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  • Program Leader for Youth Advocacy & Health

    About Us Girls Inc. of Alameda County’s mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Since our founding in 1958, our programs have supported the unique needs of girls. In the 1990s, we began to design and deliver programs focusing on girls within San Francisco Bay Area communities that have the least access to opportunity. Through a transitional kindergarten through early career Program Continuum, we empower youth by equipping them with the resources, skills, and access needed to build confidence, visualize and pursue their dreams, and grow into healthy, educated, and independent adults. All programs are developmentally appropriate, supporting the changing needs of youth as they grow. From literacy interventions in elementary school and exciting hands-on STEAM projects in middle school to building leadership skills, taking on paid internships, and college readiness in high school, and college persistence and early career supports, including workforce development, Girls Inc. provides the support and opportunities young people need to thrive at no cost to participants and their families. Girls Inc. of Alameda County delivers daily after-school programming in 1) 10 schools and 2) our downtown Oakland center where girls from more than 15 middle schools and 45 high schools converge. As well we deliver summer programming in two Oakland locations as well as Hayward, and an earn-and-learn workforce development program for young adults who earn wages with Girls Inc. and receive free college courses towards their AA degree. In all, Girls Inc. of Alameda County provided robust programming to nearly 1750 youth in 2023-24. About the Role The Community Program Leader position includes the facilitation of the Achieving Change Together (ACT)/Teen Advocacy Program (TAC) Program, HEART program, and Healthy Evolving Relationships (HER) program. The Community Program Leader is a part-time dynamic professional who has youth programming and group facilitation experience with a passion for social justice/advocacy, reproductive health/sexuality education and working with adolescent girls of color using a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach.   This program leader position is a hands-on position that focuses on: The Community Program Leader will be able to commit to work during the 2026-2027 academic school year. Program leader includes weekly team meetings, leadership workshops and training, youth-led conversations, community events, guest speakers, and intentional field trips all either in person or electronically. The Community Program Leader will be a team player, will prepare lesson plans and facilitate conversations and presentations on various sensitive topics with a group of girl-identified and gender-expansive youth. Training youth in an interactive gender-specific program that includes comprehensive reproductive health and sex education, STI/HIV prevention and early intervention services aimed at positive female development, learning about gender and sexual identity and human sexuality as well as participation in sisterhood activities, field trips and youth-led civic engagement/project. Training girl-identified and gender-expansive youth in community, advocacy, social justice issues, and systems of oppression impacting young people in Bay Area communities and beyond. Along with facilitating and navigating conversations on how to have a healthy relationship mentally, emotionally, and physically with yourself and others. Assisting girls and gender-expansive youth to identify, research, gather data and assess as well as implement community advocacy projects through interactive and intentional learning activities and opportunities to support youth with developing knowledge and skills in advocacy, leadership, public speaking, and project planning.   Job Summary   Implement and facilitate curriculum/lesson plans for all programs during weekly sessions, in person, with groups of 10-20 high school girl-identified and gender-expansive youth at our office in Downtown Oakland. Facilitate workshops on topics such as community engagement, advocacy, social justice education, leadership skill development, and healthy relationships, health and sexuality, sexual and gender identity. Implement and facilitate additional advocacy and health grant-based curricula/programs as assigned. Create and decorate the cultural table in the main lobby each month to educate and accurately display cultural diversity that unites people from different backgrounds. Assist the Community Programs Coordinator and High School Programs Manager with implementing programming, events, field trips, guest speakers, etc. Effectively utilize prep time to prepare for lesson plans, programs, activities, and events. Facilitate the implementation of activities, trips, events, and youth-led presentations in a youth development framework and philosophy. Assist the program coordinator with conducting recruitment and outreach strategies such as presentations at schools, health fairs, community events, etc. Provide timely entry of all necessary data into the database. Submit well-written end-of-the-month program reflections to the coordinator for monthly reports. Create and foster a safe, respectful, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment with the girls and gender-expansive youth, with other Girls Inc. coworkers, programs, departments, and volunteers in addition to community, school, and agency partners. Work as a positive team member of the Community Programs Department and participate in mandatory weekly supervision, staff development, consultation, agency and community programs department training, and team meetings. Work on occasional evenings and weekends as needed for events. Support adult and teen volunteers and interns when applicable. Perform other duties as needed or assigned.   About You   Commitment to work for the 2026-2027 academic school year. Ability to work 26 hours per week, 1:00pm-7:00pm M-TH; 10am-2pm Fri Ability to work some days remotely and attend meetings via Zoom Experience working with or volunteering with high school-aged youth Ability to effectively facilitate positive discussions on a variety of very sensitive topics Experience working with girls and families representing diverse cultures, ethnicities, abilities, and sexual orientations. Strong understanding of gender issues affecting girls and young women of color and a commitment to girl-centered programs. Experience with addressing a wide variety of issues including poverty, abuse, addiction, immigration, unhoused, and acknowledging native land, health, sexuality, identity, and health relationships. Comfortability regarding conversations such as identity, mental health, healthy relationships, domestic violence, and providing a safe space for youth to have conversations about these heavy topics. Strong group facilitation, behavioral management, and conflict resolution skills gained in working with adolescent youth. Ability to motivate, excite, and spark curiosity and self-discovery among young women toward social justice advocacy and civic engagement. Ability to work cross-culturally with families, co-workers, girls, partners, and/or volunteers. Ability to create and maintain an inclusive, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, safe, and supportive space. Collaborative, resourceful, self-motivating, creative, organized, and flexible with a growth mindset. Knowledge of Excel Outlook and/or other database applications. Ability to bend, lift, and move up to 15 lbs. Background clearance from the Department of Justice. Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed for events. Bilingual Spanish/English is desired but not mandatory.  What We Offer Compensation: Base $20.00 to $21.50 per hour at 26 hours per week Medical benefits (Employer pays standard medical plan) Voluntary Dental Voluntary Vision Retirement benefit 403b Flex spending accounts Life Insurance benefits Long term disability benefits 13 Paid Holidays Vacation time off Sick time off Employee Assistance Program Professional development/training Equal Opportunity Employment State Girls Inc. of Alameda County is committed to upholding an inclusive work community that reflects the rich diversity of our girls, their families and caregivers, the community members we serve, and our geographic region. We prioritize using an equity lens to: provide culturally responsive programming and resources to those with the least access, and value culture and difference in the office, our programs, and in the community. Through discussion, awareness, and practice, we commit to continuous improvement with the goal of every person in our community knowing the value of this commitment, embodying it, and bringing it to life. Girls Inc. of Alameda County is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, political belief, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other factor not related to ability to successfully fulfill the requirements of the position. For more information about Girls Inc. of Alameda County, please view our website at www.girlsinc-alameda.org

