GirlForward

A Message From Our New Executive Director ?? Our journey together continues with the guidance of our next Executive Director, Johanna Hosking-Pulido! She joins GirlForward with over 20 years of mission-driven and people-centered leadership experience working with youth in the non-profit education sector. Johanna is committed to building inclusive and supportive communities driven by the radical hope to make a difference in the world. She embraces a mindset of optimism and potential. She believes that this human experience is not meant to be lived alone. Read more about Johanna's story at https://lnkd.in/gyGA8RbS! Johanna wants to give special thanks to Ashley Marine, MSW-LSW for her exceptional leadership during this transition. GirlForward remains very important to Ashley and she will continue to support the GF mission on a consulting basis. In Johanna's words: "GirlForward is a place where you can just be. Change and transition can feel scary, but I'm on this journey with you! This is an opportunity to discover something new about yourself, find your community, and develop new skill sets.” Let's keep growing together! #executivedirector #girlforward #newchapter #growing #legacy #journey #change #transition #johannahoskingpulido #girlseducation #refugeeswelcomehere

Check out this amazing opportunity with NASH Refugee Resettlement Initiative as we work to implement?the Welcome Corps on Campus: a first-of-its-kind federal program that links higher education access to refugee resettlement, providing refugee students educational opportunities and a pathway to citizenship! One of our GF alumna, Hafsa, will be providing opening remarks at this event (Thursday, 10/24 at 6pm) and share her educational journey. Spread the word and join us! #girlseducation #welcomecorps #NASHRefugeeResettlementInitiative

Introducing our new Program Coordinator, Cindy Nguyen! ?? ?? Cindy is a 2nd generation Vietnamese American, educator, and artist from Houston, Texas. She holds a Master of Education from University of Washington and brings experience in environmental education, youth mentorship, and community engagement. Cindy works to create safe and creative learning spaces for youth to grow as leaders. She’s excited about growing Austin’s GirlForward community and building new school partnerships. Outside of work, she enjoys making art, watching Korean dramas, reading, backpacking, and hiking with her dog. We’re so excited to have Cindy on the team! ?? #girlforward #girlseducation #austin #team #community #sisterhood #educator #artist

?? We're Hiring! ?? GirlForward is seeking a dynamic Director of Development & Communications to lead our fundraising and marketing strategies! Join us at this pivotal moment of growth and help amplify our impact on girls' futures. Apply by Nov. 1st! ?? Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gpBniAPE #NonprofitJobs #Hiring

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I wanted to highlight the major impact that Latina entrepreneurs have on the business world. DID YOU KNOW THAT: ?? Latina business owners are the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs in the U.S., with a staggering 2.5 million businesses currently operating. ?? These businesses generate over $100 billion in annual revenue, showcasing the immense economic power of Latina entrepreneurs. ?? Studies show that Latina-owned businesses are more successful than their male counterparts, with higher growth rates and a stronger return on investment. ?? Latinas also wield significant buying power, estimated at $1.7 trillion, influencing market trends and shaping consumer behavior. However, despite these successes, Latina entrepreneurs still face barriers in accessing funding. On average, they receive less than 0.2% of venture capital funding, highlighting the need for greater investment and support in this vibrant community. I have been so lucky to work with some incredible Latina entrepreneurs and business leaders who are doing extraordinary work for our community that I would like to highlight: Johanna Moya Fábregas, Ph.D. with Con Mi MADRE Johanna Hosking-Pulido with GirlForward Soledad Bautista with Creative Waco Monica Pe?a with EGBI Melissa Ortiz with CapMetro Valerie Rios with Partners in Parenting Catalina Berry with East Austin Conservatory Vanessa Maldonado with the American Cancer Society Anais Biera Miracle with Southwest Key Programs Ana-Cristina Gonzalez with ACG Consulting Monica Caivano with Esquina Tango Jessica "Jessie" Camarillo with Acutronic Group Dulce Casta?eda with Anti-Defamation League Bessy Martinez with The Latina Foundation #latinaentreprenuers #hispanichertiagemonth #latina #womenentreprenuers #latinaleaders

