Having The Audacity to Dream Conference

Fri., Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 30, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 31, 11:30 a.m.; $5, Victory Christian Center, 5220 Whitby Ave., 215-474-2717, ladydivaforlife.com.

by Julia West

kids

To paraphrase Mrs. Stefani, being a girl can be tough — especially when you're dealing with serious issues like poverty, substance abuse and violence. Enter Shayna Rudd, a Philly girl and the winner of 2009's Miss Black USA. Rudd wants to teach girls how to make their lives better, so she's organized a three-day conference featuring workshops on self-image, financial planning and the journey to "ladyhood," as well as an all-male panel titled "From a Brother's Perspective." Says Rudd, "The conference is supposed to bring clarity to the girls."

Fri., Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 30, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 31, 11:30 a.m.; $5, Victory Christian Center, 5220 Whitby Ave., 215-474-2717, ladydivaforlife.com.