Bringing the Girls Inc. experience to more girls

Meet Malak, a proud alumna of Girls Inc. of New York City, who shared how her time with Girls Inc. strengthened her leadership skills and confidence through mentorship, sisterhood, and programming. 

When asked about how she was able to truly tap into her confidence, Malak shared her favorite Girls Inc. memory, when she attended a Spring Soiree. At this event, she met inspirational women leaders who reflected her background, and it helped her see what’s possible in terms of career opportunities to explore. She had the chance to speak one-on-one with female professionals in business and finance, who offered her honest advice about rejection, taking chances, and staying focused. 

She was also inspired by the girl speakers, especially her friend Malika whose speech touched on the value of Girls Inc.’s mentorship, education, and leadership skills for young women.  

That night affirmed Malak’s belief in the value of Girls Inc. and the ways its programs invest in girls every day. She left the event not only with practical career insights, but also with a stronger sense of self and a determination to carry confidence into every part of life. 

As she transitioned to college and career, tapping into her boldness to move from New York to Indianapolis, Malak has sought Girls Inc. Alumnae Association to establish her Girls Inc. community in her new state. Malak said, “I had the pleasure of meeting Marisa Churchill, the Manager of the Girls Inc. Alumnae Association, who has taken me under her wing and has been introducing me to alumnae and other members of Girls Inc. in my area.” She has been attending continued learning opportunities with the Assocation and credits them with equipping her with practical skills like resume writing.  

Through all phases of her life, she noted how Girls Inc. reinforced the importance of values like honesty, integrity, and self-awareness. 

This year, Malak is attending Purdue University to study Professional Flight and Aerospace Engineering and feels ready to begin her studies thanks to her Girls Inc. Experience. She says, “Aviation, like many other industries lacks female representation. Becoming that voice for minority women is another incentive of mine to pursue this career.”  

Because of her time with Girls Inc., Malak now feels that she is equipped and ready to take on anything life may throw at her, especially with her Girls Inc. community at her side. 

If Malak could give one piece of advice to the girls standing in her shoes today, she would say, “To embody being strong, smart, and bold, one must first believe in their own potential to be all of these things. Your sense of self is the foundation.” She implores young girls to activate their inner sense of self and be proud of their individuality. No matter how ‘cliché,’ it is absolutely crucial to trust and believe in yourself.” 

Malak’s journey through the Girls Inc. program is a testament to the power of mentorship and sisterhood. Her experience shows us all what can be achieved when we tap into our confidence and our innate ability to be bold. 

Meet Vannary; a proud Girls Inc. alumna from Greater Indianapolis. Long before she was advising national security policy at the U.S. Department of Defense, she was a young girl discovering her voice and confidence through Girls Inc. Today, she not only supports U.S. national security as a Legislative Analyst but also leads over 10,000 young professionals through the US-ASEAN Young Professionals Association, which she founded to foster community. 

Her leadership story starts early on at Girls Inc. when she attended a luncheon and found herself surrounded by women who had broken barriers across industries from science and government to business and community leadership. Their stories of resilience, service, and ambition sparked something in her. 

“That experience planted the early seeds of ambition in me,” she reflects. “Not just to succeed, but to lead in a way that would open doors for others too.”

Girls Inc. became the foundation where her leadership took root. It was where she first learned to think critically, ask bold questions, and collaborate on solutions. These skills, she says, have stayed with her as she now navigates complex global issues and offers policy solutions on a national stage. 

But leadership, for Vannary, also came from a deeply personal place. At Girls Inc., she began to share her Cambodian heritage including her family’s experience seeking asylum. Many had never heard of Cambodia before. Sharing her story became a way to teach, to lead, and to take pride in her identity. 

“I found my voice through storytelling,” she says. “It helped me realize that my history wasn’t a burden. It was a strength.”

That act of telling her story not only built her confidence and communication skills, but it also helped others see new perspectives. Through it, Vannary discovered the power of representation and how cultural heritage can be a catalyst for growth.  She credits Girls Inc. with helping her become a leader who is not only visionary but prepared and action oriented. And she never forgets the role supporters played in shaping her path. 

“To the supporters of Girls Inc. thank you for investing in girls like me. Your belief helped me find my voice, celebrate my culture, and step into leadership with confidence.”

Her advice to girls today is both practical and powerful: protect your dreams, work hard, seek mentors, and never be afraid to take up space. She reminds young leaders that their voices matter now, not just in the future. 

“Every expert was once a beginner. Be curious. Be bold. And don’t be afraid to knock on doors you never know which ones will open.”

For Vannary, Girls Inc. wasn’t just an organization it was a launchpad. And today, her story is proof of what can happen when girls are equipped with the tools, support, and belief they need to lead. 

“When we lift girls, we lift communities,” she says. “Girls Inc. didn’t just help me dream. They helped me lead.” 

Links:

• Girls Inc. Website