A blog by our friends at girls inc. national

August 17th marks National Nonprofit Day. Today, and always, we want to spotlight the remarkable contributions of nonprofits, shaping communities far and wide. At Girls Inc., we see firsthand the positive outcomes nonprofits have in the lives of girls. Through the programming and support Girls Inc. provides, girls are equipped to reach their full potential and are inspired to be strong, smart, and bold.

Below you’ll find stories from our  Brand Ambassadors on how Girls Inc. has impacted their lives and inspired them to make a difference in their communities.

Audrey, Girls Inc. of Alameda County: 

One of the most influential programming events that Girls Inc. has had on me was my time on the Girls Inc. Teen Advocacy Council (TAC). As someone who is passionate about social justice and equity, having the opportunity to lobby congress on topics that I care about such as the Ending PUSHOUT Act was a privilege and a dream come true. I loved the process of becoming informed and learning the steps of how to advocate for one’s passions alongside my Girls Inc. sisters. The culminating trip to D.C. was an experience that I know not many young people get to have, but overall, it taught me the importance of using my platform to advocate for those who can’t.. I’m recalling this program as I’m now of age to have a voice in the upcoming elections. Now I can use the knowledge I’ve learned through the TAC program to advocate for more topics I care about, helping change the nation for the better through my vote.

Grace, Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest: 

When I think about my time at Girl’s Inc., the first thing that comes to mind is the variety of experiences I gained through the organization. These experiences range from volunteer opportunities, chances to connect with my community, and career preparation specifically targeted to the goals I set for myself. In my later years of elementary school, I joined Girl’s Inc. Communicare, a program where girls raise money to  donate to organizations of their choosing. This specific experience introduced me to the joy of giving back, and showed me that I’m capable of creating change through my actions. Learning this early on has helped me grow up with a passion for helping out those around me and has driven me to give back to my community whenever I can.

Jacqueline, Girls Inc. of San Antonio:

Girls Inc. has been an incredible force in my life, providing me with the programming, mentorship, and support needed to grow and succeed. Through their programming, I discovered my passion for STEM, which opened up a world of opportunities. The mentors at Girls Inc. have been invaluable, offering guidance and encouragement that helped me navigate challenges and build confidence in my abilities.

One particular program that made a significant impact was the Girls Inc. STEM-based Eureka! program.. This experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also instilled a sense of community responsibility. Inspired by the support I received, I am now committed to giving back to my community by volunteering and mentoring younger girls interested in STEM. Girls Inc. has inspired me to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in the world.

Kayla, Girls Inc. of the Central Coast:

At Girls Inc., the ECHO Leadership program was pivotal in shaping my journey. ECHO is a leadership and mentoring program for high school sophomores and juniors that inspires girls to pursue higher education, plan their careers, and see themselves as future leaders. One activity was a show-and-tell, where everyone brought cultural items ranging from photos of family members to traditional clothing. Through modules on families and traditions, I learned to embrace my cultural identity as a Pinay and the value of diverse perspectives. These experiences inspired me with essential leadership and innovation skills, including public speaking and goal setting. Inspired by Girls Inc., I founded the Asian American Alliance Club at my local high school, despite the small Asian population, and grew it to over 60 members. We celebrated holidays from Holi to Lunar New Year and honored our heritage. Now, as a member of Kappa Psi Epsilon in college, I continue to give back to the Asian community. Girls Inc. instilled in me a profound appreciation for my culture and the drive to make a difference through leadership and community engagement.