Meet Sloan, a rising high school senior, proving what it means to be strong, smart, and bold. A proud member of Girls Inc. of Sarasota since the second grade, Sloan has grown into a confident leader, and passionate advocate with aspirations to be a future policymaker, all while maintaining an impressive 4.9 GPA. 

When she’s not serving as Captain of her school’s competitive weightlifting team, Sloan serves as a Girls Inc. Brand Ambassador, is an active participant of her local Teen Advocacy Council and helps support the new generation of girl leaders at her Affiliate. Her love for civic engagement blossomed through programs at Girls Inc. of Sarasota, where she studied the inner workings of local government and helped create a Girls Inc. governing body within the organization’s mock society, Dream Harbor. 

“I teach younger girls how the government works,” she explained. “I’ve helped run elections and guided elementary schoolers as they apply for roles like peacekeepers. It’s really special to be able to pay my Girls Inc. experience forward.” 

 Beyond advocacy, Sloan has thrived in Girls Inc.’s Eureka! STEM program, which gave her hands-on experiences in science and technology. One of her most memorable adventures was spending a weekend aboard a research boat in Miami, tagging sharks to learn about marine biology. 

“I was actually the first girl to catch a shark!” she shared, beaming. “That trip showed me how fun and exciting science can be.” 

Sloan also had the chance to explore Florida’s ecosystem with local experts in Tampa Bay and spend time on college campuses—experiences that helped her visualize her own future in higher education. 

 Among the many transformative experiences Girls Inc. has provided, Sloan says a study abroad opportunity in Canada was one of the most impactful. There, she explored how the Canadian government works with First Nations communities. 

“I’m passionate about advocacy and learning how another country addresses community needs really opened my eyes,” she said. 

 Currently, Sloan is enrolled in Project Accelerate, a national Girls Inc. program that supports college and career readiness. From application essays to internship prep, Sloan says the guidance has made her college dreams feel attainable. 

“Because of Project Accelerate, I feel confident in my plan to study political science at Barnard University,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to become a member of Congress and represent the voices of young people.” 

 For Sloan, Girls Inc. has been more than a place to learn; it’s been a source of strength during some life’s challenging times. “I met my best friend on my first day there, and the staff has always been there for me and my family,” she said. “They’ve truly been like an extended family.”  

 Sloan’s story is an example of the transformative opportunities Girls Inc. provides girls.  From STEM exploration to advocacy, from academic achievement to emotional resilience, Sloan is more than prepared for the path ahead—she’s paving the way for others. 

“To everyone who supports Girls Inc.—thank you,” she said. “Because of you, I’m not just dreaming about my future. I’m ready to take it on—and make a difference not just for myself, but for all of us.”