As March proudly celebrates Women’s History Month, Rome Free Academy student Isabella Occhipinti is creating her own history while helping continue a family legacy.
Occhipinti currently leads “Introducing Girl Talk,” a free community program that provides a safe space for young girls to connect and inspire each other while promoting self-love, confidence, and healthy friendships. Holding sessions twice a month at the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley’s Rome Branch, Occhipinti guides group discussions focused on important issues such as peer pressure, mental health, self-esteem, and positive relationships, while also strongly advocating against bullying.
“My ultimate goal is to empower girls to feel confident, valued, and comfortable being themselves, while giving them healthy tools to cope with challenges,” said Occhipinti, a 16-year-old sophomore at RFA.
Her passion for the program stems not just from her desire to help others, but to help her speak about and heal from her own experiences as well.
“Having struggled with bullying, I know firsthand how hard it is to be comfortable with yourself,” she said. “I became very determined to help prevent it as much as I can, so I was happy that I could do that through Girl Talk. I’ve truly grown and learned so much about who I am.”
The program was originally initiated in 2017 by her sister, Arlena Occhipinti, who shared the same passion as Isabella in wanting to help girls build self-esteem and confidence by being open about her own experiences and challenges.
Truly inspired by her sister’s courage and seeing the profound impact the program had on young girls during its two-year run, Occhipinti set out to both honor and continue her sister’s legacy. Behind Arlena’s encouragement, Isabella took the initiative to request and set up a meeting with the YMCA Rome Branch, where she pitched the idea of restarting Girl Talk as part of this year’s program offerings.
It was an easy sell.
“Isabella has brought something truly special to the Rome Family YMCA through her Girl Talk program,” said Jordann Stevens, Rome Branch Executive for the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley. “Week after week, she finds creative and meaningful ways to make every girl in the room feel seen and supported. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch her imagination shine as she builds a space where young girls can connect, grow, and feel empowered. Her dedication to uplifting others at just 16 years old is truly inspiring.”
Occhipinti has been able to expand the program by implementing some of her own new ideas. To align with that month’s specific discussion topic, Occhipinti helps participants with setting goals and ways to achieve them. She also encourages the group to keep written journals, which she explains helps participants “learn how to cope with what they’re going through in a happy and healthy way.” Confidence-building events, such as “Love Your Selfie” and painting activities, have also been incorporated into the program.
“I want girls to know that there’s so much more than the negative things people (may say) and that they’re NOT alone,” she said.
Her ability to spread such a positive message extends to multiple platforms. Currently a Miss New York Teen contestant who was selected to represent Miss Central New York Teen, Occhipinti’s yearslong involvement in pageantry has provided her another opportunity to be a positive influence for the girls she shares the stage with.
“Through my platform, ‘Love Your Selfie: #NoFilterNecessary,’ I use the pageant stage to spread messages of positivity, self-confidence, and self-acceptance,” she explained. “My goal is to help girls realize they are perfect just as they are and to encourage them to embrace their natural beauty and individuality.”
Occhipinti, who is also a member of the RFA gymnastics team, hopes to continue Girl Talk sessions beyond this year. “Many girls continue to struggle silently. With my program, it gives them a safe space to talk, reflect, and heal.”
The experience also reaffirms her career ambitions of continuing to be an advocate for youth empowerment and mental wellness in leadership roles.
“I aim to use my voice, experiences, and platforms to inspire confidence, promote positivity, and help young girls recognize their value.”
Girl Talk sessions remain ongoing at the Rome YMCA this year, with the following dates available for interested participants ages 5 or older: Mondays, April 13 & 27, May 11, June 8 & 22. Each session runs from 5:30-6:30 p.m.