Join us in Celebration: Women's History Month 2024!
Congratulating our own History Maker, Grace Malave-Darling!
We are excited to announce that our Lead Teen Mentor and Board Member Grace Malave-Darling was selected to receive the Youth Leader award at the 2024 Mayor's Youth Summit. They have been with Girls' LEAP since they were in 9th grade at age 14. Since then, Grace has grown as a leader and mentor to other youth both in and outside of the program. We are honored to have Grace at 17 still on our team and to celebrate their accomplishment!
When interviewed about their nomination, Grace said, "As a Lead Teen Mentor, I want to inspire others as I was inspired. As a queer person and a person of color, I didn’t feel like I had role models until I came to Girls’ LEAP. I want to be an inspiration to someone else like me – I want them to think 'If Grace can do it, then I can do it.' I want them to be confident and to know they can achieve more."
When describing Grace, Girls' LEAP's Executive Director said, "Their willingness to take what they've learned and to share it with other Teen Mentors, LEAP participants, and friends, and through public speaking opportunities with our supporters, funders and partners is amazing. She is always the first one to raise her hand to take the lead in these roles, because she truly wants to make a change and to inspire others."
Please join us in celebrating Grace and all their outstanding work!
As we honor Women's History Month this March, it is a time to celebrate women's incredible achievements, contributions, and strength throughout history and the present day. Let us unite to recognize and uplift the mighty women who inspire us daily. Together, let us amplify women's voices and share their remarkable stories.
This month, we are looking forward to celebrating the 37th Annual Women's History Month as well as International Women's Day on March 8th. We are excited to participate in a variety of women-centered events including tabling at the International Women's Breakfast hosted by Simmons University.
Women's Month Events YOU Can Attend!
- International Women's Day Brunch, March 8th at 9am - Simmons University*
- Black Women Lead March to Dedication Celebration, March 9th at 10:30am-4pm
- Women in STEM Empowerment Brunch, March 10th at 12-3pm*
- Bread and Roses Dinner, March 14th at 5pm - Simmons University*
- Women's History Month Pop-up Market at Castle Island, March 24th at 12:00pm
*Requires Advance Registration
Hear from our graduates about the impact that we have on local girls and gender expansive youth!
"LEAP changed all these participants and changed me. I can tell you, we changed these girls' lives - we made them ready for the world!" - Mah Camara
"I have a new-found sense of self-confidence that translates to other areas of my life...Now, I actively recruit younger students in my school to join Girls' LEAP and empower them as my coach empowered me." - Suhayla A.
“What I gained from LEAP was the courage to say no and having the courage to stand up for myself, physically and mentally.” - Tiffany L.
"Before, I doubted myself, but Girls' LEAP taught me to be confident and just to be myself." - Jerdaly
Exciting New Updates!
Spring programs this year are located in:
- Jamaica Plain - JFK Elementary School
- Somerville - Somerville Parks & Rec
- Somerville - East Somerville Community School
- Roxbury - Roxbury Yawkey Club
- Boston - Edgerley Family South Boston B&GC
- Boston - Mother Caroline Academy
- Boston - Center for Young Women's Health
- Randolph - Randolph Intergenerational Community Center Workshop
Training - We would also like to share that our staff has received Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) training to better serve our communities.
