2026 Strong, Smart & Bold Gala

April 30th, 2026

At our 2026 Strong, Smart & Bold Gala, our community came together to raise $742,187 in support of girls across Alameda County—including $253,100 raised in the room, more than doubling the evening's $125,000 match.

These funds represent expanded opportunities, stronger support systems, and brighter futures for the 1,600+ girls and young women we serve each year.

Our CEO, Julayne Virgil, reminded us what it means to invest in girls not just in a moment, but across a lifetime.

For the first time ever, one of our Expanded Learning Apprentices took the stage, sharing her experience in this new pathway that allows her to earn, learn, and lead at the same time. This May, Sanae will graduate with her AA in Child Development and her Teacher’s Aide certification.

And we were moved by 12th grader, Violet, whose journey through Girls Inc. of Alameda County speaks to the confidence and community our programs are designed to foster. Violet plans to begin at community college and transfer to pursue a double major in creative writing and political science.

We were also proud to honor two extraordinary leaders—Ay'Anna Moody, Executive Director of the Golden State Community Foundation, and Jess Smith, President of the Golden State Valkyries—whose leadership, partnership and support continue to open doors and expand what’s possible for the girls we serve.

(L) Ay'Anna Moody, Executive Director, Golden State Community Foundation

(R) Jess Smith, President, Golden State Valkyries

From the energy of our fund-a-future paddle raise to the excitement of the raffle and the pride behind our limited-edition t-shirts, designed by high school participant Nicole Mei, every part of the evening reflected a shared belief: that when we invest in girls, we invest in a brighter future.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, our Board of Directors, our Event Committee, and our entire community, who helped bring this evening to life.

If you’d like to be part of the momentum coming out of this incredible evening, there’s still time to make your impact:

Explore the gallery!