Click on the photos or links below to watch video interviews conducted by teen Explainers from the Exploratorium. You will need the free RealPlayer to watch the videos. See the sidebar for instructions. Dr. Yvonne Cagle, NASA astronaut "What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?" Erin Brockovich, Environmental Activist and Legal Assistant "...after the PG&E case and movie were you taken more seriously as a woman?" Jan Yanehiro, Television Personality "What is the most rewarding part of being a news anchor?" Melinda Pengel, San Francisco Police Department Deputy Chief "What are some of the issues you faced in trying to get into a very male dominated field? Nely Galán, Entertainment Executive/Telemundo "How were you able to break down the cultural male barriers in your career?" Sarah Alder-Milstein, Youth Steering Committee "...what was your role in this event?" Jackie Speier, State Senator "What gave you the idea to form a board of girls rather than experts in planning this event?"

An astronaut, a poet, an environmental activist, and a cop were among the speakers addressing a thousand young women today about their lives, their health, and their futures. Titled "Healthy Hearts, Healthy Lives: Young Women on the Rise," the conference was organized and hosted by state senator Jackie Speier with the help of a steering committee of San Francisco teens. The girls on the steering committee helped choose the topics, the speakers, and the workshop programs.

The mornings keynote speakers, which included environmental activist Erin Brockovich, focused more on inspiration and empowerment than on health. Erin shared some stories from her own life, the subject of a hit movie starring Julia Roberts, and encouraged the audience to stick to their guns, be proud of who they are, and to never let anyone tell them they couldn't make a difference.

One of the most emotional talks was delivered by San Francisco poet Janice Mirikitani. She told the girls about her experiences as a victim of child abuse and as a battered woman. She learned that "silence does not protect you." It was only when she started to get mad and spoke against violence that she was able to leave her former abusive relationship and go on to work with other battered women at Glide Memorial Church. "Love will conquer violence," she said, "and make the mountains move."