Summer 2026 Cohort

This summer, twelve remarkable young women from public, charter, and private schools across Oʻahu came together for Girls Talk Back, a free summer leadership program designed to empower girls to become compassionate leaders and agents of change.

Over four weeks, participants explored their strengths, values, and leadership styles while forming four action project teams focused on issues they care deeply about: Menstrual Poverty, Mental Health, Awareness & Advocacy, and Food Security. Guided by mentors and inspired by an incredible lineup of guest speakers, including Representative Amy Perruso, Maya Soetoro, and more than a dozen community leaders across fields ranging from medicine to law enforcement to entrepreneurship — the girls moved from vision to action.

The program culminated in the Girls Talk Back Showcase, where each team presented their community action project to family, mentors, and supporters. This was a powerful testament to what young women can accomplish when given the space, support, and encouragement to lead.

One of the most beautiful parts of this program is watching girls from different backgrounds build real friendships and discover how much they have in common, and that their voices matter.