Ariel Knobbe is bold.

She’s action oriented. She’s hardworking. And she’s humble.

Most of all, she’s clear and kind often – a quote she attributes to Brene Brown.

“Sometimes we don’t speak the truth as women for fear of ruffling feathers or upsetting the status quo,” she tells us. “But I often reflect on how what others do is making me feel – and there’s something powerful in that, whether it’s in your personal or professional life.”

For Ariel, supporting Girls Inc. of Metro Denver (GIMD) as a donor is personal, especially growing up in a home with a U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development-certified home counselor for a mother and a real estate business owner for a grandmother.

“My grandma was a single mom with eleven kids who all worked for her,” she says with a smile. “She started her own real estate company at a time when women weren’t necessarily encouraged to do so, but she was a strong, sassy woman who had the guts to make it work.”

That strength, perseverance, and yes – even the sass – stuck with Ariel as she progressed through life. As a Colorado native raised on Midwestern values, Ariel was determined to find success just as the women of her life had. She worked relentlessly to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Ball State University and eventually a graduate degree from Michigan State University. Not long after, she entered the workforce and began building connections with colleagues – one of whom was a volunteer with Girls Inc. of Metro Denver.

“It was 2009, and we were hosting a chili cookoff at one of my previous jobs,” she shares. “Our workplace needed a charity to give proceeds from the cookoff to, and my colleague suggested Girls Inc. after having such a positive experience there as a volunteer.”

Ariel began to witness impact at work as she learned more about Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, its mission, and its programming – and quickly became an ambassador of the organization. From supporting the organization’s former coffee shop, Bold Beans, to championing the nonprofit’s development and marketing efforts, Ariel knew there were numerous ways to amplify the impact and importance of the Girls Inc. of Metro Denver mission.

“I value hard work, opportunity, and the confidence to put those traits to use,” she says. “Girls Inc. opens girls’ eyes to the endless opportunities that are available to them and reminds them that if they put in the work, they can achieve their dreams. I hope that girls who enroll in GIMD programming feel believed in, that people see them, and that they know they have an entire community of supporters encouraging them along the way.”

Ariel’s favorite moment to date so far has been her experience interviewing GIMD scholars, especially because of their emotional maturity and the plans they have built for themselves to achieve their goals.

But Ariel continues to invest in the organization’s mission because she sees the long-term value of its work.

“We’re at a pivotal point where we need strong female leaders who have a vision and desire for something greater,” she stresses. “Girls Inc. of Metro Denver girls are problem solvers; they’re going to permanently change future generations for the better, and they’re going to grow into leaders that lean into complexity by leading with innovation – and for me, that’s a worthwhile investment.”

Ariel aims to ensure the next generation of women are constantly reminded of their inherent strengths and talents. She emphasizes the value of girl voice, and that their opinions matter.

Above all – she wants the world to know that there is truly no better way to support girls than through GIMD.

“The return you get to see is worth it,” she says. “Being involved with GIMD yields the same benefits as being a donor because this organization lives out their mission every day. Being strong is about the strength to push through the hard things, being smart is valuing the ability to problem solve, and being bold is about taking action and handling whatever comes your way.”

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Join Ariel in shaping the future. When you give as an individual donor, you invest in the strength, smarts, and boldness of every girl at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver. Your support ensures more girls grow into the leaders our world needs. Become a donor, today.