I am so honored to be able to  tell you how much Girls Inc. means to me and how it has become such a big part of my life. Since I was 6 years old, I remember I did not have a place I could go and be myself, until I found Girls Inc. I have gained so much support from the staff. I remember watching girls get nominated for girls of the year and I always wanted to be one of those girls. I feel really thankful to be up here, but I know I am standing here in front of you because of the support and care I’ve gotten along the way.

My mom is a housecleaner and sometimes I must go to work with her. My mom works extremely hard so I can have a better life. Sometimes, I even get to help her. I don’t really care what I do when we are together – if it helps her, I am good with that.

I am so blessed and grateful to have a mom like her because she works so hard so I can have a better life. She is so independent, strong, and hardworking and that is why I look up to her. She gives me so much love and kindness. Without my mom I wouldn’t know who I am today.

I just want to take a moment. Mom – I am more than blessed to be your child and thank you for showing me what true love looks like. Words can’t explain how grateful I feel to have a mom like you. Thank you for being there when I have practices, dance shows, events (especially like these)…and thank you for holding my hand when I get a shot. You always know how to get me through the little things and the big things. I know that, with you by my side, I can take on the world.

And Girls Inc. has also been a big part of helping me grow. The staff have helped me become a stronger person. And because of them…I believe in myself, and I believe that I can do anything.

I have known this since I started at Girls Inc. When I was seven years old, the art teacher, Ms Emily, took a group of us to an art gallery to showcase our work. And to my surprise – my artwork was sold before anyone else’s! That trip was one of the best trips of my life. It showed me that big things can happen to an ordinary girl…it was the first time I realized I needed to dream bigger.

I have had so many wonderful experiences and opportunities here at Girls Inc. There have been so many fun field trips that expose me to more than I have ever seen before. I have grown so much already at Girls Inc. – and I know I will just continue to grow thanks to the programs that help me learn and the people who support me.

But the staff doesn’t just help me….They help my whole family.

I want to give my final thanks to everyone I have met at Girls Inc., including the girls. I want to finish by sharing some things with our girls that I have learned in my time here:

Girls Inc. Is a very important place to be. There are amazing girls that I know you will do something great in the future. Girls Inc. Is the place where you can go to be yourself and have fun no matter your background, and not to be embarrassed of who you are. I’ve learned that if someone is trying to put you down, don’t listen to them. Whatever your dreams are, or whatever you are going for…you can do it. No matter who you are…you can do whatever YOU want to do.

I am so happy that I surrounded myself around these amazing people – including everyone here today. Celebrating is probably my favorite thing in the world. Whether it is the end of the year celebration at Girls Inc. to recognize all we’ve done, or the annual Celebration Luncheon to celebrate how far we’ve come.

But a celebration does more than mark an ending – it marks a beginning.  And I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Thank you all for being here today to celebrate what we’ve done, and what’s to come.