About Us

The Young Women's Health Leadership Summit (YWHLS) was sponsored by the UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women's Health in collaboration with the San Francisco Unified School District. The YWHLS grew out of the successful Young Women's Health Conference, which convened annually between 2000 and 2006. The goal of the YWHLS was to provide resources and information on a wide range of health topics so that young women are empowered with the knowledge and resources to make wise decisions about their health, well-being and future endeavors. The summit featured workshops, an exhibit hall, and keynote presentations by women who serve as role models through sharing their inspiring stories of success and perseverance.

The theme for this year’s summit was Strive, Struggle, Succeed: Bring out the Somethin' in You! The event included a panel of inspirational speakers, performance art, an open mic session where the young women raised their voices in self-expression, and a keynote speaker that encouraged them toward community action.

The summit this year was a gathering of 250 young women from 20 high schools in San Francisco. The young women who attended the summit represent the diversity and complexity of young women in the Bay Area. Participants come from public, alternative, and charter high schools, as well as community-based organizations that work with young women. The YWHLS not only addressed important health issues that are often not discussed in school, but also provided an inspiring and rare opportunity for young women to be surrounded by so many of their peers and from such a variety of backgrounds.