Young Girls Making Waves: Stories of Inspiration at Girls Inc. of Greater Houston
At Girls Inc. of Greater Houston, every girl has a story—a journey of discovery, growth, and bold achievement. Whether they’re exploring STEM fields, improving their health, or dreaming big, our girls are making waves and showing the world what it means to be strong, smart, and bold. Meet some of the rising stars who have been shining bright in our programs!
Francesca and Sofia Melendez: Sisters Soaring to New Heights
The Melendez sisters, Francesca and Sofia, have been part of the GIGH family since the summer of 2021, and they’ve been making the most of every opportunity. Sofia’s love for science is already taking flight—literally! She dreams of a future in aviation and aerospace engineering, and her curiosity and determination are propelling her forward. Francesca, now participating in our high school programs, has embraced leadership opportunities through the Be BOLD Institute and Bold Leaders Program, proving she’s ready to lead the way wherever life takes her.
Nadia Rubio & Natalia: Friends Growing Strong Together
When it comes to making the most of GIGH camps, Nadia Rubio and her best friend Natalia are inseparable. Since 2021, they’ve been side by side, exploring their interests, learning new skills, and supporting each other through it all. This summer, both girls graduated from Camp SMART (elementary) to Camp STRONG (middle school), taking on new challenges and showing their resilience. When they’re not at GIGH, you can find them cheering on the Astros with their families—a tradition that brings everyone together!
Kylie Herald: Dancing Toward Big Dreams
Since joining GIGH in 2021, Kylie Herald has been unstoppable. Her journey is filled with creativity, confidence, and ambition. Highlights include: Taking the golf world by storm at First Tee with her powerful swing, and dancing her heart out with Kemi OG, whose classes inspired Kylie to join her studio outside of GIGH!
Through Kemi’s mentorship, Kylie even participated in a film production about the experience of growing up as an African American girl—a powerful opportunity that amplified her voice and creativity. And if you ask Kylie about her future? She’s already dreaming big, planning to become a therapist to help others thrive.
Together, all 5 of these dynamic girls have:
- Created a public service announcement to promote healthy habits during Covid.
- Learned about health and nutrition through EFNEP Healthy Heroes and Teen Cuisine programs.
- Mastered their golf swings at First Tee, proving their athletic skills are just as sharp as their minds!
Inspiring the Next Generation
Whether it’s sisters working together, best friends tackling challenges, or individual girls chasing their dreams, these young women are proof that GIGH programming is a launchpad for success. They’re not just participating—they’re leading, growing, and inspiring those around them.
As we celebrate Francesca, Sofia, Nadia, Natalia, and Kylie, we’re reminded that the future is bright, and it’s in the hands of these incredible girls. Keep making waves, ladies! We’re cheering for you every step of the way.
Want to help more girls like Francesca, Sofia, Nadia, Natalia, and Kylie unlock their potential? Visit our main page to learn more about our programs and how you can get involved. Together, we can create a world where every girl has the chance to thrive.