  • Introducing our 2026 Strong, Smart & Bold Gala Honorees

    We are proud to announce this year’s 2026 Strong, Smart & Bold Gala Honorees—Ay’Anna Moody, Executive Director of the Golden State Community Foundation, and Jess Smith, President of the Golden State Valkyries—two extraordinary leaders whose work across philanthropy and professional sports is shaping opportunity for girls and young women across the Bay Area. Ay’Anna Moody has been a champion of Girls Inc. of Alameda County, helping strengthen the organization’s partnership with the Golden State Warriors and expand new opportunities through collaboration with the Golden State Valkyries. Over the past decade, the Golden State Community Foundation has granted more than $600,000 to support our program continuum. In addition to financial support, this partnership has created numerous experiences for participants, including mentorship opportunities, career exposure, and behind-the-scenes access to professional sports careers and environments. Jess Smith has played a pivotal role in launching the Valkyries during a historic moment for women’s sports, building a franchise that is already making a powerful impact across the Bay Area. In the team’s first season, the Valkyries partnered with Girls Inc. of Alameda County through initiatives such as Free Throws for Futures, while also creating meaningful engagement opportunities for youth, including mentorship experiences and special events that connect girls with women leaders in sports and beyond.  Together, their work reflects a shared commitment to investing in girls, strengthening communities, and ensuring the next generation of young women can see themselves in positions of leadership and impact.  Don’t miss your chance to hear directly from our honorees as they take the stage during the event, and join us in celebrating their leadership and the girls whose futures they are inspiring. Click here for event details.

  • Important Clarification Regarding Girls Inc. of Alameda County

    March 2026 We are sharing an important clarification regarding recent news coverage involving our neighboring affiliate, Girls Inc. of Island City (headquartered in Alameda). While we recognize that this is a difficult time for a fellow youth-serving organization, it is important to clarify that this situation does not involve Girls Inc. of Alameda County. Although we are both affiliates of the Girls Inc. national network, our organization is a separate nonprofit 501(c)(3) with its own leadership and financial stewardship. We are headquartered in Oakland and serve youth across Alameda County and other parts of the East Bay, and we do not operate programs in the City of Alameda. Confusion can sometimes arise due to similarities in organizational names and geographies, and we are actively working to ensure that accurate distinctions are communicated. Girls Inc. of Alameda County remains committed to the highest standards of financial stewardship, transparency, and accountability. Our organization maintains strong financial controls by distributing financial responsibilities across multiple individuals and implementing clear, controlled disbursement processes. Financial performance is reviewed monthly by leadership and the Board Finance Committee, and we undergo an annual independent audit conducted by a third party. These practices are guided by well-documented policies and procedures that ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship. We deeply value the trust you place in our work and in the young people we serve.

  • Game-Changing Lessons with Valkyries Players Kate Martin and Kaitlyn Chen

    We were thrilled to welcome Kate Martin and Kaitlyn Chen of the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries to our downtown Oakland headquarters for a special afternoon with our girls. From a hands-on nutritious cooking activity with middle schoolers to an open and inspiring Q&A with middle and high school students, Kate and Kaitlyn shared powerful insights on confidence, resilience, and what it takes to succeed—on and off the court. The visit kicked off with a hands-on nutritious cooking activity alongside our middle school participants, creating space to talk about wellness, balance, and the importance of fueling your body. For many of our girls, it was a unique opportunity to connect healthy habits with performance, whether in sports, school, or everyday life. Following the activity, Kate and Kaitlyn joined our middle and high school students for an open-format conversation and Q&A. They shared candid reflections from their journeys as professional athletes, offering insight into the mindset, discipline, and support systems that have shaped their success. Throughout the conversation, several key themes emerged that resonated deeply with our girls: Practice positive self-talk. The way you speak to yourself matters. Be a great teammate. Support others, even when things aren’t going your way. Asking for help is a strength. Growth doesn’t happen alone. Visualize your goals. See yourself succeeding and work toward it. Learn from your mistakes. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Find what brings you joy. Passion fuels persistence. Take care of your body. What you put in matters. Preparation is key. Confidence comes from putting in the work. Kate emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even in difficult moments, and showing up as a supportive teammate no matter the circumstances. Kaitlyn spoke about staying grounded, taking care of her body, and trusting the preparation that allows her to perform at her highest level. When girls have the opportunity to engage directly with women leaders—especially in spaces like professional sports—they gain tangible tools, invaluable insights, and a deeper belief in their own potential. We are grateful to the Golden State Valkyries for investing in our girls and helping bring these meaningful experiences to life.

