Imagine a place where girls realize just how strong they really are, understand that their voices matter, and learn that leadership isn’t just for someone else, it’s for them. That place is the Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis Leadership Academy, presented by the JD Finish Line Foundation.

This year, from July 7 to 18, 33 inspiring young women from across central Indiana came together for two weeks full of skill-building, self-discovery, and confidence-boosting moments designed to help them step boldly into their power and purpose.

These young women joined us from a wide variety of backgrounds and neighborhoods. While most are from Marion County, several traveled from surrounding areas to take part. They represent diverse cultures and life experiences, but they all share one goal: to grow as leaders and make a positive impact.

Building Skills and Exploring Possibilities

Throughout the two weeks of Leadership Academy, the girls dove into experiences designed to strengthen their skills, spark curiosity, and connect them with leaders from a wide range of professional fields. Early on, the girls were challenged to develop a nonprofit idea that could create real change in their communities. This project would guide their learning throughout Leadership Academy and serve as their final challenge.

Guest speakers, workshops, and company visits gave the girls opportunities to see leadership in action. Professionals from organizations like JD Sports, Cox Communications, KeyBank, McDonald’s, and the Indianapolis Colts shared their expertise, covering everything from building a personal brand and telling powerful stories to networking with confidence and exploring careers in sports communication. The girls put these lessons into practice during hands-on activities including networking exercises, essay writing for scholarships, and styling mannequins during a visit to JD Sports in Speedway.

Through Leadership Academy elections, part of the Girls Inc. Indy She Votes curriculum, girls learned about civic engagement and the campaign process firsthand.  They created posters, wrote speeches, and delivered them to their peers for public speaking practice. By the end, our new Leadership Academy President and Vice President had been elected by the girls.

Creativity and self-expression played a big role in Leadership Academy. Midway through the program, the girls had professional headshots taken to use for future opportunities. They then learned from a local muralist about how public art can inspire change. They also gained perspective on wellness and social issues through a candid conversation on destigmatizing menstruation, a WNBA clinic at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and The Hoop Bus rolling into the Girls Inc. Indy parking lot.

Throughout Leadership Academy, girls also explored STEM opportunities. Activities included math and basketball challenges with NBA Math Hoops and Cummins at the Boner Fitness Center, as well as a day at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology where they explored college life and career paths in STEM.

Across both weeks, the girls made valuable connections and took bold steps toward becoming the leaders they envision themselves to be. All of these experiences were rooted in the nonprofit project that would culminate in “the big pitch.”

The Big Pitch

On Friday, we gathered at JD Sports Headquarters for the final event. One by one, the girls delivered thoughtful, passionate pitches for their nonprofit ideas, showcasing just how much they had learned and grown. The nonprofit concepts reflected a range of passions and concerns. Some focused on mental health awareness and peer support, while others proposed ways to address homelessness, provide safe spaces for youth, and care for animals in need. After each presentation, a panel of Girls Inc. Indy and JD Sports judges asked questions, offered their feedback, and engaged with each team’s nonprofit vision. When the final presentation wrapped, we celebrated all seven teams, recognized standout moments, and crowned the grand prize winners.

Empowered to Lead

By the time Leadership Academy wrapped up, the growth was impossible to miss. Girls who started out shy or unsure of themselves found their voices and spoke with confidence. New friendships blossomed, creating lasting bonds among the group. Each participant walked away not just with new skills, but with a deeper belief in herself as a leader, ready to make a difference.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, JD Finish Line Foundation, as well as all of the speakers, partners, volunteers, and families who made this experience possible. To the 33 young women who showed up ready to learn and left ready to lead, we believe in you. The future is bright because of you.

Each year, Girls Inc. Indy offers empowering summer experiences. Summer camps are at the heart of these programs, providing opportunities for youth ages 5-25 to engage in fun activities, embrace their uniqueness, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Learn more about Girls Inc. Indy summer campshere.