Empowering Girls and Influencing the Next Generation Published Nov. 17, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Lynette Olivares 133rd Airlift Wing St. Paul, MN -- The Minnesota Air National Guard and the Soroptimist International of the Twin Cities partnered together to present the documentary film 'Girl Rising' at the 133rd Airlift Wing on Saturday, Nov 7 2015. The event featured a C-130 tour for any of the attendees, which included girls as young as nine. Following the tour, the documentary film 'Girl Rising' was featured and ended with a panel discussion. Topics included overcoming obstacles, mentors and people who have inspired them along the way. "I think events like this are essential in opening our doors to the community and raising awareness about important issues not only local, but around the world - often these are places many of our wing members have deployed to," said Master Sgt. Theresa Mensinger, Diversity and Inclusion Senior Non-commissioned officer. Attendees were able to view the 90-minute documentary film that highlighted and emphasized the importance of educating girls in countries with extreme poverty. According to the 2012 EFA Global Marketing Report 66 million girls are out of school globally. I think it is great that leadership took an interest in the project themselves and supported the event on their base, said Ann Ducatelli president of Soroptimist International of the Twin Cities. Soroptimist International started its' first club in 1921 in California and now has grown to have clubs in 925 countries. They are dedicated to a world where women and girls together achieve their potential, realize their potential, realize their aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide. Partnering with a group like this is a great way for us to provide support to a cause many of our members hold dear to their hearts, said Mensinger. Many have daughters and I know they would want them to have the education and inspiration to be all that their hearts wanted them to be. The event ended with a five woman panel, discussing hardship and successes with their own individual passions. The women came from different communities and backgrounds, the youngest a fifth grader from Mississippi elementary who discussed her experience with getting her goals and dream, right along with her adult peers. The event was engaging for both military and non-military members in attendance. We are so grateful that we could join together for the event and educate everyone more about the work Soroptimist International is doing here Twin Cities communities and around the world, said Ducatelli. To learn more about Girl Rising visit: http://www.girlrising.com To learn more about Soroptimist International of the Twin Cities visit: http://www.soroptimist-twincities.org