Pikeville Rotary Hosts Empowering Girls of Appalachia Symposium

PIKEVILLE, KY — The Pikeville Rotary Club hosted the 2026 Empowering Girls of Appalachia Symposium on March 12, 2026, at the University of Pikeville, bringing together freshman girls from area high schools for a day centered on leadership, confidence-building, and career exploration.

The event, sponsored by the University of Pikeville, Pikeville Medical Center, Community Trust Bank, and the Pikeville Women’s Club, created an engaging and supportive environment designed to inspire the next generation of female leaders across Eastern Kentucky.

The symposium began with an energetic performance by the Pike County Central High School Choir before Dr. Seema Sachdeva, local pediatrician and Rotarian, officially welcomed attendees and set the tone for a day focused on growth and opportunity.


Participants then engaged in a roundtable discussion led by University of Pikeville faculty members Dr. Genesia Kilgore-Bowling and Dr. Kay Webb, encouraging thoughtful conversation and peer connection.

“Spending the day with these young women was a powerful reminder that when girls are seen, heard, and affirmed, they begin to envision possibilities they may have never imagined. When they understand their worth and find their voice, there is no limit to where they can go or the impact they can have," said Dr. Kilgore-Bowling on her experience.

Dr. Webb, alongside Angela Lockhart, also guided students through a meaningful discussion on navigating the future amid uncertainty, offering practical insight and reassurance.

Laura Damron, Assistant Vice President for Advancement & Alumni Relations at UPIKE, led an interactive leadership workshop that challenged participants to rethink traditional ideas of leadership and consider the unique strengths women bring to leadership roles.

The Women of Rotary introduced students to potential career shadowing opportunities, highlighting a range of professional paths. Featured mentors included Dr. Seema Sachdeva; Dr. Preeti Sahasi, dentist and owner of Signature Smilz; Eva Stewart, Branch Manager at Community Trust Bank; and Donnetta Chaney, Radiology Manager at Pikeville Medical Center.

To round things out, Dr. Kilgore-Bowling led students through a session of affirmation and reflection, reinforcing confidence and self-awareness. Following lunch, participants explored a variety of educational and career pathways through booths hosted by the University of Pikeville’s colleges, departments from Pikeville Medical Center, Community Trust Bank, Galen College of Nursing, Big Sandy Community and Technical College, and other regional partners.

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is proud to support initiatives like the Empowering Girls of Appalachia Symposium that invest in the future of the region by equipping young women with the tools, connections, and inspiration needed to succeed.