More than 20 women professionals spoke to area high school girls Friday during the 2011 Girl Career Conference.

Organizer Susan Short said the event, which is held every three years and sponsored by the Children’s Policy Council, had representation from each of the county’s six high schools.

The day began with opening remarks from Jamie Langley, Miss Alabama 2007. Langley is currently employed with CBS 8 News WAKA in Montgomery.

The young women were then divided into groups for roundtable discussions with each of the featured participants, which included attorneys, engineers, military personnel, forensic scientists, pharmacists and even a geologist.

“We do this to expose young people to as many career opportunities as possible,” Short said. “Sometimes when we’re growing up, we think there are only four things we can do as a career – doctor, lawyer, nurse, school teacher. There is so much more out there to chose from.

“Who didn’t want to be a marine biologist or a pilot growing up? Well, these girls have an opportunity to hear firsthand what their job is like, how they got it and what it takes to do their job,” she said. “It’s a great experience.”