  • First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom Visits Simpson Center for Girls

    We were honored to welcome California’s First Partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, to our Simpson Center for Girls! During her visit, she spent time with our participants, observed programming in action, and heard directly from young people about their experiences building confidence, leadership, and college and career pathways through Girls Inc. of Alameda County. Thank you, First Partner Newsom, for taking the time to connect with our youth and for championing opportunities that empower the next generation of young women across California

  • Fireside Chat with Justice Kelli Evans

    We were honored to welcome Justice Kelli Evans of the California Supreme Court for a special fireside chat with our middle and high school students. Justice Evans, who has dedicated her career to public service and advancing fairness within the justice system, shared insights from her professional journey and the values that have guided her work.   What made the experience especially meaningful was the opportunity for conversation. Justice Evans didn’t just speak to our students — she spoke with them. Girls engaged in thoughtful conversations about education, leadership, public service, and the importance of ensuring access to justice for all communities. Moments like this remind us how powerful representation can be. When young people meet leaders who reflect their values and experiences, it expands their sense of what’s possible. Exposure matters. Representation matters. And proximity to role models can spark the confidence and curiosity that shape future paths.

  • Mock Trial with U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin

    Our middle schoolers traded their notebooks for legal pads as they stepped inside the San Francisco Federal Courthouse for a two-day mock trial experience led by U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin. On day one, students were presented with a case scenario and selected to serve as either Plaintiff’s Counsel or Defendant’s Counsel. They analyzed the facts, built their arguments, and drafted opening statements—preparing to present in a real federal courtroom. On day two, they took their places at counsel tables, introduced themselves at the attorney lectern, and delivered their opening statements into the courtroom microphone—just like practicing attorneys.   They didn’t stop there. Students: Learned how a federal courtroom is structured and why it matters Presented formal opening statements before Judge Lin Practiced witness examinations after a live demonstration Visited the Jury Room and Judge Lin’s Chambers Reflected together during closing remarks This wasn’t just a field trip—it was immersive civic learning in action. Experiences like this help young people build confidence, sharpen critical thinking, strengthen public speaking skills, and see themselves in spaces where decisions are made and justice is shaped. For many of our students, it was their first time inside a federal courthouse. After this week, it may not be their last. Special thanks to Judge Lin for dedicating her time and expertise and to our Woman of Impact and Attorney, Christina Chen, for facilitating this opportunity.

  • Girls Practice Democracy Through Storytelling and Art with Guidance from the Smithsonian Institute

    This fall, we partnered with the Smithsonian Institute to engage youth in Democracy in Dialogue, a national curriculum that invites young people to explore democracy through lived experience—exploring their own stories, identities, and communities while learning from peers in other parts of the country. Rather than learning about democracy from a text book, Democracy in Dialogue invites students to utilize core democratic skills in their every day lives: listening across difference, reflecting on identity and place, practicing empathy, and using their voices to understand and contribute to the broader American experience. As part of this curriculum, our high schoolers engaged in a virtual exchange with peers participating in the program through the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA). Together, they shared personal stories, city histories, traditions, exchanged gifts from home, and reflected on how where they are from shapes their perspectives.   To put their learning into practice, students completed a “Hidden Beauty” project, exploring their neighborhoods through a camera lens, capturing meaningful places, small details, and forgotten spaces in their everyday environments. Each student then selected one photograph to analyze more deeply, creating a poem, collage, and presentation connecting their personal experience to broader community narratives. Through art and reflection, students practiced self-advocacy and storytelling as civic acts: claiming space for their experiences and affirming that their communities matter. Student photos from their “Hidden Beauty” project “Participating in the Smithsonian Democracy and Dialogue project with UMMA was an amazing experience,” shared Allison, a 12th-grade participant. “We connected with their students, shared ideas, and had real conversations. It was really cool to see different perspectives and how everyone finds meaning differently.” Explore 12th grader Kelliegh’s final Hidden Beauty project and see how she brought elements of her community to life through poetry—capturing the everyday nuances, connections, and complexity of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system. At a time when conversations about democracy feel more important than ever, experiences like this remind our girls that democracy begins with voice, connection, and participation—and that they have a role to play in shaping the future. Thank you for making opportunities like this possible. Your support helps ensure that girls don’t just learn about leadership and civic engagement—they practice it, build confidence, and can see themselves as change-makers in their communities.

  • Woodworking Workshop Introduces Youth to the Skilled Trades

    This summer, Girls Inc. of Alameda County launched its Women in Trades Pilot Program, introducing high school girls to career pathways in the skilled trades. The program kicked off with woodworking workshops facilitated by the Retention Apprenticeship Program (RAMP) and led by union carpenter Olwyn Brown and an all-women crew of carpentry professionals. Under their guidance, high schoolers learned how to safely use tools and build their own carpentry project, choosing between a step stool, bookends, pencil holder, or phone stand. For many, it was their first time working with power tools and engaging in building projects. Seeing women leading the space, both teaching and modeling careers in the trades, was a powerful shift in perspective. “It was empowering to see women doing this kind of work,” one participant shared. “It made me feel like I could do it too.” The workshops kicked off a year-long series designed to expand students’ exposure to the skilled trades through hands-on learning, career panels, and mentorship. Providing early exposure to the skilled trades supports Girls Inc. of Alameda County’s broader workforce development initiative to equip girls with the skills and confidence to pursue diverse postsecondary and career pathways—including direct entry into the workforce. This summer alone, more than 90 youth and young adults are engaging in workforce development opportunities through Girls Inc.—64 high school students in internship placements and/or participating in skilled trades projects, and 27 young adults serving as apprentices in our Expanded Learning Apprenticeship Program .     You can help expand access to programs like the Women in Trades Project by investing in us today!

