January 24 is International Day of Education, a global celebration of how learning creates peace and a more sustainable world. At Girls Inc., we believe that when girls have access to education, mentorship, and opportunity, they become strong, smart, and bold leaders who shape the world for the better.  Our Girls Inc. Brand Ambassadors reflect on how education has shaped their life journey.  

Belen, from Girls Inc. of San Diego, offers her reflections on the importance of this day. “As a first-generation Latina student, education represents the chance to break generational barriers. Growing up in Southeast San Diego, I often saw how limited educational resources and low expectations discouraged students from reaching their full potential. Learning became my way of challenging stereotypes and creating a future that was beyond these limitations. My passion for science started in high school and pushed me to pursue summer research opportunities. This newfound curiosity led me to major in Neuroscience at Columbia University. Education not only shaped what I plan to study, but also the leader I have become. Girls Inc. played a pivotal role in my journey by providing the mentorship I needed. Through amazing mentors and STEM programs, I gained the confidence to apply to top universities and see myself in spaces where women of color are often underrepresented. Today, I continue these lessons by mentoring young girls in New York City and helping them see education as the pathway to endless opportunities. My experience has shown me that a world built on peace and understanding is one where education uplifts communities, empowers young students, and creates an impact.” 

Lauren, from Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell, reflects on the role education has played in shaping her confidence. “When I think about education, I’m reminded of a quote shared by one of my mentors, ‘Education is the passport to the future and the key to success.’ Education is important to me because it deepens my understanding of myself and the world around me while providing a strong foundation of knowledge I can continue to build upon. Through learning, I have grown more confident and aware of my own strengths. 

Girls Inc. has played a meaningful role in my educational journey, particularly through their financial literacy workshop. Through this experience, I learned that financial responsibility goes beyond spending; it includes budgeting and investing to build long-term wealth. The workshop helped me develop practical financial skills that I continue to use today. 

As a college freshman, the support and educational guidance I received through Girls Inc. helped prepare me for adulthood and independence. This experience has shown me how essential it is to continue learning. I hope to use my education to inspire others to never stop learning and to help build a world where all girls have access to equal education, resources to explore their interests, and the confidence to create positive change.” 

Aisha, from Girls Inc. of Greater Miami, shares how education helped shaped her purpose. “Education is super important to me because it gives me the knowledge and power to understand the world and my place in it as a young woman of color. I’ll never forget when I was in seventh grade, and my teacher asked a question that changed my perspective on school. He asked, “How do you hide something from a black person?” No one could answer the question until he finally revealed the answer. He tells us, “Malcolm X once said, ‘If you want to hide something from Black people, put it in a book.’ At that moment, my eyes were opened to what people thought of us. I took offense because I knew that I was a smart child. But, as I grew older, I realized that this was the narrative that we had all the ability to not play into. Education has shaped me into someone who asks bold questions, challenges stereotypes, and believes my voice deserves to be heard. As a Black girl, education has shown me that my race and gender are sources of strength, not limits, motivating me to dream bigger, work harder, and exercise my full potential. 

Girls Inc. has been essential in supporting my journey, providing mentors, workshops, and leadership programs that uplift girls like me. Through their guidance, I have gained confidence, resilience, communication skills, and the courage to speak up in spaces where girls, especially of color, are often overlooked. 

I know I can use my knowledge to create change by using my voice within my community and future career. One day, we will get to experience a world built on peace, love, and opportunity where every person, regardless of race or gender will have the chance to succeed and make a lasting impact.”  

This International Day of Education is a reminder that education is a powerful tool for unlocking opportunity, and the potential that lives within all of us. At Girls Inc., we believe every girl deserves access to quality education and the support needed to explore her interests with confidence. As we recognize this day, we reaffirm our commitment to equipping girls with resources that help them thrive and contribute to positive change across their communities.