“My writing has improved, I can explain myself to politicians, and I know how to be solution-driven. I’ve also learned how to be a better public speaker.”
Girls Inc. of Metro Denver participant, Liska Torok, has chill cool girl core.
(Did we say that right)?
Put simply, Liska’s future is bright, bold, and ambitious – and as a dynamic participant of Girls Inc.’s Leadership Out Loud (LOL), Transformational Leadership Board, and Advocacy Fellows program(s), we expect nothing less.
A sophomore studying English and philosophy at the University of Michigan, Liska has taken her Girls Inc. of Metro Denver experience with her to college, where she continues to explore careers in civic engagement and law.
But her college journey continues to be largely shaped by her time with Girls Inc., especially as she considers career pathways in either law, education, or film writing.
“The skills you gain through Girls Inc. puts you in a position to explore your passions because they cultivate an environment where confidence is encouraged,” she says. “My writing has improved, I can explain myself to politicians, and I know how to be solution-driven. I’ve also learned how to be a better public speaker.”
During her time at Girls Inc., Liska was exposed to advocacy-based programming, where she chose areas of interest and issues that were important to her – ranging from sexual health to the environment and education, and understanding them at the federal level.
“We looked at different organizations who could support Girls Inc. and reviewed issues in legislation so we could effectively reach out to these organizations as partners and make our voices heard,” she shares.
Liska even received the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. during her time in Girls Inc.’s Leadership Out Loud program, something she cherishes deeply when reflecting on her Girls Inc. journey.
“When I was LOL, we went to DC. It was amazing getting to speak with representatives from Colorado and DC, and it was a really special way to connect with politicians,” she comments. “We discussed topics in sexual health and education and learned how the political system works, including setting up meetings with our reps.”
For Liska, Girls Inc. of Metro Denver has helped her learn how to engage with different communities, provided her with resources prior to entering college, and introduced her to advocating for different politics and policies.
That’s why Liska has embraced what it means to be truly authentic, and she continues to champion that mindset for other girls who may have an interest in joining one of Girls Inc.’s high-impact programs.
“Be unapologetically yourself,” she says with a smile. “It’s a nurturing and kind community, and as soon as I got involved, I realized how silly it was to be nervous. Everyone is kind, fun, and welcoming. You get out what you put in – if you take it seriously, you will get a lot out of it.”
When she isn’t studying or working, Liska enjoys reading good books, writing, music, cooking, and making collages.
And if she could have dinner with any woman in history?
“It would be Sally Rooney, the author of the book, Conversations with Friends,” she reveals. “I like her because stays off the internet, and I think that’s super cool.”
Call it chill cool girl core, leader core, or advocate core—whatever the label, one thing’s clear: Liska’s story is just getting started, and we’re here for it.