  • Seeing Herself in STEM

    Career exposure is most powerful when young people can see themselves reflected in the fields they’re exploring. Through our recent STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) panel, students learned directly from women working in construction, research, biotechnology, and public health —fields where women remain underrepresented. By hearing how these professionals found their paths and built expertise, STEM careers became more concrete, relatable, and attainable. Thank you to our outstanding panelists:

  • Institutional Giving Manager

    About Us Girls Inc. of Alameda County’s mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Since our founding in 1958, our programs have supported the unique needs of girls. In the 1990s, we began to design and deliver programs focusing on girls within San Francisco Bay Area communities that have the least access to opportunity. Through a transitional kindergarten through early career Program Continuum, we empower youth by equipping them with the resources, skills, and access needed to build confidence, visualize and pursue their dreams, and grow into healthy, educated, and independent adults. All programs are developmentally appropriate, supporting the changing needs of youth as they grow. From literacy interventions in elementary school and exciting hands-on STEAM projects in middle school to building leadership skills, taking on paid internships, and college readiness in high school, and college persistence and early career supports, including workforce development, Girls Inc. provides the support and opportunities young people need to thrive at no cost to participants and their families. Girls Inc. of Alameda County delivers daily after-school programming in 1) 10 schools and 2) our downtown Oakland center where girls from more than 15 middle schools and 45 high schools converge. As well we deliver summer programming in two Oakland locations as well as Hayward, and an earn-and-learn workforce development program for young adults who earn wages with Girls Inc. and receive free college courses towards their AA degree. In all, Girls Inc. of Alameda County provided robust programming to nearly 1750 youth in 2023-24. About the Role The Institutional Giving Manager oversees institutional funding - corporate, foundation, government and private grants - and manages the grants consultant, ensuring the stewardship of existing funders and prospecting and cultivation of potential funders to meet revenue goals. This position reports to the Chief Development Officer and works directly with the grants consultant to identify and research grant opportunities from various sources, gather input from leadership and information from colleagues in internal departments, write proposals to funding sources, complete compliance and grant reporting, and update the organization's CRM database.  Job Summary Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer to cultivate strong relationships with new and existing institutional funding partners in support of future funding opportunities and event sponsorships.  Manage a portfolio of more than $4 million in funder prospects in all aspects of timely preparation and composition of proposals, reports, and gift acknowledgements, ensuring that internal and external deadlines are effectively met.  Oversee relationship with grants consultant and effectively allocate the workflow of proposals and reports to ensure success in meeting deadlines and annual goals.  Conduct annual grant portfolio analysis and develop a strong pipeline of grant prospects in support of quarterly and annual revenue goals and fundraising plans.  Gather data related to program progress, in collaboration with Program, Evaluation, and Finance staff, and stay aware of new developments to prepare timely, robust, and accurate proposals and reports to funders.  Proactively communicate with senior leadership and organizational stakeholders to ensure effective planning, timely submissions, and coordinate funder outreach and follow-ups.   About You Passion for the mission of Girls Inc. of Alameda County.  Bachelor’s degree preferred.  Minimum 5 years of grant proposal writing and grants management experience.  Demonstrated experience managing a fundraising portfolio of at least $2 million, including prospects.  Successful track record soliciting and securing five and six-figure institutional gifts.   Successful track record meeting annual funding goals of $1 million or higher.   Outstanding written communication and presentation skills to persuasively convey the organization’s mission to diverse constituencies.  Ability to work with and proactively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.  Familiarity with the San Francisco Bay Area philanthropic community preferred.  Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or another donor database preferred.  Demonstrated success in a fast-paced environment where multi-tasking and priority-setting abilities are critical to success.  Self-reliant, good problem solver, results oriented.   What We Offer Compensation: Range of $75,000 - $82,000 annually Medical benefits (Employer pays standard medical plan) Voluntary Dental Voluntary Vision Retirement benefit 403b Flex spending accounts Life Insurance benefits Long term disability benefits 13 Paid Holidays Vacation time off Sick time off Employee Assistance Program Professional development/training Equal Opportunity Employment State Girls Inc. of Alameda County is committed to upholding an inclusive work community that reflects the rich diversity of our girls, their families and caregivers, the community members we serve, and our geographic region. We prioritize using an equity lens to: provide culturally responsive programming and resources to those with the least access, and value culture and difference in the office, our programs, and in the community. Through discussion, awareness, and practice, we commit to continuous improvement with the goal of every person in our community knowing the value of this commitment, embodying it, and bringing it to life. Girls Inc. of Alameda County is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, political belief, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other factor not related to ability to successfully fulfill the requirements of the position.

  • From Sports to Beauty, Partner Visits Inspire Confidence and and Career Dreams

    This month, our Simpson Center for Girls was buzzing with inspiration thanks to visits from two partners, Women in Sports & Events (WISE) and Benefit Cosmetics, who opened new worlds of possibility for our youth.    Women in Sports and Events (WISE) SF Bay Area brought together five accomplished board members—Fayne Samantha Cohen, M.A. (Bloom Energy); Erica Loh Jones (Oakland Girls Softball League); Tori Carras (UC Berkeley); Danielle Deike, M.A. (Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative); and Becca Smith-Tan (Bay Area Host Committee)—for a dynamic career panel. Through their stories of perseverance, mentorship, and professional growth, our youth learned what it means to lead with confidence and purpose.  Benefit Cosmetics provided a behind-the-scenes look into the beauty industry, exploring careers in chemistry, product marketing, sales and more! High school participants also engaged in a hands-on brow-mapping workshop, a fun exercise where they could practice their artistry, precision, and self-expression. One student shared, “I feel so grateful for this experience. It helped me feel more in touch with my feminine side and confident in my natural beauty.”  From sports to beauty, these sessions highlighted the limitless paths available to our youth when they are supported by women who lead by example. A heartfelt thank you to WISE SF Bay Area and Benefit Cosmetics for investing your time, creativity, and wisdom in our future leaders!

