I MATTER 2025: Strong Voices, Strong Girls

Relationships, “drama,” stress and pressure are among the biggest challenges facing girls in grades 5-12. In fact, 79% of girls report feeling like they are going to “explode” from so much pressure.*

That’s why Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), The Center for Family Safety & Healing and Nationwide Children’s Hospital have teamed-up to provide you and your girls the resources, education and support to build healthy relationships and enhance your well-being.

Now in its 14th year as a staple event in Central Ohio, I Matter is a free, annual community conference that gives girls in grades 6-12 the skills they need to engage in healthy relationships and provides their mothers and mother figures with the tools and strategies necessary to support them.

Guests will also receive free parking, event swag, refreshments, and exclusive giveaways. Free registration closes 2/12 - sign-up today!

*Data from

Lauren Hancock, MPA, Ruling Our Experiences (ROX)

Focus Audience: Girls & Adults

Breakout Session: 1 & 2

In this safety and self-defense workshop, ROX staff will teach critical and evidence-based verbal and physical skills that can be used in high-pressure or threatening situations. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn statistics and common myths around harassment and violence along with tools and resources to increase communication and support in potentially difficult situations. Through this powerful and supportive experience, participants will discover their strength, courage, and value.

* must be signed prior to I Matter in order to participate.

Lauren Morosky, LSC, Ruling Our Experiences (ROX)

Focus Audience: Girls & Adults
*This is a communication workshop designed for participants to attend with their accompanying girl or adult

Breakout Session: 2

Today’s world for girls is very different from the world in which adults grew up and these differences in experiences can make it difficult for girls and adults to connect. This interactive workshop is all about building connection and setting #relationshipgoals for girls and the supportive women in their lives. Girls will spend time with each other learning how to find their voice, while adults will gain teen girl insights and learn the do’s (and don’ts) of being a supportive adult. We then bring it all together with some guided one-on-one time for girls and their accompanying adults.

Julie Harmon Ph.D, certified ESD practitioner, Director of IMPACT Safety
Erica Russell-Averette, SHRM-CP, CLRP, NPELRA, Human Resources professional, fitness and wellness coach

Focus Audience: Girls & Adults

Breakout Session: 1 & 2

Setting boundaries, especially with people we know or care for can sometimes be a challenge. In fact, 1 out of 2 girls report they don’t say what’s on their minds for fear of not being liked! This session will address our concerns and fears around setting verbal boundaries with others. Participants will have the opportunity to identify the boundaries that are important to them with people they know and will practice setting and re-enforcing those boundaries.

Julie Harmon Ph.D is a certified ESD practitioner, Director of IMPACT Safety, an anti - violence and empowerment self-defense agency, who believes that awareness and boundary setting are life skills that promote confidence, increase freedom and prevent violence.

Erica Russell-Averette is a dedicated Human Resources professional and a fitness and wellness coach. She is a certified professional with the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM-CP) and she is a Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) with the National Employee and Labor Relations Association (NPELRA). Erica has 11 fitness & nutrition related certifications from accredited organizations and she is the founder and operator of The Torch Room, LLC.; a fitness, health, and wellness small business in Canal Winchester, Ohio.

Focus Audience: Girls & Adults

Breakout Session: 1

89% of girls say they are under pressure to fit into specific roles or stereotypes and 68% of girls report that they believe that most girls are in competition with one another. In this interactive panel discussion, female athletes will share their experiences pushing back against stereotypes for girls and why it’s so important that girls and women come together to create a culture of support for one another. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A with the session panelists and will participate in a hands-on activity that will allow them to embrace their personal strengths as well as the collective strength of girls.

The panel will include: professional volleyball player, Paula Cerame of the Columbus Fury, Olympic Gold Medalist and professional ice hockey player, Emma Maltis (via video) of the Toronto Sceptres; and, Elsie Larson, CrossFit athlete who came in 2nd place in the 2024 CrossFit Games in the 16/17 age group, among other exciting female athletes! This panel is moderated by Leslie Nixon, AVP, Community Relations, VS&Co.

Focus Audience: Girls & their accompanying adults

Breakout Session: 2

79% of girls report that they are under so much pressure that they feel like they’re going to “explode.” In this interactive session, educators and mental health experts will discuss the pressures today’s girls are facing and the impact these pressures have on their emotional well-being. Panelists will debunk common myths about mental health and will share tips and strategies for managing stress and supporting the girls. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A with the session panelists and will participate in a hands-on activity that will equip them with tools to manage everyday stress and pressure.

Panelists Include:

• Dr. Kenyona Walker, Assistant Chief Diversity Officer, City of Columbus, Licensed School Psychologist
• Yahaira Rose, MPS, CNP, Founder & CEO of Proyecto Mariposas
• More to come!

Focus Audience: Girls & their accompanying adults

Breakout Session: 1

By the time girls get to high school, 58% report that they don’t believe they’re smart enough for their dream career. In this interactive session, female community leaders will discuss their unique career journeys and will offer suggestions for overcoming challenges and creating a future that you love! Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A with the session panelists and will participate in a hands-on and inspirational activity that will bring the session learning to life.

• Gabrielle Solange Singer, songwriter, speaker
• Dawn Tyler Lee Founder & CEO Forest Street Consulting
• Ohio House of Representatives Minority Leader, Allison Russo
• Angela An, 7x Emmy Award Winning News Journalist and Early Evening News Anchor

Kanisha Malone, Licensed Social Worker, Educator, Yoga Instructor & ROX Facilitator

Focus Audience: Girls & Adults

Breakout Session: 1 & 2

In this 70-minute interactive breakout session, Love Starts Within, participants will explore the intricate relationship between stress and the body, recognizing how stress manifests physically and emotionally. This session aims to equip women and girls with essential skills to manage stress effectively, set healthy boundaries, and identify when to seek support. Participants will leave this session with a deeper understanding of how stress affects their bodies and minds, along with practical tools to manage stress through breathing techniques, gentle yoga movement, and cultivating self-compassion. This journey reinforces the belief that love truly starts within, laying the groundwork for healthier relationships with oneself and others.

No prior yoga experience is necessary—everyone is welcome to join and participate at their own comfort level.

The Center for Family Safety and Healing

Focus Audience: Girls

Breakout Session: 1 & 2

Join us to explore digital spaces, uncover emotions tied to your favorite apps, and create a map of your online world. In this session, you'll learn to set healthy boundaries, practice consent, and be more aware of how feelings show up in your body. Artistic skills are not required - just bring your curiosity!

The Center for Family Safety and Healing

Focus Audience: Adults

Breakout Session: 1 & 2

Technology is a big part of our lives, and from social media to gaming, technology use has increased over the past two years. It is important for adults to recognize the impact of technology in their own lives as they partner with youth to build skills for digital well-being and safety. This interactive workshop will explore how youth use technology in friendships and relationships and equip adults with tools and resources to support healthy digital boundaries.

We strive to host inclusive events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Julie Ohlemacher at [email protected] or (614) 488-8080 ext. 8. At least 10 business days' advance notice will help us to provide seamless access.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Education Center, 543 S. 18th Street, Columbus, OH 43205, United States