How Girls Inc. is Empowering Young Girls to Be Strong, Smart, and Bold
We sat down with Aletta Brown, Senior Development Manager at Girls Inc., to learn more about how this incredible organization empowers young girls to be strong, smart, and bold. From hands-on STEM activities to leadership development and mental health support, Girls Inc. provides critical resources that help girls thrive.
Can you share a bit about Girls Inc. and your mission? How does your organization empower young girls?
Girls Inc. is a national affiliate with a mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Our local branches in Manchester and Nashua serve girls ages 5 to 18, offering research-based programs designed to equip them with the skills and confidence to navigate life’s challenges. Through afterschool programs, summer camps, and outreach efforts in schools, we create safe, empowering spaces where girls can explore STEM, financial literacy, leadership, and personal development.
One of our standout programs is our Young Women’s Leadership initiative, where middle school girls visit over 40 different businesses across the state to learn about potential career paths. We also emphasize mental health support, providing programs focused on mindfulness, healthy relationships, and self-care.
What impact have you seen on the girls who participate in your programs? Can you share a specific story?
Every girl comes to Girls Inc. with different experiences and challenges, and our goal is to equip them with the tools to overcome barriers and thrive. One of my favorite success stories is from our Young Women’s Leadership program, where the girls learned about stocks and trading. At first, they weren’t excited about it, but later, when the topic came up in school, they realized they had a head start on the material. It gave them a huge confidence boost.
Another inspiring moment happened in our STEM program. A young girl walked into our lab, put on goggles and a lab coat, and proudly announced, “I’m a scientist.” That’s what Girls Inc. is all about—creating spaces where girls can see themselves as leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
We also have a former participant who started with us at age five, was named our Girl of the Year, and now works as our Development Coordinator. She speaks about her experience firsthand, which is a full-circle moment for us.
What challenges do the girls in your program face, and how does Girls Inc. help them overcome these obstacles?
Mental health is one of the biggest challenges. Many girls don’t have access to mental health resources, and the need for support is greater than ever, especially following the impact of COVID-19. Thanks to funding from Granite United Way, we were able to bring a mental health counselor into our centers to offer both group and individual sessions.
Additionally, 77% of the families we serve make under $50,000 a year, so financial barriers can be significant. To ensure access, we provide scholarships, a sliding fee scale, and free meals—including breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner during full-day programs—to address food insecurity.
We also focus on teaching critical life skills. Through programs like Girls Under the Hood, our girls learn how to change a tire, check their oil, and even navigate the process of buying a car. These are real-world skills that empower them to be self-sufficient.
How does your partnership with Granite United Way support your mission?
The partnership with Granite United Way has been essential in expanding our impact. Their funding has helped us bring mental health services back into our centers, which was a major priority. Beyond funding, they also help amplify our mission by connecting us with local businesses and volunteers.
We’ve also participated in their community events, such as fundraising rallies and corporate round-ups, which allow us to share our work with a broader audience. We’re excited to explore new opportunities, including potential projects for Granite United Way's Annual Day of Caring.
How do you engage with the local community, and how can individuals or businesses support your work?
Community involvement is key to our success. We actively participate in local events, chamber meetings, and networking opportunities. Businesses and individuals can support us through volunteering, sponsoring programs, or hosting donation drives for supplies.
We also welcome professionals who want to mentor our girls, particularly in STEM and leadership programs. Anyone interested can visit our website or reach out to me directly to learn more.
What do you wish more people knew about Girls Inc. and the impact you have on young girls?
I wish more people understood that Girls Inc. is more than just childcare—we provide life-changing programming that equips girls with real skills. Whether it’s personal finance, STEM education, or career mentorship, everything we do is designed to empower girls for the future.
A phrase we often use is, “At Girls Inc., we don’t just color to color—we color with a purpose.” Everything we do has an underlying educational aspect, ensuring that our girls leave with confidence, knowledge, and the tools they need to succeed.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Girls Inc.? Are there any new initiatives or goals you’re excited about?
We’re focusing heavily on advocacy, especially for our high school-aged girls. We’re currently working with schools in Manchester to help girls develop their voices—not just in political advocacy but in learning how to stand up for themselves and make an impact in their communities.
Additionally, expanding our mental health services remains a priority. We want to continue normalizing conversations around mental health and ensuring that every girl who walks through our doors has access to the support she needs.
We’re also looking for ways to grow our programs and serve more girls, particularly through outreach in schools. The demand is high, and we’re committed to meeting it.