Girls Inc. of Alameda County Back To All News

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We’re All-Stars!

Girls Inc. of Alameda County is honored to partner with SC30 – a collaboration between Under Armour and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Julayne Virgil, CEO of Girls Inc., was recognized as one of the All-Stars of Oakland by Stephen Curry and SC30. As an All-Star himself, Stephen Curry wanted to celebrate the all-stars in our community. A total of 10 organizations dedicated to the advancement of Oakland youth were selected, and Girls Inc. is proud to stand in their company.

In addition, as part of our partnership, Girls Inc. developed two workshops for girls ages 8-15 in honor of International Women’s Day and presented them in downtown Oakland at the SC30 pop-up store.

As part of the All-Star award, each organization nominated a Rising All-Star – an outstanding student in their program who serves as a positive role model.  Girls Inc. selected Shanya, a high school senior who has been coming to Girls Inc. since the first grade. As one of three girls raised by a single mother, Shanya has had to navigate under resourced schools and communities in her pursuit of creating a better life for her and her family. She is currently in the Girls Inc. College Access Now (CAN) program and is awaiting college acceptance notifications from several colleges and universities, including Howard University where she hopes to major in political science.

Shanya has used what she learned in Girls Inc. – including STEM, coding, and leadership skills – to design an interactive website for Youth Radio that helps with storytelling. She hopes to connect to peers nationwide and encourage them to focus on what is most important to make a meaningful impact in the world.

“I’m completely blown away by this award,” she said. “I’m so grateful to Girls Inc. for encouraging me to follow my dreams and never give up.”

Shanya embodies the characteristics of a young woman on the rise, who is determined to use the connections and supports she’s cultivated in her community to ensure her dreams come true. Congratulations Shanya and Julayne for being All-Stars in our community!