guest speaker for january 2021 meeting
Darla Otey, Executive Director, Girls Inc of Pinellas
Girls Inc. of Pinellas’s programming - in partnership with local schools and organizations - focuses on the development of the whole girl. A combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming equips girls to lead fulfilling and productive lives, break the cycle of poverty, and become role models in their community.
While there are more women today in key leadership positions than ever before, there still exists a pervasive gender gap in top leadership. Stronger, Smarter, Bolder: Girls Take the Lead outlines four fundamental supports that Girls Inc. has determined are universally beneficial to girls and create the conditions for girls to overcome systemic societal challenges and become strong leaders: providing mentoring relationships, encouraging girls to develop and use their voices, promoting positive self-image, and fostering intellectual confidence.
These supports help girls navigate and overcome the multifaceted, interconnected, and persistent barriers they face. The report highlights some of the most recent and significant research on girls, pointing to eleven key factors that shape their lives. The report presents a comprehensive, holistic view of the landscape in which girls in both the U.S. and Canada are growing up. The following factors are examined: physical activity, mental health, substance use, teen pregnancy, educational achievement, STEM experiences, graduation rates, juvenile justice, healthy relationships—encompassing harassment and sexual abuse, and leadership opportunities.
“Girls Inc of Pinellas is proud to be on the cutting edge of leading the way for girls to succeed in our community.”
-Darla Otey, Executive Director, Girls Inc of Pinellas
Darla Otey
Executive Director
Girls Inc. of Pinellas