  • Welcome Cohort 4 of Expanded Learning Apprentices

    We proudly launched the fourth cohort of our Expanded Learning Apprenticeship, a first-of-its-kind earn-and-learn program in California designed to build pathways into the education field.   At our recent launch event, we celebrated these future educators with a day of networking, team building, and celebration. Apprentices met their peers and partners, received their backpacks loaded with school supplies, and were welcomed into a strong community of mentors and supporters.  Through this two-year partnership between Girls Inc. of Alameda County, Berkeley City College (BCC), Partnership for Children and Youth, and ECEPTS apprentices work part-time as paid Program Leaders for us, while earning college credits and professional certifications through BCC. This program continues to demonstrate what’s possible when education and workforce development come together to:  ✅ Relieve the burden of choosing between work and school  ✅ Address the workforce shortage in afterschool education  ✅ Empower community members to build careers in teaching and youth development  Congratulations to our newest cohort — we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in our classrooms and communities!

  • New Middle School Golf & Rowing Summer Camp Empowers Youth through Sports

    The results are in on our first-ever golf and rowing summer camp in partnership with First Tee Oakland  and Oakland Strokes  Rowing—a new, zero-cost offering for middle schoolers that expands their access into sports and sports-related careers!  Each day began at Tidewater Boating Center, where participants learned the basics of rowing and enjoyed the excitement of being on the water. From there, girls transitioned to Metropolitan Golf Links for golfing 101, where they learned the fundamentals of the game and worked on refining their swings. A highlight of camp was Empowerment Day, a mini mentoring event bringing together women who were both athletes and in sports-related careers, including:   Veronne Clark, Director of Community,  Golden State Valkyries (basketball)  Courtney Johnson Clendinen, Chief Programs Officer, Girls Inc. of Alameda County  Laura Geist, General Manager, Oakland Ballers (baseball)  Carla Jourdan, Head of Community Programs, Oakland Strokes (rowing)  Rebecca Martinez, Program Director, First Tee Oakland (golf)  Khali Blackman-Newton, Director of Community Engagement, Positive Coaching Alliance   Mentors shared their journeys into sports, their experiences as women in (and on) the field, and what a typical day in their careers looks like. Youth had the chance to ask questions, gain insight into the world of sports, and learn about the paths available to them as athletes and professionals.  The camp was about more than playing sports.  By participating, girls gained exposure to sports that have historically had limited access for women. They learned about future opportunities including potential college scholarships and careers in industries where women of color have long been underrepresented. And, it was a chance for them to build confidence, hone new skills, and envision themselves in spaces where they may have never seen others like them before.  “I’ve never thought about playing golf before,” reflected 6th grader Cataleya. “At camp I learned that I really like it, and I want to start playing for real!”  Investing in opportunities like this ensures that more girls have the chance to break barriers in sports and beyond. Special thanks to East Bay Community Foundation and Title Nine for supporting this incredible opportunity to inspire and empower the next generation of women in sports!

  • A Local Gateway to Global Trade – Participants Go Behind-the-Scenes at Port of Oakland

    An immersive summer field trip offered participants a rare look into the industries and careers that power the movement of goods from around the globe into our everyday lives. Participants had the unique opportunity to explore one of the Bay Area’s most vital economic resources: the Port of Oakland .   The day began with a tour of Central Valley Ag Group , where girls learned about the lesser-known but critical role agriculture and biomass play in the port’s activity. They then visited SSA Marine , one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, where they witnessed massive $10 million cranes  moving containers that could hold everything from livestock feed to Costco inventory.  “I never realized how much work happens just to get products to stores,” said one participant. “Now when I see a shipping container, I’ll think of all the people behind it.”  The girls concluded their day with an executive panel featuring women leaders from all facets of the Port, who shared their diverse career paths in maritime business development, environmental science, rail safety, and public works. Experiences like this field trip give youth meaningful exposure to real-world career paths they might not otherwise encounter, sparking both curiosity and the confidence to imagine themselves in roles they may have never considered.  Thank you to WTS San Francisco Bay Area  and ACEC CA Bay Bridge Chapter  for bringing this field trip to life as part of their “Girls in Motion 2025 Summit,” aimed to introduce and empower girls to pursue careers in transportation.   Show young women that they belong in every room, every industry, and in every corner of the economy by investing today!

