From July 13-16, Girls Inc. hosted the first ever Girls Leading Change Summit on Washington University’s Campus in St. Louis. Over 250 high-school aged participants from across the Girls Inc. Network explored the connection between character and civic leadership with a focus on Girls Inc. character elements such as respect, emotional intelligence, self-advocacy, critical thinking and kindness. 

Our participants engaged in hands-on educational workshops exploring topics from civic systems and how to be a part of them. Participants also got to connect with girls from across the Network building on their sisterhood through activities like yoga during our session, FP Movement Mornings, and even a dance party. The Summit was an unforgettable event for everyone involved. 

Summit Girl Reporters captured their firsthand experience at the Summit.  

Shreya from Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region said:  

“Attending the Girls Leading Change Summit changed the way I think about leadership––that it’s not just about being in charge, but listening, encouraging others, and having the courage to take action. 

One of the most valuable skills I strengthened was confidence in using my voice. Hearing inspiring stories from other girls and leaders showed me that everyone has the ability to make a difference, no matter their age or background. The Summit reminded me that real change begins with people who are willing to step forward and support their communities. 

When I return home, I want to encourage others to get involved, share their ideas, and believe that their voices matter. Girls have the power to inspire change by speaking up, working together, and leading with kindness and determination. 

Because of the Girls Leading Change Summit, I now see myself as someone who can create positive change. I hope more girls take opportunities like this because leadership starts with believing in yourself and taking the first step.” 

Berklee from Girls Inc. of Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey notes, 

“Attending the Girls Leading Change Summit reminded me why I became a Girls Inc. National Brand Ambassador in the first place. I’ve always believed in using my voice to help others, but the summit showed me that leadership is about more than speaking up. It’s about listening, building connections, and creating opportunities for other girls to be heard. 

The Summit changed the way I think about creating change in my community. I realized that meaningful change starts with small, intentional actions, and importantly, raising awareness. When I return home, I want to continue encouraging girls to get involved in their communities, share their stories, and believe that their ideas matter. Hearing everyone’s unique stories reminded me that every voice has the power to make an impact. 

Girls can make a difference by speaking confidently, supporting one another, and leading with kindness and purpose. Because of the Girls Leading Change Summit, I now feel even more inspired to be an amplifier of girls’ voices.” 

Sloan from Girls Inc. of Sarasota County added how connecting with participants from Affiliates across the Network helped her grow. 

“Because of the Girls Leading Change Summit, I now know how to lead stronger, smarter, and bolder. Using the tools I gained through the workshops, knowledge I received from the guest speakers, and the impact other girls attending had on me, this Summit has taught me to advocate for myself and my local Girls Inc. community more confidently and efficiently.  

No Affiliate is the same, which means no Girls Inc. Experience is the same, and hearing from new friends was so uplifting. There has never been an opportunity like this for us to convene and learn together, so being a part of this inaugural Summit was truly enlightening. In the workshops girls were inspired to share our own experiences and relate them to the larger group so that we could build off of the work each Affiliate had already been doing individually and apply the lessons throughout our communities. After the Summit, all the feedback I heard was overwhelmingly positive; this experience has made a profoundly positive impact on me and all other girls in attendance.” 

Naiyya from Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta learned about new leadership styles that she hopes to adapt.  

“Because of the Girls Leading Change Summit, I now understand that leadership does not have to be flashy to be powerful. 

Before attending the Girls Leading Change Summit, I often thought of leadership as being the person at the front of the room—the loudest voice, the most confident speaker, or the person with all the answers. However, listening to Maxine Clark, the founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, changed my perspective. Hearing her story and seeing so many accomplished women in leadership positions was incredibly enlightening. It reminded me that women can create companies, lead movements, shape communities, and build something meaningful from an idea. 

Leadership can be thoughtful, intentional, and rooted in listening. I strengthened my ability to communicate my ideas with confidence, while also learning the importance of listening to others. 

The Summit made me realize that I want to become the kind of woman who creates opportunities for others and uses her position to make a difference. When I return home, I want to continue creating resources that help teachers build girls’ confidence and recognize their potential. 

Because of the Summit, I now see women in leadership and think, I want to do that too. I hope to become a leader who inspires other girls to believe that they can, too.” 

These girl reporters also captured their experiences on our new TikTok channel. Follow their Summit experience here. Learn more about the Summit here.