Girls Confidence & Leadership Conference 2026 | She Is Fierce!

St. Augustine's Empowerment Movement Lands at The Waterworks

Girls Confidence & Leadership Conference 2026 | She Is Fierce! takes over The Waterworks on Friday, September 25th from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, transforming the San Marco Avenue venue into a full-day hub for building young leaders. This all-ages conference brings together workshops, speakers, and interactive sessions designed to strengthen confidence and leadership skills in girls across Northeast Florida. The Waterworks St. Augustine provides the perfect backdrop—a space that balances historic charm with modern functionality, creating an environment where meaningful conversations about empowerment can flourish.

What to Expect:
The six-and-a-half-hour program packs the day with activities that go beyond typical motivational speaking. Expect hands-on workshops covering everything from public speaking to creative problem-solving, mixed with moments for participants to connect with peers facing similar challenges. The conference format encourages active participation rather than passive listening, making it equally valuable for shy middle schoolers and outgoing high school students ready to take on leadership roles.

Insider Tips:
- Pack snacks and a refillable water bottle—the full-day schedule means staying fueled between sessions
- The 9:00 AM start time requires early arrival for check-in, so plan to be there by 8:30 AM
- Bring a notebook or journal for capturing ideas from workshops and speakers
- Comfortable shoes matter more than fashion—the day involves moving between different activity stations
- Parents dropping off should confirm pickup logistics beforehand since the 3:30 PM end time hits right as afternoon traffic builds on San Marco Avenue
- Check if the conference offers any pre-event materials or suggested reading to maximize the experience

Getting There:
The Waterworks sits at 184 San Marco Ave, making it accessible from both US-1 and A1A. Old Town Overflow Lot on East San Carlos Avenue provides the closest parking option just 180 meters from the venue, though it fills quickly during events. Mission of Nombre de Dios Parking on San Marco Avenue offers another surface lot about 637 meters away with more consistent availability. For those coming from downtown St. Augustine, the Historic Downtown Parking Facility provides multistorey parking roughly 1,304 meters south, turning the walk into a pleasant stroll through the historic district. San Marco Avenue runs parallel to the waterfront, connecting directly to the downtown core and making navigation straightforward even for first-time visitors.

Local Scene:
The conference's 3:30 PM wrap time leaves the rest of the afternoon open for celebrating the day's accomplishments. Sunday Gathering Table offers vegetarian and vegan options about 995 meters away, perfect for families wanting a sit-down meal that accommodates different dietary preferences. Tropicali Food Truck parks just 84 meters from The Waterworks, providing quick grab-and-go options for those heading straight home. Dunkin' sits 151 meters away at 171 San Marco Avenue for morning coffee runs before the 9:00 AM start. Subway at 162 San Marco Avenue and San Marco Pizza on Sanchez Avenue both fall within easy walking distance for lunch breaks if the conference schedule allows. El Potro Mexican at 226 San Marco Avenue brings authentic flavors 531 meters from the venue, offering a post-conference dinner option that feels celebratory without requiring a drive across town.