FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2025

Media Contact:
Jennifer Hashem | Marketing and Communications Manager
Girls Inc. of Metro Denver
jhashem@gidenver.org
563.271.4385

Russell Carlton | Corporate Communications Manager
United Airlines
russell.carlton@united.com
970.333.1598

Girls Inc. of Metro Denver and United Airlines Give Local Girls a Celebration Sendoff to New York City
Girls Inc. of Metro Denver and United Airlines gathered at Denver International Airport on July 28 for a special departure celebration

DENVER, CO — Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, in partnership with United Airlines, hosted an end-of-summer celebration earlier today at Denver International Airport, as 35 Girls Inc. of Metro Denver rising 11th and 12th graders boarded a United flight to New York City—an opportunity made possible through a longstanding collaboration with United, who provided roundtrip flights for every attendee.

This experience celebrated the achievements of girls who have completed years of programming focused on STEM, innovation, leadership, and career exploration. Many of these girls are flying for the first time—and for some, this marks their first trip outside Colorado.

“This trip is a milestone for our girls, many of whom have never visited New York City,” said Kayla Garcia, president and CEO at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver. “More importantly, this trip symbolizes what’s possible when we invest in their potential. They’ve worked hard, taken risks, stepped up as leaders—and now they’re taking flight, literally and figuratively.”

This year, United served as presenting sponsor for Girls Inc.’s signature My Bold Future fundraiser, which honors scholarship recipients and Catalysts for Girls awardees. The airline also hosted Girls Inc. participants earlier this summer at its world-class flight training center, offering behind-the-scenes insights into careers in aviation. United has supported Girls Inc. for five years and provides the organization with in-kind flights for summer career exploration travel experiences, Eureka! and STEM program support, volunteerism, event sponsorship, and unique hands-on experiences for girls to explore careers in aviation and STEM.

“At United, we’re committed to creating pathways for future leaders,” said Jonna McGrath, United’s Vice President of Denver operations. “By partnering with Girls Inc., we’re not just offering travel—we’re opening doors to careers and possibilities that these girls might not have seen for themselves. It is an honor to support them on their journey.”

About Girls Inc. of Metro Denver

Girls Inc. of Metro Denver (GIMD) inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. GIMD equips girls aged six to post-secondary with the skills and confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges and reach their full potential. GIMD’s research-based programs focus on leadership development, academic support, career and college readiness, health and wellness, and building self-awareness and resilience—all delivered in a safe, inclusive environment where girls feel seen, heard, and valued. As part of a national network of affiliates, GIMD serves more than 2,000 girls annually and uplifts girls throughout the community. Learn more at www.girlsincdenver.org or follow Girls Inc. of Metro Denver on social media @girlsincdenver.

About United Airlines

United operates Denver’s most comprehensive global route network and is the city’s largest and most-flown airline. United offers nonstop flights to more than 180 destinations from Denver, including more than 20 international cities. Since 2021, United has invested nearly $1 billion to further improve the customer experience in Denver, including new gates, new clubs and a new check-in lobby. The airline is the largest private employer in Denver, with more than 10,500 thousand Denver-based employees. In 2024, United contributed nearly $1.2 million to local non-profits, partners and organizations.

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