According to the Girls Inc. Girls’ Bill of Rights, girls have the right to “express themselves with originality and enthusiasm,” (Right #2) and “be confident and safe in the world” (Right #5). Shandyelise has grown into these rights over the course of her Girls Inc. experience of almost four years. Naturally an introverted person, Shandyelise is not always outward with her feelings and experiences. Coming into Girls Inc. without knowing anyone could have been a nerve-wracking experience for her as a new middle schooler, but she doesn’t remember it that way. “I think I was in 6^th grade when I first came here, and I started in dance,” she said of her introduction into Girls Inc. programs. “I don’t know who it was, but [one girl] introduced me to other girls, and I felt welcomed. It just felt good to be there.”

She’s tried out a few different programs over the years from dance and gymnastics, to arts, crafts, and Project Bold, but she’s now settled into her consistent involvement with Bold Futures Leadership and our Summer Camp Leaders-in-Training program. “I enjoy going to leadership and learning more about the other girls and what they have to say. They ask questions, and they tell stories—that’s why I come here. It’s fun when we do ‘words of affirmation’ and gratitude exercises—things to grow ourselves to be better.”

For many older students, programs outside of school can sometimes feel repetitive or similar enough to school-like activities that they aren’t “worth” participating in. For Shandyelise, it feels different. “At Girls Inc., we can all relate to each other as being girls. Girls get talked down to in some settings, and school has so many things going on. For us to have our little group, it’s better that way. I like it like that…We all have a chance to share our perspectives and learn how to explain them best.”

A special part about Bold Futures Leadership for her is not just the program time each week, but the volunteer opportunities and field trips they enjoy. “We do a lot of fun activities, and even though they involve learning, they’re things I actually want to do.” She took time to reflect with us on her volunteer time as a participant, specifically remembering her assistance with a Winter Special Olympics event a couple years in a row. “[For the skiers,] I got to help direct them my way and cheer them on because there were different squares they had to go through…I liked encouraging them to make it [to the finish line].”

In 2025, Shandyelise was chosen by our staff to attend the Girls Inc. National Luncheon in New York with five other Girls Inc. of Meriden and Central Connecticut (GIMCC) participants, where she had some fun opportunities to put Bold qualities into practice. On top of the excitement of being in New York, she and her fellow GIMCC girls were thrilled to learn that Auli’I Cravalho (the voice of Disney’s Moana) was an honoree and keynote speaker at the event. She was determined to not only take a photo with her but also be confident enough for her and a friend to ask Auli’i themselves. Our Program Director, Tishara Watson, who also attended the Luncheon, weighed in on this interaction as she marveled at Shandyelise’s bravery in the moment: “I told them we should be subtle, and I offered to take the picture, but they said they wanted selfies! They weren’t bothered by all the people around and went right up to her to ask.”

This confident behavior continued even after the Luncheon concluded and the girls had a chance to explore midtown Manhattan. Tishara promised Shandyelise and her friend, Jazzy, that they could film a TikTok in Times Square if they could be attentive during the event. They proceeded to earn this opportunity and captured their dance on camera in Times Square unashamedly and with lots of excitement.

“That was a pretty bold move. How did it feel?” Tishara asked Shandyelise as they recalled the trip.

“I thought it would feel like all eyes were on me, but it wasn’t. I was doing my thing, and it felt good.”

This kind of outgoing behavior wasn’t something she always felt inclined to, but participating at Girls Inc. has allowed her to feel comfortable expressing herself. “I used to be very shy,” she said. “Being here, I’ve had the chance to open up…and learn how to say what I’m feeling or what’s on my mind.” Building self-confidence has not only affected her inwardly, but it has positively affected her interactions with others in her every day.  “[It’s] helped me in life outside of Girls Inc.—[speaking up for myself] at school, at home, or just talking to a cashier to say, ‘Have a good day!’”

Having been involved with Girls Inc. for a few years, she’s familiar with our mission and sees how those pillars of our programming have directly impacted her.  “I feel stronger in being myself. I feel smarter in figuring out what I want for my life and pursuing those goals. (At first, I didn’t know what I wanted, and then I figured out I wanted to be a nurse. Now, [it feels possible to] do that.) I feel bolder through finding my voice—being able to talk about experiences and things I know I need to talk about that I normally wouldn’t.”

“Girls Inc. has become a very safe place for me,” she continued.  “I’m happy to come here every Thursday for Bold Futures Leadership. It’s made me feel independent and like I can really do anything.”