Girls Inc. is thrilled to welcome the tenth annual cohort of the U.S. Teen Advocacy Council (TAC). The TAC is a leadership body of Girls Inc. participants (grades 10-12) who advise and inform our organization’s advocacy by sharing their life experiences and views about issues facing girls and youth in their schools and communities. Throughout this year-long leadership position, TAC members develop their advocacy skills, represent Girls Inc. in a variety of settings, and lead Girls Inc. policy efforts through activities such as social media campaigns and lobbying Congressional offices.  

The 2025-2026 Teen Advocacy Council is composed of twelve inspiring students passionate about championing issues important to girls today. They represent twelve Girls Inc. Affiliates across the U.S. Get to know more about these outstanding leaders below! 

Aditi, Girls Inc. of San Antonio 

Hi, my name is Aditi and I am a high school sophomore from San Antonio, Texas! I am a member of Girls Inc. Eureka, where I have learned the power of using my voice for positive change. I’m passionate about combining my interests in public health, women’s rights, and advocacy to support my community. I’m excited to be part of the Teen Advocacy Council and learn from and collaborate with other inspiring changemakers. 

Aileena, Girls Inc. of Central Alabama 

My name is Aileena, and I am a 15-year-old sophomore in high school. I love being creative through writing stories, making scripts, drawing, dancing, and music. These interests inspire me to express myself and share new ideas with others. I joined Girls Inc. of Central Alabama in 7th grade, and since then I’ve been involved in summer camp, Eureka and the Teen Leadership Program. I’m excited to be part of the Teen Advocacy Council, where I can work with other girls, and create positive change in my community. 

Darshni, Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region 

Hi, my name is Darshni! I am a high school junior from Albany, New York with a passion for women’s safety and self-defense. I created a blog called Empowering Women, dedicated to advocating for increased access to women’s self-defense resources.. I also serve as the secretary of the Science Olympiad Team at my high school. In my free time, you can find me drawing, baking, or just simply winding down with a movie after a long day. 

Destini, Girls Inc. of Long Island 

Hi, my name is Destini! I’m proudly Guyanese, a senior, and I’ve been part of Girls Inc. of Long Island for the past four years. At school, I serve as president of both the Mock Trial Club and my NHS chapter, and I enjoy writing, baking, art, and music. Outside of school, I help run my church’s livestream and social media, and I’m also a huge Eagles fan. In the future, I hope to become a contract lawyer, focusing on pro bono work to support small business owners and help them grow their legal literacy. I’m so excited to be part of the TAC and can’t wait to use my voice to make a difference! 

Lillie, Girls Inc. of Sarasota County 

Hi, my name is Lillie, and I’m a senior from Sarasota, Florida. In my free time, I love taking photos, writing poetry, and drawing. My dream is to become a marine biologist, since being in the water brings me both excitement and peace, and I want to spend my future studying ocean life. I’m really looking forward to learning, growing, and making a positive impact. I’m honored to be a part of TAC and work and learn with everyone.
 

Luna, Girls Inc. at YWCA Minneapolis 

Hello, my name is Luna, and I’m a sophomore in high school from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have been in Girls Inc. since I was in middle school and plan to stay until I graduate. I have many hobbies and niches, and I’m always looking for more to add to my collection. I’m excited to be a part of the Teen Advocacy Council and look forward to the amazing memories and experiences ahead! 

Maya, Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest 

Hi, my name is Maya, I’m a junior from Vancouver, Washington, and this is my fifth year with Girls Inc. I’m passionate about leadership, service, and advocacy, and I aspire to pursue a career in STEM. In my spare time, you can find me spending time with my loved ones, walking my dog, or paddle boarding. I’m so excited to be part of the 10th cohort of the Girls Inc. Teen Advocacy Council. I hope to use this opportunity to raise awareness for issues I care deeply about, especially in public health, while also learning from others and working with the team to create positive change. 

Miyuki, Girls Inc. of Orange County 

Hi, I’m Miyuki, a junior from Orange County, California. As a student leader in my school, church, and community, I’m passionate about learning and connecting with others through volunteer work and programs like Girls Inc.’s Girls Meet the Workforce. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, listening to music, and working with children. Girls Inc. has had a major influence on my personal growth and leadership skills, which I am extremely grateful for. Through the Teen Advocacy Council, I’m excited to continue making a positive impact locally and beyond! 

Shiloh, Girls Inc. of Metro Denver 

Hi, I’m Shiloh. I’m from Denver, Colorado and I’m a senior. I’ve been a part of Girls Inc. since 8th grade. Participating  Girls Inc. inspired me to move forward with leadership, especially in healthcare. My dream career is to be a nurse practitioner as a way to give back to my community. Also, I enjoy bringing out my school spirit as my school’s senior representative. Overall, I love spending time with my family either with food or dance to connect with each other, which is one of my values as a person. 

Sofia, Girls Inc. of Westchester County 

Hello, my name is Sofia. I’m from Port Chester, NY and I’m part of Girls Inc. Westchester.  I’m in 12th grade and I have been a part of Girls Inc. for two years now. A favorite memory from my time with Girls Inc. was attending the annual Girls Inc. New York Luncheon, where I met lots of incredible women and was inspired to join the Teen Advocacy Council. A fun fact about me is that I love to paint and lift weights. 

Star Lesle, Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta 

Hello, my name is Star Lesle and I am a senior from Atlanta, GA. I have been involved with Girls Inc. since 10th grade and have grown through programs like Project Accelerate, which have strengthened my leadership and advocacy skills. I am the founder of BlessBloom and Flow, a platform dedicated to educating girls about menstrual health and providing resources to fight period poverty. My future goal is to become a pharmacist and improve access to women’s health care. I am passionate about creating positive change in my community and look forward to continuing this work through the Teen Advocacy Council. 

Virginia, Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey 

Hi, my name is Virginia, and I am a senior from Marlton, New Jersey. I serve as the Student Art Director for my school’s theater program and as an editor for the school newspaper. This will be my fourth year with Girls Inc. As someone with an interest in economics and a passion for advocacy and social justice, I am looking forward to this new chapter as a member of the Girls Inc. Teen Advocacy Council.