  • Celebrating 20 Years of Learning, Leadership, and Community at Concordia Park in East Oakland

    This summer marks 20 years of Girls Inc. of Alameda County programming at Concordia Park—a milestone that honors not just the longevity of our work, but the powerful role this East Oakland site plays in our community. For two decades, Concordia Park has been more than just a place for learning. It has been a space where youth discover their voices, take on new challenges, and build lasting connections. Located in the heart of a neighborhood many of our participants call home, the site is a welcoming, vibrant hub for growth, joy, and opportunity. Every summer, the park comes alive with full-day programming five days a week, entirely free to families. We know that during the summer, opportunities for enrichment and academic growth can be limited—especially ones that are both accessible and affordable. At Concordia, our 1st–7th grade participants take part in a dynamic mix of hands-on STEM activities, leadership building, and personal development programming. They explore new interests through curated curricula, field trips, and interactive experiences that nurture both their curiosity and confidence. The site itself is a powerful asset, featuring classroom spaces, a community garden, basketball courts, and sports fields—supporting a wide range of physical, social, and emotional learning. It also serves as a flexible home base for our Expanded Learning Apprentices, who attend morning college courses onsite, allowing our staff and programming to grow alongside the needs of our youth. In addition, Concordia Park serves as a hub for innovation and partnership. We regularly welcome companies and organizations that introduce our youth to new career pathways and real-world applications of what they learn. Recently, engineers from Arup led a hands-on activity where girls explored sustainable and cost-effective building practices—and designed their own rail systems. Scientists from Denali Therapeutics visited to teach participants about the human brain, sparking excitement around neuroscience and health science careers. As we celebrate 20 years at Concordia Park , we are reminded that this space is more than a site—it’s a cornerstone of our mission. It’s where girls build skills and resilience, where learning happens through play, exploration, and purpose. And above all, it’s a place where everyone feels welcome.   Join us in shaping the next 20 years—your investment helps ensure that Concordia Park continues to be a place of possibility, learning, and community for generations to come.  Invest Today

  • The San Francisco Giants Hit a Homerun with Girls Day

    In honor of Girls Day, the San Francisco Giants  hosted a special pregame panel at China Basin Park, bringing together influential women leaders from across sports and youth development. Among the featured panelists was our very own CEO, Julayne Virgil, who spoke of the importance of creating pathways for girls to thrive as leaders on and off the field. She was joined by an inspiring lineup that included Miss USA, Alma Cooper, a true embodiment of what it means to be strong, smart, and bold.   (L to R) : Rocky Henley,  VP of Evolution Girls Baseball , Julayne Virgil, CEO of Girls Inc. of Alameda County , Mary Jane Storm, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern California , Panel Moderator    (L to R): Julayne Virgil, CEO of Girls Inc. of Alameda County , Mary Jane Storm, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern California , Alma Cooper, Miss USA , Rocky Henley, VP of Evolution Girls Baseball , Pam Baker, Founder of the Women’s Coaching Alliance , Panel Moderator,  Lindsay Bettinger, Manager of Partnerships at Athleta Alma’s story is one of determination, discipline, and drive. After graduating high school, she enrolled at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where she earned a degree in mathematical sciences. Currently, she is a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University, pursuing a Master’s in statistics with a focus on data science.   Alma took time to connect with our Girls Inc. community, including recent graduates (and twins) Cande and Guadalupe, leaving them with words of encouragement and a strong example of breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces like the military and STEM.   Sisters, Cande and Guadalupe, will also be pursuing careers in STEM, come fall: Cande will be attending Chico State to study animal science, and Guadalupe will attend San Francisco State to study political science.   (L top R:) Cande, Alma Cooper, Miss USA , Guadalupe In a special Girls Day moment, Guadalupe delivered the ceremonial first pitch ball — a proud and symbolic moment representing the bright future of our youth.  Guadalupe We’re grateful to the SF Giants for shining a spotlight on girls’ leadership and for making space to celebrate and inspire future changemakers. Together, we’re building a world where every girl knows she belongs, and that she can lead in any field, from science labs to sports! We’re grateful to the SF Giants for shining a spotlight on girls’ leadership and for making space to celebrate and inspire future changemakers. Together, we’re building a world where every girl knows she belongs, and that she can lead in any field, from science labs to sports!  Join us in supporting more girls uncover their potential by investing today!     Invest Today

