The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls recently welcomed U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan for a townhall discussion with high school girls in its Girls Advisory Board and GirlGov Chester County programs.

A lively group of young women gathered at First Presbyterian Church in West Chester to learn about Houlahan’s journey and experiences as a woman in politics.

Houlahan kicked off the morning with a brief overview of her previous work experiences as an Air Force veteran, executive of two successful startup companies, and Peace Corps volunteer and chemistry teacher, all of which inspired and led to her decision to run for Congress. She then asked each young woman to share what sparked her interest in politics and government and led the group in a discussion about ways we can all be engaged in the civic process – even high school girls who are not yet old enough to vote.

Houlahan continued by offering a behind-the-scenes look at her jam-packed daily schedule, adventures on the campaign trail, and the voting process in Washington, D.C. She encouraged the young women in the room to continue using their voices to advocate for causes important to them, revealing the impact that GenZ involvement had on her congressional campaign and eventual victory.

The townhall concluded with a question-and-answer session in which Houlahan fielded questions about gender bias in congress, support for environmentally friendly practices in Pennsylvania, and how young women and men can be involved in the election process.

“I loved speaking with the young women at our Girls in Government Forum about the role of government and what it’s like being the first woman ever to represent our community in Congress,” Houlahan said. “We had a great dialogue about what it means to be an elected representative and how we can all be engaged in the civic process, while promoting the voices of local women and girls. All I can say is the future looks very bright.”