STRONG-FAST-FIT!

A Young Latina Inspiring a Better Life 

More than 500 girls attending Minneapolis public schools benefited from a recently launched affiliation between the YWCA of Minneapolis and Girls Inc., the nation’s oldest girl-centered organization. Girls Inc. sought out and selected the YWCA of Minneapolis to serve as the only Girls Inc. affiliate in Minnesota.

Eleven-year-old Maria Godinez of South Minneapolis shared her personal story of learning healthy habits and improving her grades to crowd of more than 1,300 on May 1. Maria was a featured speaker at the YWCA Circle of Women luncheon that showcased a new affiliation with national nonprofit Girls Incorporated.

As a participant in the YWCA Strong, Fast, Fit program for Latino families, Maria and her parents and siblings have access to fitness and nutrition classes that have helped boost Maria’s confidence and introduced her to the importance of fun physical activity. Maria has learned to swim, participated in running and duathlon events, and is a strong role model for her younger sisters and peers in her community.

Girls Inc. research-based educational programs focus on leadership, math, science, economic literacy and pregnancy prevention and complement existing programming at the YWCA. These nationally recognized programs inspire girls to be strong, smart and boldSM.

 “Being a Girls Inc. affiliate and securing Macy’s support will allow us to provide the best possible opportunities for girls to grow and excel,” said Becky Roloff, CEO of the YWCA of Minneapolis. “Minneapolis girls will be fully supported as they build their leadership skills and challenge gender stereotypes.”

 Girls Inc. programs at the YWCA will serve more than 500 girls, primarily girls of color (90 percent) and girls from low-income households (80 percent). A public celebration of Girls Inc. programs at the YWCA of Minneapolis will take place at the 12^th Annual Circle of Women luncheon on May 1 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

 “Girls need positive role models and the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential,” said Gwen Wilson, YWCA director of Girls and Youth Programs and executive director of Girls Inc. at the YWCA of Minneapolis. “Now with Girls Inc. at the YWCA of Minneapolis, our girls will participate in programs that are widely recognized as some of the best in the field.”

About Girls Inc.

Girls Inc. is the oldest girl-centered organization in the United States, having served girls since the 1860s. Research from the Girls Inc. National Resource Center has brought attention to girls’ issues and girls’ rights and informed advocates and policy makers on topics important to girls.

About the YWCA of Minneapolis

The YWCA of Minneapolis is a nonprofit organization striving to achieve the empowerment of women and girls and the elimination of racism. The YWCA of Minneapolis has been serving girls in Minneapolis for 90 years. The organization’s Girls & Youth Programs serve more than 1,500 urban youth ages 6-18 annually; in 2007, 68 percent were girls, 83 percent were from low-income households and 92 percent were youth of color.