Teen Voices in Action: Fall 2025 Updates from Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

At Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta, our teens are leading with purpose, passion, and power. This fall, we’re celebrating some amazing milestones in our teen programs—from national leadership appointments to local advocacy, new event opportunities, and inspiring success stories. Keep reading to learn how our girls are shaping change, lifting their voices, and stepping into their power!

💄 Upcoming Event: Pretty Empowered – October 18

Did you miss the last few Saturdays with GLOW and Project Accelerate? Don’t worry—you still have a chance to jump back in with our next big opportunity!

Join us on Saturday, October 18 for Pretty Empowered, an exciting self-care and empowerment event hosted by YWCA and Ulta Beauty. Pretty Empowered is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of YOU. With beauty tips, self-care activities, and confidence-boosting fun, this experience is designed to leave you feeling inspired and ready to shine.

📧 To register, contact Victoria Taylor at vwalker@girlsincatl.org by October 13!

National Spotlight: Meet Our US Teen Advocacy Council Member

We are thrilled to announce that Star Lesle Orji has been selected to represent Greater Atlanta as part of the 10th Girls Inc. US Teen Advocacy Council (TAC)!

The Teen Advocacy Council is a national leadership body where selected teens advise the Girls Inc. network by sharing their experiences and leading advocacy efforts across the country. Over the next year, Star Lesle will participate in projects like social media campaigns, policy discussions, and even Congressional lobbying.

🌟 A message from Star Lesle:
“Hello, my name is Star Lesle, and I am a high school senior from Atlanta, GA. I joined Girls Inc. during my sophomore year and have grown tremendously through Project Accelerate. I’m also the founder of BlessBloom and Flow, a platform focused on menstrual health education and ending period poverty. My goal is to become a pharmacist and expand access to women’s healthcare—especially in underserved communities. I’m excited to continue this advocacy as a Teen Advocacy Council member!”

🎤 Local Leadership: GIGA Teen Advocacy Council Projects

Our GIGA Teen Advocacy Council is a local platform empowering girls to raise their voices and drive awareness around the issues that matter most. This year, our members have chosen three powerful themes to lead:

• Strong Impact: Comprehensive Sex Education
  Chair: Zariah Williams
• Smart Impact: Strengthening Female Entrepreneur Endeavors
  Chair: Jaelyn Lark
• Bold Impact: Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault & Sex Trafficking
  Chair: Trinity Alston

Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to track their projects and community impact!

🌟 From Student to Staff: Celebrating Inesia Johnson

We’re incredibly proud to spotlight the journey of Inesia Johnson, who joined Project Accelerate five years ago as a student at Therrell High School. Her commitment, leadership, and passion have shone brightly ever since.

Now, we’re thrilled to welcome Inesia to our team as a Program Facilitator for our KIPP Vision Afterschool Program! She’s a shining example of what it means to be strong, smart, and bold, and we’re so lucky to have her inspiring the next generation of girls.

If you see her at our KIPP site, be sure to say hello and congratulate her!

💬 Final Thoughts

The Girls Inc. Greater Atlanta teen program continues to be a source of strength, sisterhood, and transformation. Whether they’re advocating in Washington D.C., empowering peers through community projects, or leading from within, our girls are making their voices heard—and the future is bright.