MONTGOMERY — Tuesday marked a rare occurrence at the Alabama State House — the girls easily outnumbered the boys. The Second Annual "Girl's Day at the Capitol," hosted by State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) and Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen Ali Mims, brought 100 girls from 6th grade to 12th to the Capitol complex. For many, it was their first time.
Representative DeBose and Mims were joined by special guests State Reps. Jennifer Fidler (R-Silverhill), Frances Holk Jones (R-Foley), Donna Givens (R-Loxley), Leigh Hulsey (R-Helena), Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg) and Debbie Wood (R-Valley).
During an interview on FM 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show" with guest host Apryl Marie Fogel, DuBose said that she wanted to give the girls the opportunity to see women in the legislature and throughout state government.
"I wanted young ladies in our state to see women as role models, as leaders and as decision-makers in our state," she said. "I wanted to inspire them to dream big and realize that they can fulfill whatever those dreams may be."
The afternoon started in the House chambers, where the girls learned about the role of legislature, civic participation and getting out to vote. They were encouraged to pursue public service but also told that there are roles for women throughout their community in every field.
The diverse group of talented and curious girls traveled from around the state, with the largest individual school group coming from W.F. Burns Middle School in Valley at Wood's invitation.
After the chamber remarks, the young ladies took a tour of the State Capitol before going to the governor's mansion. There, they were treated to brief remarks from Gov. Kay Ivey and took a group photo. From there, they explored the Christmas decorations and enjoyed a reception of apple cider and Alabama-shaped cookies.
DuBose said that she intends to continue this annual event next year and is working on a way to include more than this year's cap of 100 girls. The third annual event is currently booked for Dec. 16, 2025.
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at aprylmarie@altoday.com or on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
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