If someone had told me a year ago that I would be in Washington D.C. lobbying on a bill in Congress, I never would have believed them. Empowering women and giving back to my community has always been a life-long dream of mine, but being the leading force in that movement was something I found intimidating. I wasn’t sure if I had the voice or the strength to take on that role.

But these past three years with Girls Inc., through my involvement in Eureka! and especially with the Teen Advocacy Council (TAC), have changed that. They not only helped me grow into a more confident person but also made me believe in my ability to speak up and make a difference.

The Girls Inc. National Teen Advocacy Council is a group of Girls Inc. participants from across the country who come together to discuss issues affecting girls and youth and develop their leadership skills. I first heard about TAC in the summer of 2024 and immediately felt drawn to apply. I saw it as a chance to grow not only as a young woman but as a leader. After being selected, we met monthly to learn about the challenges women face every day and to build our skills as advocates, all leading up to a final trip to Washington D.C.

During our time together, we explored many important issues, but one that stood out to me was the Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2025. This bill aims to remove barriers to accessing menstrual hygiene products, especially for underserved communities. It proposes providing free menstrual products in government institutions through a federal block grant, increasing funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and expanding Social Services Block Grants to help low-income individuals afford these essential products. What touched me most was the plan to create a 100-person team dedicated to distributing sanitary products to people experiencing homelessness. To me, this bill is not just about access, instead, it’s about dignity, health, and equity.

When the day finally came to lobby on Capitol Hill, it felt incredibly personal. Walking into the House of Representatives was surreal. We weren’t just reciting facts, we were sharing stories and, most importantly, making change.

Meeting the other TAC members in person for the first time and lobbying together showed me how much I had grown. Being surrounded by so many passionate and determined young women reminded me that I was not alone. It also showed me that I had the strength and courage to stand up for what I believe in. Over the past year, TAC gave me a new kind of confidence—the confidence to speak boldly and clearly, not just for myself but for those who may not yet have a voice. That experience was transformative, and I realized I no longer needed to fear stepping into leadership. Instead, I was ready to embrace it fully.