In looking ahead to the future that I want to build for girls, I reflect on my past. My experiences and challenges have informed who I want to become and have given me the resilience to work toward shaping a brighter future for other girls.

Growing up, my mother worked tirelessly to provide for my family and has shaped my journey toward community service and advocacy. My mom instilled in me the belief that education could be transformative, not just for individuals but for entire communities, and I wanted to honor her efforts by making the most of my educational opportunities. As I progressed through school, I became increasingly passionate about social justice and advocacy, realizing the profound impact that education can have on breaking cycles of poverty and inequality.

In high school, I joined a mentoring program, where I was connected to Girls Inc. of Metro Denver. I felt a unique connection with Girls Inc., and I later joined its College Womxn’s Group and Transformational Leadership Board, a group of passionate young leaders dedicated to creating positive change. We developed skills in advocacy, teamwork, and problem-solving, which enabled us to effectively address community issues.

Girls Inc. of Metro Denver has helped me strengthen my leadership skills and feel a deep sense of belonging. It has empowered me to realize that we can tackle real-world issues and reach our full potential, together. After graduating from MSU Denver, I am proud to now serve as Advocacy Educator for Girls Inc.!

Now I am able to invest my skills and experiences in a new generation of leaders. At Girls Inc., we support one another and inspire confidence in girls every day. When we say the Future is Here, the Future is HER, that couldn’t be more real for me as I stand here today as a leader in this organization for girls. Girls can lead now, from where they are.

I invite you to consider a gift to Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, so that more girls can build a community like the one I have found here and create the future they envision for themselves. If I have learned anything from my mom, it’s the value of community support and the power of generosity and compassion. Your gift – big or small – equips more girls to realize their own dreams and ambitions.

Thank you for your continued belief in our work, our mission, and our girls.

Sincerely,

Yaneli Solis-Luna