  • Summer Programs Keep Youth Engaged and Help Bridge the Opportunity Gap  

    We know that over the summer, there are limited opportunities for learning and enrichment—especially ones that are affordable and accessible. Without these opportunities, many young people experience summer learning loss, which can widen existing opportunity gaps. That’s why our summer programs are offered at no cost to families, ensuring more youth have access to the support and experiences they need outside of the school year.   Our summer curriculum is an intentional part of our academic, leadership and personal growth and resilience programs that foster community, encourage positive risk-taking, and expose youth to new resources and social capital through intentional curricula, field trips, internship placements and more!  You can be a part of this transformative summer. Concordia Park in East Oakland: Our Concordia Park site in East Oakland hosts our 1st-7th* grade participants during the summer and is critical to maintaining academic goals and engaging youth in STEM activities, while also exposing them to new interests through intentional curricula and field trips.  Field trips all follow similar formulas that maximize participants’ exposure and learning that include facility tours, panel discussions and Q&A opportunities with minority women leaders, key, age-appropriate learning activities and closing reflections. Fieldtrips will include Women in Trades Project ( Tradeswomen Inc. ), Carmel Partners , Benefit Cosmetics , Port of Oakland , DPR Construction , Denali Therapeutics , Bishop Wisecarver  hosted by Comerica , WTS  (Advancing Women, Advancing Transportation), and more!   Field trips often spark interest in attendees that can lead to future internship opportunities and subsequent college and career decisions.  A pivotal moment for alumna Tayo came while on a field trip to an urban planning firm with Girls Inc., where she learned people  actually design the bridges and roads she used on a daily basis. “That day changed everything,” she said. “For the first time, I saw a future I wanted—and believed I could have.” She became the first in her family to attend college, earning a B.S. in Civil Engineering from UC Davis and a master’s in transportation policy. Today, Tayo works as a Civil Engineer, helping build Bay Area infrastructure.   *This year we will also host 6th and 7th graders who are part of our All STARS program in our downtown Oakland Simpson Center for Girls, and  we will host an All STARTS cohort at our Concordia Park location. This expansion, made possible by funding and collaboration with Oakland Unified School District, has effectively doubled our 6th and 7th grade program spots, meeting the growing demand for this age group.   Golf & Rowing Summer Camp: This summer, we’re further expanding our middle school offerings through an exciting new partnership with First Tee Oakland and Oakland Strokes Rowing Club. Together, we’ll provide an additional two weeks of free, high-quality summer programming for middle schoolers—broadening their exposure to new experiences like golf and rowing and further enriching the opportunities available to this age group. Participants will start their day with Oakland Strokes at the Tidewater Boating Center for rowing and then transition to Metropolitan Golf Links Golf Course for golf lessons.   This unique opportunity is about more than just sports and physical wellness. It provides our girls with rare exposure to sports with historically limited access, opening doors to new experiences, future opportunities, and even potential college scholarships. As they build confidence and hone their skills, they’ll not only grow as athletes but also see themselves in spaces and careers where women of color have long been underrepresented.    Thank you to East Bay Community Foundation  and title nine  for supporting this opportunity!   Eureka! at Cal State East Bay: Our rising 8th and 9th grade Eureka! participants attend summer programming at Cal State East Bay , utilizing top-of-the line amenities like the campus sports and pool complexes, science labs and classrooms. Many students experience a lot of firsts here, including science experiments like dissecting fish and activities like learning to swim!  Experiencing daily life in a university setting also allows our girls to envision similar things for their own futures and can help alleviate any doubts or fears around navigating college campuses.      Health Empowerment & Leadership (HEAL): Health Empowerment & Leadership (HEAL) is for girls and their allies who are looking to be a part of the movement for opportunity and respect for all. In this summer program, teens will learn about the movement to ensure a future where everyone has access to quality healthcare- focusing on unmet health needs faced by some groups of people in our communities and country.  Teens will get the knowledge and tools to become powerful health ambassadors, learning their health rights and exploring the gaps that exist in our country that result in many community members lacking full access to health services they deserve. Teens will share and learn in a supportive space where they can create connections with each other and their facilitator, all while gaining skills that will support them for a lifetime. There are also weekly field trips on Friday.  At the end of the summer program, they will work together on a fun art or media project focused on raising awareness for others about the importance of their health. This will be in partnership with Cinequest’s "Picture the Possibilities”  initiative.   Internships: We have forty 10th and 11th grade girls with internship placements among several businesses in the community including ADBC Architecture , FORRELL | ELSESSER Structural Engineers , Girls Inc. of Alameda County ,  Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers , and more!  A special thank you to Rakuten  for hosting 20 interns this summer in roles ranging from engineering, fashion, marketing, law and more!    Internships are amazing opportunities for girls to gain real world working experience, professional development, personal growth, business connections, and social capital as they explore areas of interest, and they often factor into participants’ future college and career decisions.       Alumna, Tehray,  discovered a passion for finance through a Girls Inc. internship with BlackRock and she went on to study Economics at UC Merced. She currently works as an Analyst at BlackRock Asset Management—the very company that first inspired her college and career trajectory.  You can be part of this transformative summer.  . A generous donor has stepped up with a $15,000 matching gift challenge to make your contribution go even further.  Our match has three deadlines we need to meet:    • $5,000 by May 30th   • $5,000 by June 6th     • $5,000 by June 20th   This matching gift means every dollar you give will be matched dollar for dollar and double your impact. Will you help us meet this Friday's deadline, June 6th?  Your gift will directly support the essential programs youth count on this summer and into next school year.  Invest Today

  • KTVU - Golden State Valkyries partner with PG&E to help support community programs

    The Bay Area's new professional women's team has partnered up with PG&E to donate $500 to two Bay Area programs focused on helping young girls and women. The utility will donate $500 for every free throw the Golden State Valkyries make this season, as part of PG&E's "Free Throws for Futures" program. One of those programs is Girls, Inc. of Alameda county, and the organization's CEO sat down with KTVU to talk about the impact of this kind of donation.

  • The PG&E Foundation will donate $500 for every Valkyries free throw made during this upcoming season to Girls Inc. of Alameda County

    The PG&E Corporation Foundation To Donate $500 For Every Valkyries Free Throw Made This Season The Golden State Valkyries and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) have announced a multi-year partnership that establishes PG&E as a founding partner of the Valkyries. The PG&E Corporation Foundation (PG&E Foundation) has committed a $500 donation for every free throw made by the Valkyries this season to be granted to select local community programs that enhance educational equity in the region. This collaboration centers around key community initiatives designed to uplift local youth and spotlight community champions across Northern California. “Much like the Valkyries, PG&E has a great amount of pride in the work they do in the community,” said Valkyries President Jess Smith. “This partnership goes beyond just a business deal by creating solutions to problems that directly impact people. It is so important for us to use our platforms to build healthy and inclusive communities, and these programs will do exactly that.” The partnership features two core community programs: “Free Throws for Futures” – The PG&E Foundation will donate $500 for every Valkyries free throw made during this upcoming season to Girls Inc. of Alameda County and Kode With Klossy. Girls Inc. of Alameda County connects girls from under-resourced neighborhoods in the Bay Area with access to the resources they need to reach their full potential, and Kode With Klossy creates educational opportunities for young women and gender expansive youth in STEAM programs across the globe. PG&E Foundation has donated nearly $2 million to the Golden State Community Foundation through this program over the last three seasons with the Golden State Warriors. “Power Forward” - Recognizes everyday champions in the Bay Area who areworking to make their communities a better place. One PG&E “Power Forward” honoree will be celebrated at every Valkyries home game this season. Additional community-focused programs will be unveiled during the season, and the impact of these programs will be highlighted on the Valkyries digital and social media channels all season long. “PG&E and The PG&E Corporation Foundation are thrilled to join the Valkyries, our new hometown team, as a founding partner. We’re also looking forward to partnering — both on and off the court — to uplift local organizations and spotlight community leaders that work tirelessly to make the Bay Area such a special place,” said Carla Peterman, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, PG&E Corporation, and Chair of the Board, The PG&E Corporation Foundation. PG&E joins a growing list of Valkyries Founding Partners, including CarMax, JPMorgan Chase, Kaiser Permanente, Sephora, and United Airlines. PG&E's support and charitable contributions is funded by PG&E shareholders and not customers. About The Golden State Community Foundation The Golden State Community Foundation supports education and youth development to promote thriving students, schools and communities across the Bay Area via grantmaking, refurbished basketball courts, and ticket donations. Through Generation Thrive, a first-of-its-kind non-profit hub created in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, the Foundation supports the effectiveness of local nonprofits and schools through programming for educators. Since its inception in 2012, the Golden State Community Foundation has delivered more than $47 million in impact to support education and youth development in the Bay Area. To learn more, visit goldenstate.com/foundation. About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news About The PG&E Corporation Foundation The PG&E Corporation Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, separate from PG&E and sponsored by PG&E Corporation.

