Virginia need role models across every field,” said Jan Rader, Huntington Fire Chief. “I’m proud to join Senator Capito and Congresswoman Miller today to share my journey and show these girls the power of female leadership and inspire the next generation of community leaders.”

“I am excited about the new opportunity that the WV Girls Rise Up program will offer for the girls at Meadows Elementary,” said Amy Maynard, Meadows Elementary School Principal. “This program will support our girls as they work together to strengthen their mind and body, while also building their confidence and encouraging each other. I want our girls to know that they brilliant and brave and they can accomplish anything they set their minds to!"

Senator Capito launched the West Virginia Girls Rise Up program in 2015 to instill confidence in young West Virginia women and empower them to be strong and kind female leaders. The program focuses on three areas: education, fitness, and self-confidence.

Keep scrolling for more photos from today:

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Senator Capito, Congresswoman Miller, and Chief Rader bring the West Virginia Girls Rise Up program to Cabell County. 

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Senator Capito helps Meadows Elementary School students with their Girls Rise Up challenge cards.

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Senator Capito, Congresswoman Miller, and Chief Rader visit with Meadows Elementary School teachers and staff during Wednesday’s visit. 

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Senator Capito poses with Meadows Elementary student council member, Marie. 

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