This July, Girls Inc. of Orange County proudly joined more than 250 girls representing over 30 Girls Inc. Affiliates from across the United States and Canada at the first-ever Girls Leading Change Summit in St. Louis, Missouri.
Over four inspiring days, our girls participated in interactive workshops, leadership sessions, collaborative projects, and meaningful conversations centered on advocacy, civic engagement, and the Girls Inc. Character Elements. They strengthened critical leadership skills, including communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and public speaking, while learning how to become thoughtful leaders and active contributors within their communities.
Beyond the workshops, the Summit gave participants the opportunity to connect with girls from diverse backgrounds, exchange perspectives, and build friendships that stretched across borders. By exploring real-world challenges together, they discovered that leadership begins with listening, collaboration, and the confidence to use their voices to create positive change.
“Attending the Girls Leading Change Summit showed me that when girls come together with a shared purpose, we can inspire real change in our communities.” — Madison
Experiences like the Girls Leading Change Summit are more than leadership conferences, they are investments in the next generation of changemakers. We are incredibly proud of our girls for representing Orange County with confidence, curiosity, and courage, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to lead positive change in their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond.