  • Building Brighter Financial Futures with Comerica Bank

    This #FinancialLiteracyMonth, our high schoolers dove into the world of banking and credit—learning how to make smart money moves now to build a strong financial future. From understanding credit scores to managing accounts, they asked amazing questions, shared their goals, and left feeling more confident about handling their own finances. Highlights of what they learned: ✅ What credit scores actually mean—and how to build and protect them ✅ How to spot credit fraud and fix errors on credit reports ✅ The different types of financial institutions and bank accounts ✅ How to safely manage money, especially when banking online Workshops like these are powerful—especially when financial literacy isn’t always taught in schools. With the right tools, our girls can be equipped to navigate the complexities of personal finance and achieve overall financial security and independence. Big thanks to Danette Winkler, VP of Commercial Banking and our Partner, Comerica Bank , for empowering our girls with essential financial knowledge!

  • 2025 Strong, Smart & Bold Luncheon Equips Youth for Success!

    Thank you to our Board Members, Sponsors, Investors, Women of Impact, and our entire community who joined in celebrating our Scholars at our 2025 Strong, Smart & Bold Luncheon, Equipped for Success! With your sponsorships, ticket purchases, day-of and subsequent investments, we raised $550,000+ to ensure youth in Alameda County continue to have access to transformational programming. During the luncheon, we heard from three Teen Scholars whose stories are a testament to our ability to make real impact when we come together as a community. Through Girls Inc. of Alameda County, Padme gained the confidence to use her voice, discovered a passion for science and working with children, and will pursue her dream of becoming a pediatrician at Trinity University in San Antonio. Zarahana found sisterhood, support, and the courage to ask for help and is now heading to UCLA to pursue an Art major with purpose and clarity. Through a Girls Inc. internship, Lynelle uncovered her entrepreneurial spirit and her desire to help others, designing a healthcare app and founding a wellness program at her school. She will start her postsecondary journey at a community college and plans to transfer to a four-year university with a strong psychology program. Thank you so much for your generosity and your commitment to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart & bold. Special thanks to our generous sponsors and to our event emcee, Velena Jones! Didn’t get a chance to give at the event? You can show your support for participants like Padme, Zarahana and Lynelle by investing in the programs, resources and services that equip our youth for success.

  • A Day of Designing Dreams with CRI, San Francisco

    Our youth stepped into the world of design and creativity during an inspiring visit to CRI, San Francisco , a women-owned office furniture and design consultancy! The day kicked off with a fun scavenger hunt exploring “A Day in the Life of a Truck Dispatcher,” giving the girls a behind-the-scenes look at the operations side of the business. Then, they heard from incredible women leaders across sales, marketing, business development, and creative solutions—who shared their career journeys and opened our girls’ eyes to new possibilities in the industry. The highlight? A hands-on design challenge where our youth selected real fabrics, finishes, and furniture to bring their dream workspaces to life—before confidently presenting their vision boards to the group like true professionals! Thank you to Jennifer Burton, Brooke Stickney, and the entire team at CRI San Francisco, for creating such a dynamic, empowering experience. You helped our girls dream big, think creatively, and see what’s possible when women lead the way.

  • Afterschool Professional Appreciation Week (April 21 – 25)

    We’re igniting confidence, building skills, and opening doors in after school programming — 36 weeks a year, with young people attending 70+ schools, in 5+ cities, and 15 program sites. None of it happens without our passionate, hard-working staff who bring this mission to life every single day — in every space, every program, and every moment with our youth. They are the spark behind the courage, the confidence, and the dreams our girls are chasing.

  • A Conversation on Leadership, Growth, and Purpose

    Senior participant, Nia, moderated a panel discussion with five dynamic professionals and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. , who generously shared their journeys, insights, and advice as Black women leading in their industries. The conversation explored college trajectories, career growth, overcoming obstacles, balancing work and life, and thriving with purpose. Thank you to our panelists: Alexis Stuckey ACSW, PPSC – Protective Services Worker, City and County of San Francisco Amber Hunter – Payment Integrity Manager, UCSF Health Azariah C. – Educator & Patent Agent, Freedom Soul Media Education Initiatives Dorian Ball – Family Medicine Resident Physician, Kaiser Permanente Jazmyn Hammons – Manager, Box Office, Golden State Warriors We're grateful to you for sharing with our youth and modeling what leadership, resilience, and community impact truly look like.

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