This summer, the Eureka! program at Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis was thrilled to welcome the SHEIN team from Whitestown, IN, for an empowering workshop to inspire and educate our young participants about careers and challenges in the fashion industry. The event was a blend of insightful discussions, hands-on activities, and a memorable SHEIN shopping experience for participants.

A Panel of Pioneers

The workshop started with a panel discussion of top leaders from the SHEIN Indiana team. They shared their personal journeys, touching on critical topics such as leadership, overcoming diversity in the workplace, and navigating careers in male-dominated fields. Their stories were not only inspiring but also provided practical advice on dealing with workplace barriers, achieving work-life balance, and addressing gender-based discrimination

Natalie Carera, a 14-year-old participant in her second year of Eureka!, expressed her excitement: “I was excited to meet all these new women and see how they were in their job and how exciting their job was. The way they described it, it was nice to see that they’re not just working for money; they just want to do what they like.”

London Williams, a 13-year-old in her first year of the program, appreciated the interactive nature of the discussions: “I really like that one of the panelists was there at each table to help us with the given scenarios, and they were really nice as well.”

 Interactive Activities and Collaborative Learning

Following the panel discussions, participants engaged in group activities that allowed them to brainstorm with the SHEIN team and create hashtags for the SHEIN-Girls Inc. partnership for social media use. This exercise not only fostered creativity but also emphasized the importance of collaboration, advocating for gender equality, and the power of social media in the fashion industry.

Hannah Sinks, Sr. Human Resources and Business Partner at SHEIN, highlighted the significance of these activities: “It was a really great event where we were able to interact and collaborate with the girls on some activities about gender-based discrimination. Loved hearing their hashtag ideas for our SHEIN and Girls Inc. partnership, and they asked great questions during the panel portion.”

Sirat Attapit, VP of U.S. Government Relations at SHEIN, was deeply inspired by the participants: “I was personally inspired by the participants – from their thoughtful questions to their willingness to share their experiences – they were extremely engaged from the start of the program all the way through the last activity and discussion. It was wonderful to see how excited they were for their ‘SHEIN shopping experience.’ More than one participant picked out items, not only for themselves, but also for family members.”

A Unique Shopping Experience

To top off an already amazing day, the girls were treated to a unique SHEIN shopping experience. This special treat allowed them to pick out fashionable items, providing a fun and memorable conclusion to the workshop. The joy on their faces as they selected pieces for themselves, and their loved ones was truly heartwarming and added a delightful end to the event.

Looking Ahead

The SHEIN workshop at the Eureka! Summer camp was a success, marked by inspiring stories, valuable lessons, and unforgettable experiences. We look forward to continuing our partnership with SHEIN, building on this foundation to create even more opportunities for our girls to learn, grow, and be inspired in their own backyard.

Thank you, SHEIN, for your commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders and for making this summer camp truly exceptional.