Lowell – This summer, young women from Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell are stepping into powerful leadership roles – locally, nationally, and internationally. From Capitol Hill to college campuses, these future changemakers are using their voices, values, and vision to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Rowan Murphy joined peers from across the U.S. in Washington, D.C., as part of the Girls Inc. Teen Advocacy Council (TAC), a year-long leadership program for high school girls focused on advocacy, civic engagement, and public policy.
During their time in D.C., TAC members participated in an ElectHer workshop led by Running Start, shadowed Senate offices through Take Our Daughters to Congress (in partnership with the Women’s Congressional Policy Institute), and met with lawmakers including Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representatives Lori Trahan and Grace Meng.
“Being in D.C. opened my eyes to the power of young women. Lawmakers were eager to listen to our stories and the current issues that young women are facing in our country,” said Murphy.
Meanwhile, three other Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell youth, Malayzia Hernandez, Taevy Malone, and Immaculate Njoroge, spent ten days in Boston participating in the Empower Peace Women2Women International Leadership Program at Emerson College. Alongside young women from 12 countries, they engaged in cross-cultural dialogue and leadership training to develop action plans addressing critical global issues.
Participants met with leaders across sectors including Jamila Gales, Founder of Girls Reflecting Our World (G.R.O.W.); Stacy Malone, Executive Director of the Victim Rights Law Center; Donato Tramuto, author and healthcare activist; Emily Weiner, CEO of The Connectors; and Pricilla Douglas, Executive Coach and Author.
The group also visited Harvard, Babson College, and Microsoft, gaining exposure to innovation, entrepreneurship, and global leadership models, while also developing critical skills in the Art of Negotiation and Difficult Conversations, Battling Imposter Syndrome, Unlocking Their Superpowers and Building Social Capital, The Value of Resilience, and Public Speaking.
“The Women2Women experience opened our eyes to how leadership looks different around the world but is rooted in the same passion to make change,” said Njoroge. “We built lasting friendships and came away with real plans to address the issues we care most about.”
These experiences reflect Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell’s commitment to developing strong, smart, and bold leaders. By combining local impact with national and global opportunity, Girls Inc. ensures that every girl has the tools to lead with purpose and courage.
“As these young women return home, they do so with renewed confidence, concrete skills, and a commitment to making a difference,” said Bopha Malone, CEO of Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell. “We are proud to support their journeys and excited to see how they continue to lead in Lowell and beyond.”
