CHARLOTTE -- About 100 teenagers from across the Charlotte region -- practiced quick-thinking skills in concord, Saturday.

The Queen City chapter of Jack and Jill of America hosted a conference focused on legislative interests, volunteer service, civic duty and public speaking.

Jack and Jill is a national organization focused on helping African-American children develop into the leaders of tomorrow.

The local chapter designed this event -- to get teens thinking about their futures, and how to represent themselves in a positive light.

"If they take a nugget or two of something that is going to resonate with them, that will be a win.  And if they use that information to grow and develop and use it in whatever area they're interested in then that will be even better.  So, it's really for them to make it whatever it is and to own it and I think they'll do that judging by the first session,” said Cynthia Bush.

During the public speaking session, Spectrum News Anchor Claudine Chalfant served on a panel of journalists, as they spoke to teens about enhancing their communication skills.