Young women of color are invited to Highline College for the Y.E.L.L. Summit, a free event designed to empower, encourage and educate. Y.E.L.L., short for Young Educated Ladies Leading, is scheduled for May 18, 2019.

Now in its sixth year, the summit is free and open to the public, but registration is required. While intended for high school–age students in South King County, the popular summit draws attendees from across the state.

Registration will close May 10 at 5 p.m. or when spaces are filled. Information is available on the Y.E.L.L. webpage.

During the summit, which will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., students will hear a keynote presentation by Terisa Siagatonu, award-winning poet, teaching artist, mental health educator and community leader. She is the recipient of President Obama’s Champion of Change Award in 2012 for her activism as a spoken word poet/organizer in the Pacific Islander community.

Students will also attend two of 26 culturally relevant workshops given by a wide range of presenters.

Last year the Y.E.L.L. Summit drew approximately 450 participants, and event organizers are expecting a similar turnout this year. Participants will receive giveaways, prizes, breakfast and lunch. Adults and chaperones are welcome to attend.

Highline serves one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse areas in the state, which is reflected in its student body that includes more than 70 percent students of color.

The summit will be held in Highline’s Student Union (Building 8) on the college’s main campus, located midway between Seattle and Tacoma at South 240th Street and Pacific Highway South (Highway 99).