At Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, our mission to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold is brought to life every day by an extraordinary team of staff. In 2025, we were proud to recognize four Employees of the Quarter whose leadership, dedication, and integrity exemplify our values and deepen our impact across the organization and community.

Each of these individuals goes above and beyond in their role and their colleagues took notice. We’re honored to celebrate Jaelyn Powell, Rona Taylor, Jade Stone, and Emily Henson for the passion and purpose they bring to Girls Inc. Indy.

Jaelyn Powell, Assistant Director of Program Site Operations

Value Award: Integrity

As Assistant Director of Program Site Operations, Jaelyn Powell plays a critical role in ensuring Girls Inc. Indy programming is impactful, consistent, and responsive to the needs of girls across school and community-based sites. From building strong school partnerships to supporting and managing program facilitators, Jaelyn’s work is rooted in connection, problem-solving, and care.

“My role is really about connection, problem-solving, and making sure our girls feel supported and seen,” Jaelyn shared.

Girls Inc. Indy holds deep personal meaning for Jaelyn because it creates spaces where girls can show up authentically and build confidence in who they are. Looking ahead to 2026, she is focused on strengthening attendance, retention, and overall program impact—while continuing to grow as a leader and expand sustainable partnerships that help Girls Inc. reach more students.

To Jaelyn, being strong, smart, and bold means knowing your worth, using your voice, and taking up space—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Her colleagues consistently see this in action:

Rona Taylor, Program Recruitment Specialist

Value Award: Equity

In her role as Program Recruitment Specialist, Rona Taylor is often the first point of connection between Girls Inc. Indy and the girls and families we serve. From coordinating recruitment efforts with schools, to communicating with parents, to managing virtual programming through Girls Inc. Indy Now!, Rona ensures families feel informed, welcomed, and supported.

Rona believes deeply in the importance of mentorship and trusted adults outside of a girl’s family.

“Being a girl can be hard, especially in the golden age of social media, so I feel grateful to be able to support girls as they learn who they are and to be someone they can lean on,” she shared.

Professionally, Rona is working toward becoming an expert in Girls Inc. Indy’s CRM platform—recognizing its potential to help the organization connect with and support thousands more girls in creative and meaningful ways.

Her reflections on being strong, smart, and bold emphasize self-care, lifelong learning, and courageous action—whether that’s asking hard questions or standing up for others.

Colleagues praise Rona for her advocacy, equity-centered approach, and unwavering respect for others:

Jade Stone, Senior Director of Advancement

Value Award: Innovation

As Senior Director of Advancement, Jade Stone leads fundraising, marketing, and strategy to ensure Girls Inc. Indy has the resources, partnerships, and visibility needed to serve girls across our charter. Her work bridges impact and funding—aligning storytelling, donor engagement, and strategy with the real needs of girls and programs.

Jade’s connection to Girls Inc. Indy began in college as a volunteer, and her career has been shaped by a commitment to access, opportunity, and mentorship.

“I deeply value work that matters, and I can’t think of a better way to spend my career than contributing to uplifting the next generation of changemakers,” she shared.

Looking toward 2026, Jade is focused on deepening philanthropic partnerships, strengthening donor experiences, and expanding Girls Inc. Indy’s reach in a sustainable, intentional way.

To Jade, being strong, smart, and bold is about agency—having the confidence, knowledge, and courage to define your own path and shape your future.

Her colleagues highlight her creativity, collaboration, and growth mindset:

Emily Henson, Director of Program Impact and Evaluation

Value Award: Impact Driven

As Director of Program Impact and Evaluation, Emily Henson ensures that Girls Inc. Indy’s programming is not only meaningful but measurable. Serving as the organization’s data lead, Emily strengthens evaluation systems, measures outcomes, and helps transform data into stories that reflect the lived experiences, growth, and leadership of girls.

Emily is deeply connected to the Girls Inc. Indy mission, particularly its emphasis on mentorship—not only for girls, but for staff as well.

“The culture of mentorship, encouragement, and growth creates an environment where people can thrive, take risks, and become the best versions of themselves,” she shared.

Looking ahead, Emily is focused on refining and scaling impact measurement systems, ensuring data is actively used to improve programs and elevate the voices of girls. Her personal commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in her pursuit of an MBA at Butler University.

To Emily, being strong, smart, and bold means resilience, curiosity, and the confidence to lead and advocate.

Her colleagues recognize her as a thoughtful leader and data-driven changemaker:

These four Employees of the Quarter represent the heart of Girls Inc. Indy. Through leadership, advocacy, creativity, and care, they help ensure that every girl we serve feels supported, empowered, and inspired.

We are deeply grateful for Jaelyn, Rona, Emily, and Jade—and for the entire Girls Inc. Indy team whose dedication makes our mission possible every day.