We were once girls too...

Amber Wynn
Executive Director
As a young girl, I wanted to be a boy. I recognized early on that boys had more fun, freedom, and power--with less responsibility. . . and I wanted to belong to that group. I loved football, GI-Joe, and going down hills with no brakes on my bike. I loved adventure and not being contained. As young girls we're expected to "behave," to play it safe, and to be quiet. I never lived up to those expectations! I am thrilled to be at GILA where we celebrate girls who refuse to be contained . . . that's not mis-behaving--that's just being comfortable with being strong, smart, and bold!


Reyna Avina Hernandez
Program Coordinator
Yee-Ha Cow Girls!!!
As a child I didn't like Barbie, dressing up or make-up. Watching cowboy movies and a love for horses, I always thought I would be the first cowgirl to star in the movies. Well I didn't become a super star in a cowgirl movie, but I have not given up my dream. See you at the movies.


Alisa Giarla
Program Coordinator
As a young girl, I always thought I could do anything, from climbing trees to playing sports. Now I'm so glad I have the opportunity to tell and show girls that they can do anything too.


Daisy Rodriguez
Program Leader
As a little girl I remember that I loved to wear dresses and play with my doll. I took care of my doll as though it was my baby. As I got a little older I remember that I started to love sports. Throughout all the choices that I made in life my parents were always be there. Never judging me for not fulfilling society’s stereotype of how a girl should act. I am thankful to my parents because without them I wouldn’t be me.


Felicia Hopkins
Program Leader
As a young girl, I wanted to be a boy. I recognized early on that boys had more fun, freedom, and power--with less responsibility. . . and I wanted to belong to that group. I loved football, GI-Joe, and going down hills with no brakes on my bike. I loved adventure and not being contained. As young girls we're expected to "behave," to play it safe, and to be quiet. I never lived up to those expectations! I am thrilled to be at GILA where we celebrate girls who refuse to be contained . . . that's not mis-behaving--that's just being comfortable with being strong, smart, and bold!


Joyce Beale
Administrative Assistant
I remember as a little girl playing marbles, jacks, hopscotch and climbing trees. My mother always dressed me in these dainty little dresses only for me to come home with the sash torn or dirt all over it. Now that I am older I am glad she let me be me. I know I can do and be whatever I want.