November is a time to reflect on the people, experiences, and communities that make a difference in our lives. At Girls Inc., we celebrate gratitude by recognizing the mentors, friendships, partners and opportunities that help girls grow strong, smart, and bold.  This Girls Inc. Gratitude, celebrated November 23–November 30, we asked our Brand Ambassadors to share what gratitude means to them and how they show appreciation for those around them. 

Riley, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, shares how she expresses her gratitude to her community and support network: “Openly expressing gratitude for one another can build and sustain a supportive community where everyone feels appreciated. When we’re caught up in school or work, it’s easy to overlook the mentors, friends, and family who encourage us every day, those whose admirable qualities remain with us long after a single interaction, and those working behind the scenes to make incredible opportunities possible. Acknowledging their contributions helps us appreciate the support we receive. Telling them how they’ve made a difference helps them feel valued and motivated to continue. 

“I am grateful to have attended the first-ever Girls Inc. Girls Leading Change Summit in St. Louis, Missouri, this summer. As I reflect on the experience, I’m thankful for the opportunity itself, but for the staff and partners across the Girls Inc. network who brought so many like-minded girls together. One moment that remains close to my heart was when members of the Canadian and U.S. Teen Advocacy Councils had a chance to socialize and share a lighthearted conversation about our similarities and differences while writing cards to future TAC members. Community can be founded on connections as simple as that.” 

Seven attending members of the Canadian Teen Advocacy Council pictured with eight members of the U.S. Teen Advocacy Council at the Girls Inc. Girls Leading Change Summit in St. Louis, Missouri.

Jada, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Columbus and Pheonix-Russell reflects on what gratitude means to her: “Gratitude means recognizing and appreciating the people and opportunities that have helped shape who I am today. Girls Inc. has been a major part of my life for the past 10 years, and I am thankful for the experiences, friendships, and lessons it has given me. Through Girls Inc., I learned the importance of appreciating the people who support me, encourage me, and believe in my potential.  

“One experience I am especially grateful for is having the opportunity to mentor younger girls. Being someone they can look up to has taught me that even the smallest acts of kindness and encouragement can make a difference in someone’s life. I understand how important it is to have people who believe in you, especially when you are still discovering who you are and what you are capable of.” 

Charita, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region, expresses her gratitude to Girls Inc. and the opportunities provided to her, including her participation in the Girls Inc. Teen Advocacy Council: “To me, gratitude is about recognizing the people and experiences that have helped us grow, then looking for ways to give back to others. I’m particularly grateful for the opportunity to attend the Teen Advocacy Council event at Washington University. We met girls from Girls Inc. communities all over the country and heard their stories about taking a stand on issues that matter to them. It was inspiring to hear such a range of perspectives and to see girls from all walks of life come together with the same objective: making a difference. I came away really inspired by what we can learn from one another.  

“Over the past five years, Girls Inc. has connected me with mentors and friends who have really encouraged me to go out and try things. I used to be quite shy and not confident speaking up, but they’ve given me the confidence to do so. I try to show that appreciation by making sure the people around me know how much their support means. It might be a simple thank you to a mentor who’s pushed me beyond my comfort zone. The point is that you want the people around you to know that their efforts are seen and that they matter. Girls Inc. has taught me that even small acknowledgments can go a long way toward making someone feel valued and reminding them that their work is important.” 

Denaya, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Alameda County, shares what she’s grateful for and her advice to her younger peers: “I am incredibly grateful for the focus, experience, and opportunity that Girls Inc. has provided me with. The skills that I have developed here will last me a lifetime and will push me to my true potential. This sentiment is what keeps me going and what motivates me to pursue my dreams. 

“If I could offer a piece of advice to a young girl, it would be to take advantage of whatever is in front of you… Even if you do not know where life’s journey will take you, allow yourself to experience new things… It is important not only to expose yourself to new routes that you were not aware of but also to rule out anything that you are opposed to.” 

Preparing girls to lead takes a community of people who believe in their potential. This Girls Inc. Gratitude, we highlight our Girls Inc. girls’ experiences, and let them remind us how important it is to continue uplifting and supporting girls as they become the new generation of strong, smart, and bold leaders. We’re grateful for the mentors, partners and supporters who invest in girls at every stage of their journey—and to the girls who continue improving our world.