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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 25 When Dianna Flett retired from the United States Army after 21 years of ser- vice, she did what every retired lieutenant colonel with time on their hands does: she became the president of her children's elementary school PTO. "I was thrilled at the energy and bold nature of the young people I was meet- ing," says Flett. "They had such potential and joy." However, through stories her four sons brought home from school, in addition to her own research, Fleet soon dis- covered that young girls struggle with confidence—their self-esteem peaking around ages 9-12. While she found this information to be "crushing," Flett also felt inspired to act. Flett is the founder and facilitator of Girls Smarts, a program that aims to empower girls in grades four through six as they transition from their preteen years into their teens. Teenage girls face unique challenges. The workshops help them navigate these challenges by addressing important topics such as body image, bullying, relationships and goal setting. "I'm proud of the example I have set with my work at Girl Smarts," she says. "My husband and children are proud of it, too." Flett hopes that her lifelong work of service and action will inspire her sons. "I hope they pursue work that makes them proud. Life is too short to waste your time working for a paycheck. I hope I showed them to work on making a difference." Flett's words to live by: "She never stopped believing she could." "She never stopped believing she could." DIANNA DIANNA FLETT Founder and facilitator, Girl Smarts FEMALE FEMALE Phenomenally continued from page 23 Interview w/ Girl Smarts participant JANE RILEY Junior at Penn State University Tell me about yourself and your future goals. My major is biology, and I have aspirations to become an OB/GYN. What was your Girl Smarts experience like? I remember learning quite a few things — how to carry myself, how to make friends, how to articulate myself and how to be confident. What did you take away from that experience? I can achieve anything that I set my mind to. I've worked to get to where I am today, and if I didn't have that push from Girl Smarts so young, I would not be striving to accomplish all that I want to. How has your Girl Smarts experience inspired your future? Girl Smarts has inspired me to approach things with confidence and humility. To assert myself, while being kind. I try my best to lead by example for younger girls who strive to be their best selves. Riley's w ords to live by: "Be kind." "Be kind."