I Matter 2026: The Strength Within Us

I Matter 2026: The Strength Within Us

Relationships, “drama,” stress and pressure are among the biggest challenges facing girls in grades 5-12. In fact, 79% of girls report feeling like they are going to “explode” from so much pressure.*

That’s why Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), The Center for Family Safety & Healing and Nationwide Children’s Hospital have teamed-up to provide you and your girls the resources, education and support to build healthy relationships and enhance your well-being.

Now in its 14th year as a staple event in Central Ohio, I Matter is a free, annual community conference that gives girls in grades 6-12 the skills they need to engage in healthy relationships and provides their mothers and mother figures with the tools and strategies necessary to support them.

Guests will also receive free parking, event swag, refreshments, and exclusive giveaways.

*Data from

Strong & Worth Defending: Self-Defense

Presented by: Lauren Hancock, MPA, Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) and Rachel Zufall, MA, LSC, Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX)

Focus Audience: Girls & Adults

Breakout Session: 1 & 2

In this safety and self-defense workshop, ROX staff will teach critical and evidence-based verbal and physical skills that can be used in high-pressure or threatening situations. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn statistics and common myths around harassment and violence along with tools and resources to increase communication and support in potentially difficult situations. Through this powerful and supportive experience, participants will discover their strength, courage, and value.

#relationshipgoals

Presented by Lauren Morosky, MA, LSC, Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) and Sibyl West, PhD, LSC, Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX)

Focus Audience: Girls & Adults

Breakout Session: 1 & 2

Today’s world for girls is very different from the world in which adults grew up and these differences in experiences can make it difficult for girls and adults to connect. This interactive workshop is all about building connection and setting #relationshipgoals for girls and the supportive women in their lives. Girls will spend time with each other learning how to find their voice, while adults will gain teen girl insights and learn the do’s (and don’ts) of being a supportive adult. We then bring it all together with some guided one-on-one time for girls and their accompanying adults.

Boundaries 101: Saying What You Mean Isn’t Mean

Presented by Julie Harmon

Focus Audience: Girls & Adults

Breakout Session: 1 & 2

Setting boundaries, especially with people we know or care for can sometimes be a challenge. In fact, 1 out of 2 girls report they don’t say what’s on their minds for fear of not being liked! This session will address our concerns and fears around setting verbal boundaries with others. Participants will have the opportunity to identify the boundaries that are important to them with people they know and will practice setting and re-enforcing those boundaries.

Julie Harmon Ph.D is a certified ESD practitioner, Director of IMPACT Safety, an anti - violence and empowerment self-defense agency, who believes that awareness and boundary setting are life skills that promote confidence, increase freedom and prevent violence.

Love Starts Within

Presented by Kanisha Malone, LSW, ROX Facilitator

Focus Audience: Girls & Adults

Breakout Session: 1 & 2

Love Starts Within, participants will explore the intricate relationship between stress and the body, recognizing how stress manifests physically and emotionally. This session aims to equip women and girls with essential skills to manage stress effectively, set healthy boundaries, and identify when to seek support. Participants will leave this session with a deeper understanding of how stress affects their bodies and minds, along with practical tools to manage stress through breathing techniques, gentle yoga movement, and cultivating self-compassion. This journey reinforces the belief that love truly starts within, laying the groundwork for healthier relationships with oneself and others.

*No prior yoga experience is necessary—everyone is welcome to join and participate at their own comfort level.

From DMs to Double Taps

Presented by Mackenzie Lyon & Valeda Smith, The Center for Family Safety and Healing

Focus Audience: Girls

Breakout Session: 1 & 2

Join us to explore digital spaces, uncover emotions tied to your favorite apps, and create a map of your online world. In this session, you'll learn to set healthy boundaries, practice consent, and be more aware of how feelings show up in your body. Artistic skills are not required - just bring your curiosity!

Healthy Digital Boundaries with Youth

Presented by Chelsey Getz & Julie Sespico, The Center for Family Safety and Healing

Focus Audience: Adults

Breakout Session: 1 & 2

Technology is a big part of our lives, and from social media to gaming, technology use has increased over the past two years. It is important for adults to recognize the impact of technology in their own lives as they partner with youth to build skills for digital well-being and safety. This interactive workshop will explore how youth use technology in friendships and relationships and equip adults with tools and resources to support healthy digital boundaries.

Panel Discussion

Moderated by: Lisa Hinkelman

Focus Audience: Adults and girls

Breakout Session: 1

More info coming soon...!

Girls Supporting Girls

Grove City High School ROX Leadership Team

Focus Audience: Girls

Breakout Session: 2

In this girl-led session, members of the Grove City High School ROX Leadership Team will share their inspiring ROX experiences with other girls through engaging activities and empowering conversations. Girls will leave this session truly believing that being a girl ROX!

We strive to host inclusive events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Julie Ohlemacher at [email protected] or (614) 488-8080 ext. 8. At least 10 business days' advance notice will help us to provide seamless access.

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