“I’ve learned to self-advocate, to speak up for myself, and to understand that every career path doesn’t have to be mine. Girls Inc. taught me to explore, to find what fits me.”
When Lexianna Salazar joined Girls Inc. of Metro Denver (GIMD) in 7th grade, she had no idea just how transformative the experience would be. Today, at 17 years old and preparing to attend CU Boulder as a double major in political science and biology, Lexianna is living proof of the power of investing in girls’ potential.
“I started with the Eureka program, and it helped me through one of the biggest transitions of my life—going from middle school to high school,” Lexianna recalls. “It wasn’t just about science. There were self-care activities that really helped me understand how to take care of myself, inside and out. At that age, that was so important.”
Lexianna didn’t stop there. By the summer of her sophomore year, she joined GIMD’s Leadership Out Loud program, where she learned about the legal system and how to advocate for herself and others. “One of my most unforgettable memories was visiting the ceremonial office of the Vice President of the United States,” she says. “To be in that space and see a woman in such a powerful position—it shifted something in me. It made me believe I could lead, too.”
Over the years, GIMD has helped Lexianna strengthen her academic and leadership skills, as well as grow into her own voice. “I’ve learned to self-advocate, to speak up for myself, and to understand that every career path doesn’t have to be mine. Girls Inc. taught me to explore, to find what fits me.”
Through programs like the Eureka-Thon, where she showcased her scientific projects, and Teen Saturdays, where every week brought new connections and lessons, Lexianna found community, mentorship, and lasting friendships. “There’s truly a path for everyone at Girls Inc. You make friends, you connect with mentors, and you find opportunities that matter.”
Beyond GIMD, Lexianna continues to lead. She’s now a board member on the AuroraRising Sub-Committee through Platform4Women, a program for immigrant youth that she first joined as a participant. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends, but her future sights are set on becoming a lawyer—possibly in family, intellectual property, or immigration law.
Her advice to girls considering joining GIMD? “Maximize your experience. You get as much as you put in. There are so many ways to get involved that fit your schedule. And every time you show up, you grow a little more.”
Lexianna hopes to remain involved with GIMD by someday becoming an intern, and hopes her three younger sisters will one day be part of the sisterhood that helped shape her future.
She lives by the words, “Stay true to yourself, but be willing to grow.” And she’s doing just that—with confidence, purpose, and the power of her voice.
