The Houston Independent School District’s Resilient Outstanding Sisters Exemplifying Success (ROSES) project on Thursday hosted its inaugural professional women’s forum to discuss the effects of social media on education and society, especially as it relates to the well-being of young, underserved female students.  

The forum, which was titled “Effects of Social Media on Education and Society”, was held at Sterling Aviation Early College High School and was moderated by Telemundo News Anchor Ingrid Barrera. Panelists included leaders in education, law enforcement and human resources.

Throughout the evening they discussed the different impacts social media has on society, such as communications, societal standards and privacy.

 “I want people to understand that social media isn’t bad, but it can be used from a bad perspective,” ROSES Senior Program Manager Jermani Justice said. “We want to give some tips and tricks on social media best practices.”

Houston Police Officer Nalley Gonzalez, who currently serves as a patrol officer in one of the highest crime-ridden areas in Houston, talked openly about how social media has impacted her criminal investigations.

“It really helps you find little details on investigations that may otherwise be missed,” she told the audience. “Facebook and Twitter have both been helpful to us in our investigations.”

Ginia Warren, HR Business Partner with Memorial Hermann Health System, reminded the audience that social media is an extension of yourself and part of a personal brand.

“What you view on my Facebook is going to be a reflection of me,” she said. “You want to make sure that your social media reflects who you are as a person.”

ROSES, which is the sister program of Ascending to Men (ATM), will hold its next professional women’s forum in Spring 2020. For more information on how to support ROSES, which seeks to provide positive role models and advocates for underserved young women in the district, visit Houstonisd.org/ROSES. http://Houstonisd.org/ROSES