LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- You're never too young to start thinking about your future, and 12-year-old Kennae Richards is proof of that.
“Instead of being like somebody, I want to try and be not better than somebody, but the best that I can be,” Richards told WHAS 11 News.
Richards and her grandmother were at the first ever ‘No Girl Lost’ career fair, to take the opportunity to explore careers in cosmetology and real estate.
“I can own my own company, and be my own boss and not just make money for somebody else,” she said.
More than 30 professionals were at the Russell Plaza where they talked to girls like Kennae, giving inspiration through their own careers.
“I think I should pick a couple of these, even though I want to be a wedding planner or a midwife, I still want to learn about the different careers and stuff,” said Imarie Richardson, 14.
The event was put on by LMPD Officer Amber Ross, who launched No Girl Lost last year. It’s a program that allows her to work with middle school and high school girls and encourage them to be great.
“It's my opportunity to give them that little bit more of a knowledge and know that hey, there's a big world out there and you can be successful in this big world,” Officer Ross told WHAS 11 News.
In a city crawling with teen violence, Officer Ross said it's important for these girls to have someone they trust and someone who can give them confidence.
“I can't hold your hand and make you want to be a part of No Girl Lost, but come into No Girl Lost and you will want to stay away from the negativity and the violence and the gangs.”
Officer Ross said this career fair is just one way she can help young minds look forward in our community.