Congresswoman Jackie Speier encourages girls to dream big

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KGO) -- Over 400 girls gathered at Genentech headquarters in South San Francisco Saturday to hear the message that they can do and be anything -- congressional representative, scientist, CEO, judge, surgeon, journalist.

Peninsula Congresswoman Jackie Speier held her annual When I Grow Up event for Women's History Month.

Elementary and middle school girls got to hear inspiring stories from the congresswoman and other female leaders, including San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White and UC Berkeley's Dean of Engineering Tsu-Jae King Liu -- both the first women to hold their positions.

Over the years, several ABC7 News anchors and reporters have spoken at When I Grow Up, including Kristen Sze, Lyanne Melendez and Cheryl Jennings.

Saturday's speakers shared how they broke down barriers and overcame challenges to make their dreams come true.