Iris has been attending Girls Inc. programs since she was in pre-school. She started out in Gymnastics and, now a second grader, is part of our Afterschool Experience, Evening Experience, and Bold Futures Leadership. She is eager to learn, work hard, and help others feel supported.

What are some of your favorite things to do at Girls Inc.?

Making things out of clay, learning about the earth, and swimming at Summer Camp. I also like learning about Black History Month and Rosa Parks—how she didn’t give up her seat on the bus.

Tell us about your favorite Girls Inc. field trip.

We went to a trampoline park, and I got to jump, play basketball, and try front flips. The best part about the trip was when I was scared to jump off a high spot into the foam pit, but I did it, and then I wanted to do it over and over!

What helped you overcome your fear with the scary jump?

Some of my friends were jumping off of the smaller blocks, so it made me feel brave enough to try the bigger one.

Talk about feeling “included” and “supported”. How do you feel that at Girls Inc.?

Sometimes people aren’t included because what they look like or things like that, but I try my best to include people. I like to help my friends.

When I’m at Girls Inc., the staff take care of me, and all my friends here are respectful toward me.

How does Girls Inc. make you feel strong, smart, or bold?

It makes me happy to be a girl, and I like learning new things.

When I finish my homework here during Afterschool homework time, I have more time at home to play with my cousin and build with Legos! Once, I finished my homework packet in three or four days [earlier than it was due], and [my facilitator] Miss Tina checked the other pages—she said I did a good job.

I like getting to help my other friends with their homework, and helping in the younger classes. I want to be a [Girls Inc.] staff!

What would you say to another girl who’s thinking about participating at Girls Inc.?

There’s lots of fun things to do, and summer camp is the best—especially the pool and foam parties.