At Girls’ LEAP, we envision a world in which all girls and nonbinary youth grow into powerful, capable adults, realizing the promise of their aspirations. Tonight, we honor our Mayor who shares our confidence in young people, values not only their potential but the leadership they can and do exert today, and their ability to shape their futures.

As a young Mayor herself, Mayor Wu has focused resources on strengthening our community in many ways that directly impact young people. We are excited to follow the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement as they conduct the city’s first youth survey to learn more about some of the challenges youths are dealing with in the city, connect young people with city services, determine gaps in youth programs, and organize an annual youth summit.

Mayor Wu knows what it’s like to expand your aspirations and grow dreams as you grow up. "I grew up never imagining that I would be anywhere involved with politics or government because, as the daughter of immigrants, it seemed so far away and my family seemed so invisible in so many of the systems," Wu told WBUR in an interview shortly after her election. Wu is the first woman, the first person of color, and the first Asian-American elected to lead Boston as Mayor.

As we support girls and nonbinary youth in amplifying their voices and emboldening their courage, we are grateful they have such a wonderful role model in Mayor Wu.