Girl, wake up! The new GirlForward zine just dropped! These next few weeks we'll be rolling out art from our favorite creatives in Austin and Chicago ?????? We'll be exploring the theme "Conversations" and how art itself is a language of storytelling and discovery! Swipe to see a list of this year's contributors! ?? Fun fact: Girls receive payment for their submissions, published work, and editorial support on the zine! Be sure to check back in for our artists' work! Support our artists by investing in their creativity! Click the link here to send your support: https://lnkd.in/dHaaa4PA #girlforward #girlseducation #artists #girlslikeus #zine #art #newdrop #austin #chicago #conversations #storytelling

Carrying the legacy forward ???? From Blair to Ashley, to Johanna and the GF girls, we're beaming with gratitude as GirlForward continues to grow! A huge thank you to NBCUniversal and NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises for awarding us with an Impact Grant! The grant will bolster our efforts to: - Support an increasing number of mentor-mentee matches during the 2024-2025 school year. - Provide additional training and resources for GirlForward volunteers, particularly Mentoring Program volunteers. - Provide professional development for GirlForward’s growing staff, which is increasingly comprised of former program participants and folks with immigrant/refugee backgrounds. - Invest in resources needed to serve a new, growing population of girls, who have been displaced by conflict and persecution. It was so exciting being at NBC Universal and celebrating with our fellow community partners! If you haven't already, check out Taller de José, Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH), Devices 4 the Disabled, Let It Be Us, Chicago Filmmakers, Rescue Pack, The Honeycomb Project #girlforward #girlseducation #community #sisterhood #chicago #nonprofit #legacy #impactgrant #nbcuniversal #telemundochicago

POV: Us zooming into the new school year We're ready! ? From Austin to Chicago, we're gearing up for an amazing new school year! ?? After-school tutoring starts up next week, so if you've always wanted to join our team, now's your chance! Sign up at girlforward.org/tutoring! #girlforward #girlseducation #refugeeswelcomehere #backtoschool #austin #chicago #goingplaces #tutoring #signupnow #supportlocal #Volunteers #community #sisterhood

Aiming for our wildest dreams ?? The girls loved practicing their archery skills at Candlelight Ranch! What are we aiming for? A continuation of our sisterhood, of course! ?? Join us this fall as an in-person tutor for our after-school programs! Check us out at girlforward.org/tutoring to learn more and sign up! #girlforward #GirlsEducation #tutors #joinus #refugeeswelcomehere #austin #chicago

As I wrap up my internship at GirlForward this week, I find myself reflecting on an incredible experience. ? As a Program Assistant, I had the opportunity to work alongside the Director of Programs, Adriana G. , contributing to the heart of our mission. From assisting with outreach and recruitment to conducting interviews for our mentoring program, each task offered me a deeper understanding of the relevance of our work. One of my favorite parts was helping design and develop programs like our Lunch and Learns for staff and Safe Spaces Workshops for our participants and initiating some partnerships with other organizations. One of the highlights was supporting the summer camp, where I witnessed our girls grow—improving their English, exploring their identities, and learning about the world. What truly stood out to me was the work culture at the organization, which I describe as a community built on support, love, and efficiency. Adriana G. my supervisor, was a cornerstone of this experience, providing guidance, autonomy, and unwavering support. ?? This experience has taught me the power of education and mentoring, deepened my commitment to making a meaningful impact, and reinforced my belief in the power of women to drive change. As a student in Women and Gender Studies, interning at GirlForward —a women-led organization dedicated to empowering displaced girls in the USA—has been a powerful reminder that we can rely on each other to create a more just and equal world. I highly recommend GirlForward for anyone seeking an internship that challenges, inspires, and makes a difference. Ps: these pictures were taken during our last day of summer camp. ?