In the fall of 2018, Rabbi Shawn Fields-Meyer heard of a group of female-identifying students who were interested in creating a girl’s group at Milken. After multiple brainstorming sessions and various meetings, Girl Talk was created. “It came from a desire to have healthy conversations about female identity, experience, creativity, and strength,” she explained.
Six years later, the club has led more than 40 events on Milken’s campus. Recently, the club organized the yearly Words of Wisdom event which is when upperclasswomen speak with underclasswomen and share advice, support, and work to connect the female-identifying students at Milken.
The president of the club, Samantha Simms ‘25 says, “Being a part of this club for the past two years, and this year taking on the role of president, has been such a meaningful experience. It has taught me the true meaning of female empowerment and collaboration, and has given me the tools I need to go out and make a difference.”
Girl Talk gives female-identifying students the place to learn how to turn ideas into action; the events that the club plans come directly from student voices. Rabbi Shawn explains, “There’s product and there is process; what does it mean to process? To recruit? To plan? This is going to set you up for your future, for your ability to advocate and to perform change. That is part of women’s empowerment.” She continued, “What happens in the meetings and how people talk to each other, listen actively, and build on each other’s ideas is a huge part of developing leadership. As a faculty member, I am very focused on student-led programs because it is students’ ideas that will guide us to really great outcomes.”
At the core of the club is communication. Girl Talk is not only committed to being a club where students can come together, listen to each other, and share their unique experiences, but also to extend that space to all Milken students. Rabbi Shawn adds, “It’s sacred because it is where people speak to each other, and listen and dream with each other about expanding that feeling.”
(Adina Frid-Madden)
In previous years, Girl Talk organized a Women in STEM panel, put up free pad and tampon dispensers, led a Women in Judaism event, a Barbie discussion, and is currently working to expand its outreach on campus. Recently, the club has begun engaging more with Milken’s underclasswomen and is planning events to connect with the Middle School.
The vice president of the club, Reese Dembo ‘25 comments, “Stepping up to a leadership role in Girl Talk this year has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. Not only have I learned so much about community building and leadership, but I’ve also really gotten to understand some of the fundamental issues that are playing into school settings.”
As a member of the club for the third year, this writer has found it remarkable to see how the club has transformed its members. Beyond its roles in advocacy and event planning, the club offers a space for students to find their voice and identity. It’s not just a place for discussions; it’s where connections are made, frustrations are aired, and empowerment is found. Girl Talk’s goal isn’t just to improve the school or community; it is to help each member grow as an individual. Girl Talk has developed my ability to articulate thoughts and turn them into tangible results. But most importantly, it has taught me the art of listening: how to navigate disagreements, handle frustrations, and address tensions constructively.
