Jessica’s Girls Inc. journey began in recreational gymnastics at age three. After a brief break in elementary school, she returned because she “missed the community and doing gymnastics” and has “been here ever since.” She explored programs like art and Bold Futures Leadership, but has been a dedicated member of the competitive gymnastics team since 2019. Now a high school sophomore, she also serves as a Junior Coach, volunteering with recreational classes and younger team practices. “It is my whole world,” she says. “I love coming here knowing that I have my place and that I also have a role in giving other kids their place here.”

She says the program is “so good at fostering such a welcome and learning environment,” where “everybody from all different backgrounds and all different levels of experience get a chance to further their gymnastics.” Watching younger athletes grow is “amazing…to see the smile on their face when they get a new skill.”

One of her most memorable moments was the 2024 AAU District Championship, her teammate’s final competition. “It was quite emotional,” she recalls. “Getting to be there, cheering her on for her last year was a full circle moment…we were all emotional, but very supportive of one another.”

Through gymnastics, Jessica has come to embody what it means to be STRONG. “Gymnastics has helped me become physically strong, but it’s also helped me build mental toughness.” After facing injuries, she says, “The support system that I found here is unlike anything else. This is my safe place; this is my home.” The perseverance she built “helped me to overcome those injuries and…grow through those hardships instead of succumbing to them.” It also taught her “to speak up, not just for my needs, but the needs of others,” fueling her advocacy and community involvement.

She has also tapped into the essence of SMART, taking initiative in her academic and career goals. She attended Brown University’s Pre-College Program and hopes to one day work for the United Nations, “traveling around the world to help with global issues.” Junior coaching has given her hands-on experience and confirmed that mentoring will be part of her future.

With those dreams in mind, Jessica embodies BOLD leadership. “This year, I ran for student council vice president,” she shares—something she once felt too nervous to do. “Wanting to be a mentor and set a good example…built up my courage to run and do that scary thing.” Now serving in leadership roles at school and in the gym, she says, “I’ve become more confident in myself and the issues I believe in.”

To anyone considering a Girls Inc. experience, Jessica says, “You get exposed to so many different opportunities…It’s unlike any other experience I’ve had.”