Meet Destiney F. of Girls Inc. of San Diego. Destiney is a national brand ambassador and a UC San Diego-bound member of the graduating class of 2023 ready to take on college. She shares the impact Girls Inc. made in her life.
Before joining Girls Inc., I mainly kept to myself. I felt like I still needed to find my place. Expressing my thoughts without stuttering or standing up for my beliefs was challenging. Imposter syndrome was also a big issue for me that even when I made the honor roll, I didn’t think I deserved it. Instead, I thought I probably got lucky. It felt as if I was doing the bare minimum.
When Girls Inc. came to my school, I thought this is different. I loved the focus on girls’ rights and quickly felt like it was a safe space where I could be myself and vent about the state of the world, while learning how to take action to create positive change. I also became part of a community with other girls going through similar experiences. What also piqued my interest was the different types of programs Girls Inc. had to offer, Girls Inc. wasn’t just focused on STEM or the arts. There was so much to do and learn, and that included finding ways to advocate for myself and others.
Every month there was a new event like creating and distributing menstrual equity boxes to students in need or opportunities to meet extraordinary changemakers in society. I learned about the importance of social capital and networking and how to navigate the world from the college application process to job interviews and everything in between.
With the support I have received at Girls Inc., I now feel like there isn’t anything I can’t do. Having people always rooting for me and believing in me is a transformational experience. It has helped me believe in myself. The Girls Inc. mentors have been a powerful force in my development. They have been the most positive influence in my life–my role models. They put educating us first and ensuring everyone feels safe and that the girls have the experiences they need. Because of their work, I’m going into this next stage of my life filled with confidence, knowledge about the world and my surroundings, more involved with my community, and set up for success. I have found who I am, my purpose, and I am proud of who I’ve become, thanks to the support of Girls Inc.
In the fall, I’m heading to my school of choice, UC San Diego. I truly believe my essay played a big part in my acceptance with a solid developmental story thanks to my experiences at Girls Inc. I’m ready to take on this challenge, knowing I’m supported by a strong network I can tap into for anything.
As part of Black History Month, Girls Inc. recognizes trailblazers inspiring a new generation of change agents making history in their own right. To celebrate, Girls Inc. Brand Ambassadors, Tiffany and T’Neil, share their thoughts on what they love about being Black, strong, smart, and bold.
One of the things Tiffany loves about being black is that Black girls like herself are so versatile, creative, and ambitious. “We express ourselves in so many unique ways, like through our hair, style, and accessories. I love seeing black girls fearlessly rocking funky hairstyles in their retro fashion. We are showstoppers! I also love watching my hair convert from rocking my box braids to fro. We are walking transformers! My hair is something I learn more and more about each day. It is beautiful to express ourselves through our hair and fashion, which has become an extensive part of black culture.”
Tiffany shares, “Just as our hair can adapt to many different hairstyles, black girls are as well very adaptive. We shine in any room we go in! Black girls are so multi-talented and multi-skilled.”
T’Neil details the love she has for her skin and color. “I loved the way my black skin twinkled in the sun, protected me from the heat, and allowed the brightest colors to shine when added to it. I love the way my hair is full of coils and has a surplus of styles that it could be placed in. I love the tight-knit community that surrounds my skin tone and the history behind it. The love I have for my skin is infinite and I am proud to say that I am a black woman. A black woman is a warrior, writer, journalist, queen, survivor, doctor, and lawyer, a never-ending list.”
“This is what I love about being a black woman, knowing we can have power and a presence anywhere we go,” says T’Neil.
To be young, gifted and black is truly a celebration and Girls Inc. is honored to recognize the new generation of strong, smart, and bold leaders like T’Neil and Tiffany this Black History Month and all year.
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Meet Bopha Malone, an Alumna of Girls Inc. of Lynn and newly appointed Interim Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell, who shares how Girls Inc. changed her life for the better by helping her find inner confidence, strength, and happiness that she now shares back.
Girls Inc. is thrilled to highlight one of our amazing and dedicated alumna, Bopha Malone. She has made a life-long commitment to helping others and pledging herself to the missions of nonprofit work. Bopha transitioned from her prominent Vice President role at Enterprise Bank to take on the position of Interim Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell (GIGL). While the Board of Directors conducts a nationwide search for a permanent leader, Bopha has stepped up to the plate to guide Girls Inc. through daily operations and long-term, post-Covid challenges.
Bopha immigrated to the United States as a Cambodian refugee at the young age of eight, joining Girls Inc. of Lynn at age 15. She was a mentor, peer leader, and educator for her fellow youth on topics of racism, homophobia, and the dangers of tobacco use and gun violence, among other issues. Bopha’s lifelong passion of seeking opportunities to give back and help others in her community continued throughout her career. As Vice President at Enterprise, she consistently embodied their core value of community and also worked with several nonprofit organizations. She is a trustee of Middlesex Community College, Tufts Medicine (Lowell General Hospital), International Institute of New England, Women Working Wonders and is a member of the Bedford, MA Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce.
Patricia Driscoll, Chief Operating Officer of Girls Inc. National shared, “I have witnessed Bopha’s evolution from a girl balancing traditional cultural norms with her new life to an impassioned professional supporting her community, running for Congress, and now leading Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell. Bopha embodies strong, smart, and bold, and her combined life and Girls Inc. experiences will be a tremendous asset in the development of the new generation of girl leaders. I am honored to be working alongside her.”
“Girls Inc. played a tremendous role in my life growing up and was instrumental in helping me become the woman I am today,” said Bopha. “I am grateful to Enterprise Bank for supporting my involvement with nonprofits over the 16 years I’ve been with them and am honored by the opportunity to inspire the next generation of girls to be strong, smart, and bold as interim executive director for Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell.”
Take the journey back in time with us and watch Bopha inspiring luncheon speech from 2015 here.
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“It is more important than ever for trans students to have access to the support and community that school sports offer.”
- Amelia, Girls Inc. of San Antonio Participant
The culmination of Pride month reminds us that LGBTQIA+ individuals have to fight for their rights every day. Amelia Dorko, a member of the Girls Inc. National Teen Advocacy Council and Girls Inc. of San Antonio, is a current senior with interests in cybersecurity and foreign language. Amelia shares how current anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation affects youth in her community, and reflects on the importance of inclusion, and for students everywhere. Read more about legislation affecting LGBTQIA+ rights in Texas here.
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On this #WomensHistoryMonth we are pleased to highlight our #Breakthebias campaign. Throughout the month, we've been celebrating women and girls who are challenging stereotypes, achieving their goals, and creating positive change in their communities.
Young leaders like Bella from Girls Inc. of Orange County are doing just that. In addition to maintaining a 4.76 GPA, being a member of the Girls Inc. National Teen Advocacy Council, former member of HOPE (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality), and tennis coach, Bella is the product of what happens when girls and young women are given the space, mentorship, and financial resources to thrive.
Your support makes it possible for thousands of girls like Bella to attend Girls Inc.
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