As we celebrate International Friendship Day on July 30, we want to highlight the profound impact and importance friendship has on girls across the globe. At Girls Inc., we’ve seen the transformative benefits in the sisterhood of support participants receive. Friendship at Girls Inc. allows girls to be the best version of themselves and teaches them the role of support and companionship as they lift each other up. The solidarity and sense of belonging that Girls Inc. provides, fosters connection and helps equip them to reach their full potential. 

Read below what some of our Brand Ambassadors had to say about their friendships formed through Girls Inc. and the impact it’s had on their lives. 

Pictured: Audrey (left), Kayla (right)

Audrey, Girls Inc. of Alameda County and Kayla, Girls Inc. of the Central Coast developed a special bond as National Brand Ambassadors. Audrey notes: 

I was introduced to my dear friend Kayla Salazar through the Girls Inc. National Brand Ambassador program. Through the Zoom screen of our monthly call, I realized I had never met someone so compassionate and intelligent. Every time she unmuted herself to contribute to our brainstorms, she always had something insightful to share, tackling problems from angles that an average mind could never think of. When Kayla and I finally met in person, as we both attend UCLA, I was a little intimidated, but all of those emotions quickly melted away when her bright, warm smile met me. So many words can be used to paint the relationship that grew from that first meeting. Still, in short, I can say this: Kayla is the embodiment of radiance, determination, and passion, encouraging me whenever I feel down and allowing me to join her trailblazing as she paves the road for her very bright future. She inspires me every day to better myself, and I’m so excited that I get the privilege of calling her my Girls Inc. sister! 

Kayla, added: Audrey and I took on the journey of college by each other’s side. Girls Inc. gave us the space to connect, support each other, and grow into the strong, smart, and bold women we are today. The community and sisterhood from Girls Inc. has been a cornerstone in our lives, helping us navigate the challenges of living away from home and entering adulthood. I am so grateful for this organization and the incredible friends it has helped me make.

Jacqueline, Girls Inc. of San Antonio:  Through Girls Inc., I formed a lifelong friendship with someone with similar interests and values. We met during a summer program focused on STEM education, where we bonded over our love of coding and robotics. Our friendship grew stronger as we participated in activities like building robots and creating apps. Girls Inc. provided a safe and supportive environment for us to connect and learn from each other. The organization’s emphasis on empowerment and encouragement helped us build confidence and trust in ourselves and each other. Through events like mentorship programs and leadership workshops, we continued to grow and develop together. Girls Inc. taught us to be strong, bright, and bold, and our friendship is a testament to the power of this mission. We continue to support and inspire each other to pursue our dreams and positively impact our community.

Ria, Girls Inc. of Worcester:

Grace, Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest: Throughout 12 years of programming, one of my favorite parts of Girls Inc. has always been the connections I’ve had to form with other girls. My mentors have consistently done a great job of helping us connect. Some of my favorite memories of every program I’ve participated in have been the icebreakers we would start the day with. They helped us see the things we had in common with each other, which in turn helped us begin to form friendships. Eureka! was where I made most of my friends from Girls Inc. Being able to spend summers together learning and working on activities brought us close together. During COVID-19, when we couldn’t do in-person programming, my affiliate still worked hard to provide us with virtual opportunities to connect. Everyone at Girls Inc. has always encouraged us to be ourselves while allowing us to build relationships. This has enabled me to develop meaningful friendships with girls from many different backgrounds, from which I’ve learned a lot.

Maya, Girls Inc. of Orange County: On International Friendship Day, I want to highlight how Girls Inc. fostered an environment for me to find supportive girls. During the Girls Meet the Workforce externship program at my local affiliate, Girls Inc. of Orange County, I underwent over 65 hours of career readiness training with over 100 girls from different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. Our bonds transcended other barriers, and we came together as a family. Some of my Girls Inc. friends are still very close to me. Going through these programs forced me to branch out and make new friends. Girls Inc. pushed me out of my comfort zone time and time again, from virtual programs during the isolating pandemic to in-person programs and activities as well. Through these experiences, this organization has increased my confidence and helped me connect with others better.