CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosted her 36th West Virginia Girls Rise Up program at Ruthlawn Elementary School in Charleston, W.Va. where she was joined by America250 Chair Rosie Rios.
Senator Capito and Rios met with 4th and 5th grade female students to discuss the importance of self-confidence, education, and physical fitness. Additionally, Senator Capito and Rios discussed America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which our nation will celebrate next year. Senator Capito serves as an America250 Commissioner, one of only a few members of the Senate appointed, while Rios serves as the Chair.
“As our nation prepares to celebrate such a historic milestone, I can’t think of a better group of young girls who will lead us to even greater heights in the future. Empowering the next generation of leaders is one of the most important investments we can make. I was proud to bring my Girls Rise Up program to a new group of students, alongside Rosie Rios—a trailblazer in her own right. Together, we delivered the message to these young women that if they dream big, lead boldly, and know their voices matter, that the sky is the limit.,” Senator Capito said.
“I’m honored to join Senator Capito and the Girls Rise Up initiative to help inspire the next generation of leaders,” Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, said. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, it’s vital that we empower the voices who will define the next 250 years. Girls Rise Up is helping young women see themselves as leaders in America’s next chapter and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
“With great reverence, I am pleased to welcome Senator Capito and the 43rd United States Treasurer Rosie Rios to Ruthlawn Elementary. Two shining examples of what is possible when girls chart their own course. Girls Rise Up is such a wonderful opportunity for current leaders in their field to share strength, wisdom and self-determination with our future leaders, who just happen to be girls. We need our female youth to be passionate about their personal stories of growth and grit and never give up on their dreams. Another pioneering woman, Eleanor Roosevelt, said, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’ Together we can build an awareness of Girl’s Rise Up’s three pillars of success, so our young ladies can be ‘Mustang STRONG,’ this year and beyond. Thank you, Senator Capito, for your vision and dedication to guiding a better future!” Natalie Laliberty, Ruthlawn Elementary Principal, said.
Senator Capito launched the West Virginia Girls Rise Up program in 2015 to instill confidence in young West Virginia women and empower them to be strong and kind female leaders. The program focuses on three areas: education, fitness, and self-confidence. Learn more about the program here.
Photos from today’s event can be found below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Rosie Rios, America250 Chair, at a Girls Rise Up event at Ruthlawn Elementary School in Charleston, W.Va. on Tuesday April 22, 2025.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a Girls Rise Up event at Ruthlawn Elementary School in Charleston, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a Girls Rise Up event at Ruthlawn Elementary School in Charleston, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a Girls Rise Up event at Ruthlawn Elementary School in Charleston, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
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