Meet McLain, a proud alumna of Girls Inc. of Sarasota County and special education public school teacher for New York City Public Schools (NYCPS).  

Girls Inc. has challenged, encouraged, and cared for McLain from kindergarten to the present, shaping her journey from Girls Inc. participant to summer camp facilitator. Carrying that confidence with her, she has gone on to earn a master’s degree in politics and education, graduating last year. 

Today, McLain aims to transition into a governance role and hopes to draw on her classroom experience to shape more accessible education policy and decision-making. She describes how Girls Inc. was integral to this journey, with their unwavering support reminding her she was more than capable of achieving her goals and dreams.  

McLain fondly recalls her favorite memory of Girls Inc. programming with the Dream Harbor experience; “I worked as a bank teller at the Government and Bank venture. I was able to learn about tracking payroll and utilizing wages to provide money for girls to shop on Market Day.” Still, her favorite parts were the connections with the Girls Inc. community and working with her facilitator, Ms. Bonnie, and all the girls at camp.  

In additional to the financial and academic support Girls Inc. programming facilitates, McLain highlights the holistic support systems of Girls Inc., “a life changing program for a multitude of reasons… there are life-long friendships that develop, emotional support that is provided, and academic strengthening programs that all stem from the core mission of Girls Inc. I would not be the woman I am today if I did not attend Girls Inc. and live by the values of a Girls Inc. girl.” 

McLain recounts how Girls Inc. has helped her grow as a leader in her own life by providing her with experience in public speaking, conflict resolution, decision-making, and so many other important traits.  

 Looking back on her Girls Inc. Experience, McLain has advice for the girls who are in the same position she was once in. “Take advantage of the space Girls Inc. provides you to challenge yourself and make mistakes.” Pro-girls spaces like those of Girls Inc. create “a safe environment for us to fail and make mistakes while also supporting the growth that comes from that moment… (they) do not only foster a sisterhood but allow girls to flourish in every aspect of their life without the fear of being seen as weak.” McLain emphasizes the power of these spaces, encouraging girls to “utilize their strengths and weaknesses to become a stronger girl and to embrace their girlhood.” 

McLain’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when girls are supported, challenged, and encouraged every step of the way—growing into strong, smart, and bold leaders who create lasting change in their communities.