For Girls Inc. Gratitude Week, Girls Inc. honors the mentors who have made a difference in the lives of our smart, strong, and bold girls. Their dedication to inspiring girls fuels our mission and helps inspire participants to explore new opportunities, break barriers, and lead with confidence. Our Brand Ambassadors reflect on what their support has meant to them and the lasting impact it has had on their growth, self esteem and leadership.

Snigdha is a participant of Girls Inc. of Alberta who has been inspired by a Girls Inc. mentor to follow her passion for medicine and achieve her goals.

Abigail Falvey was my Girls Inc. mentor for a few years throughout my junior high and early high school career. She was my role model and taught me many important skills such as how to stand up for myself, how to speak up when I felt someone was being treated poorly, and, most importantly, to follow my heart when choosing a career. Through the Operation SMART and Next Chapters programming, Abby guided me in taking the next steps in my academic journey. She helped me realize that I could do whatever I set my mind to and that I could be unstoppable.

There was one Zoom call that stuck out to me in particular. When I was in the eleventh grade, I spoke to Abby and one of my Girls Inc. peers about how I wasn’t confident in my future career plans. I was planning to apply to college for engineering since it was a four-year degree and I could get a high-paying job right after undergrad. However, I wasn’t passionate about engineering the same way I was about biology, the human body, and helping people. I shared my hesitancy about pursuing medicine with my community, and was told that it was a long, difficult path and I wasn’t strong enough to pursue it. When I started believing those words, Abby told me that if I was passionate about pursuing medicine, I should do it. “People will talk no matter what – you could win the Nobel Prize and someone will still have something bad to say, so you might as well do what you are passionate about.” Those words stuck with me. Abby played a significant role in my decision regarding my university education, and I would like to thank her for guiding me when I was lost, for being one of the best role models I could ask for, and for always believing in me. She encouraged me to be the strongest, smartest and boldest version of myself.

Ashlyn is an alumna of Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta who credits her transformative experience in Girls Inc. for inspiring her to pursue her passions and make a lasting impact in her community.

I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to Lea Nelson, my mentor at Girls Inc., who has had a profoundly positive impact on my personal and academic growth. Lea has been more than just a mentor; she has been a guiding force in my journey, offering
invaluable opportunities, support, and encouragement that have helped shape me into the person I am today. Lea’s role at Girls Inc. goes far beyond that of a typical staff member. As someone who has dedicated herself to inspiring young girls, she consistently goes above and beyond to create spaces where girls like me can thrive. Whether it was through her involvement in organizing events, connecting us with influential leaders, or providing us with practical guidance on college and career planning, Lea’s contributions have been vital to my success.

One of the most powerful ways Lea has impacted me has been through her mentorship. She took the time to get to know me as an individual, offering both personal and professional guidance. I remember when I was unsure about my college plans and career goals;Lea was there to listen, offer advice, and connect me with individuals who could help me achieve my aspirations. Through her support, I’ve had the chance to attend networking events, meet professionals in fields I’m passionate about, and, most importantly, build the confidence to pursue my dreams. Lea’s dedication to fostering leadership in young women is evident in her approach to mentorship. She embodies the values of Girls Inc. by being strong, smart, and bold in every aspect of her life. She encourages us to step outside our comfort zones and take on leadership roles, no matter how challenging. Her belief in my potential has inspired me to embrace opportunities I never would have considered on my own. Thank you, Lea, for making such a profound difference in my life and in the lives of so many others.

Thank you to our incredible Brand Ambassadors for sharing your stories and reflecting on Girls Inc.’s impact on you. Your experiences not only highlight the transformative power of our programming but also inspire others to pursue their passions and lead with confidence.