Meet Phoenix, a high school junior from Girls Inc. of Atlanta, whose journey reflects the power of confidence guided by opportunity. She joined Girls Inc. in eighth grade as part of a pact with her friend to try something new. Years later, they are still standing side by side, shaped by shared experiences, meaningful mentorship, and a sisterhood strengthened through Girls Inc. 

A natural tinkerer with a love for creating and building, Phoenix quickly gravitated toward the Girls Inc. Eureka! STEM program, where she gained early exposure to engineering and construction. Through Girls Inc., she met professionals working in these fields, participated in college preparation, and gained hands-on experience through internships that broadened her perspective and helped her imagine new possibilities for her future. 

One of the most transformative experiences came through her KIPP Ways internship, where she worked with children in grades 3–5 in an after-school program, helping lead STEM activities. “The experience surprised me,” Phoenix shared. “I didn’t expect to love working with children.” She quickly connected with the students, commanding their attention and respect by leading with kindness and recognizing them as self-aware individuals who want to be seen and heard. 

It was during this experience that a college and career path came into focus. Before that moment, Phoenix had never seen a clear future for herself. “I didn’t have a path,” she reflected. “I just wanted to get through life. Girls Inc. helped change that by exposing me to new possibilities. For the first time, my future felt real and achievable. They saw me as someone who could lead, and I knew I could influence a room.” 

Phoenix credits her ability to model patience, leadership, and care to the example set by her Girls Inc. mentor, Ms. Kate, who provided a blueprint for how to show up for others with intention and empathy. 

Today, Phoenix continues to enjoy tinkering and creative exploration. She is also a skilled singer and nature photographer, while balancing honors and AP coursework with aspirations to study elementary education. While she proudly embraces her academic strengths, she considers kindness her greatest asset. “It’s my superpower and what makes me a great leader,” she said. 

Girls Inc. helped Phoenix grow from someone with confidence but no direction into a young woman who is focused, compassionate, and ready to lead. She lives out what it means to be strong, smart, and bold by showing up fully as herself, intelligent, curious, and deeply empathetic. 

Her dream is to make a difference in the lives of young children, especially those who need encouragement and care early on. Through Girls Inc., she didn’t just discover that dream but she also found a pathway forward to make it her reality, and she’s going for it. 

Her story is a powerful reminder that when girls are given mentorship, hands-on experiences, and a community that believes in them, they don’t just imagine the future, they step confidently into it.