Girls Initiative
“Thank you for helping us find
our voices and inspire each other.
This program was simply
amazing. We are not alone.”
— Girls’ Initiative Participant
Girls and women of the Rochester region are disproportionately affected by poverty, as documented in the findings of the first comprehensive study on the economic status of women in the Rochester region commissioned by the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley. More than 62% of households in poverty were headed by women. Of these, 93% had children under the age of 18 years. Positive role models for children are critical to their motivation and development. With good role models, teens can gain the skills and outlook needed to succeed later in life, despite their challenges. The Girls’ Initiative was created in 1997 to be part of a network of community organizations, whose goals are to provide good women role models and break the cycle of poverty for girls.
Girl’s Power Her Forward Conference!
We are powerful.
A primary objective of the Girls Initiative is to offer girls in middle and high school the opportunity to work with, and learn from, mentors they identify with, through our “Voices of Experience” program. As evidenced in Brookings Institution and Urban Institute reports, students with same-race educators, mentors, and real-life role models, demonstrate improved academic performance and potentially higher levels of academic achievement.
The Women’s Foundation is connecting its literacy enrichment and voices program components by offering cultural learning experiences that will give girls opportunities to hear from local women about their own experiences navigating their professional space performers, managers, scientists, educators, and community leaders. Since 1997 more than 5,000 girls and women have participated in this program.
Youth Leadership
Committee
The Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley (WFGV) Girls' Youth Committee is a leadership group composed of young women dedicated to empowering girls in the Greater Rochester area. The committee meets monthly and plays a key role in planning and organizing events such as the Girls' Professional Development Day and the Power Her Forward Girls Conference, providing opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and community engagement. Members gain hands-on experience in advocacy, event planning, and teamwork while fostering confidence and self-sufficiency among their peers.
For more information on how to get involved, please email info@womensfoundation.org