Hi there!

My name is Emily Folk, and I have had the privilege of serving as Assistant Program Director at Girls Inc. for the past four years. Before moving into my role as assistant program director, I was a program counselor for our summer camp and after school programs.

During my time at Girls Inc., I’ve learned many valuable lessons about resilience, the power of mentorship, and the impact of empowering our girls to embrace their strengths and pursue their dreams. One key lesson I have learned though working at Girls Inc. is the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment where each girl feels seen, heard, and valued. As I move forward, I am excited to continue advocating for youth empowerment and to use the skills and experiences I’ve gained to make a positive difference.

In my role as Assistant Program Director and Program Counselor, I have had the pleasure of working closely with our girls, facilitating programs that foster their academic, personal, and social development. Building relationships with the girls and watching them grow and flourish has been the most rewarding part of my job.

Throughout my years at Girls Inc., I have built positive relationships and created many memories with our girls. One particular girl that stands out to me joined our program about two years ago. She was struggling in school, academically and behaviorally, when she joined Girls Inc. It was clear to me that she needed a supportive and understanding environment to thrive and grow. I spent a lot of time getting to know her, understanding her challenges, and building a trusting relationship. By creating a safe space where she felt understood and valued, I helped her overcome her academic and behavioral challenges. This past school year she grew and matured significantly. Her hard work paid off as she became more successful in school, even being named student of the month. She has grown into a confident, talented, and successful individual, and her story is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on the lives of the girls we serve. This transformation underscores the importance of providing a nurturing environment where each girl can realize her potential and achieve her goals.

It is with a heavy heart that I share that I will be leaving Girls Inc. to move on to a new role as a School Counselor at Western Heights Middle School. Girls Inc. has been a great place to work, and I will always cherish the relationships and memories I have built here. The experiences and lessons I have learned at Girls Inc. will stay with me as I continue to support and empower young people in my new position. I cannot say thank you enough for everything Girls Inc. has done to support my growth professionally and personally.

Stronger, Smarter, Bolder,

Ms. Emily