Dallas / Fort Worth, TX, 3/1/2024 – In a dynamic move towards reshaping the future of workplace equality, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas and Girls Inc. of Tarrant County proudly announce the launch of Project Accelerate, a visionary program strategically designed to propel women into positions of influence and leadership by 2030. This transformative initiative is made possible in part by the prestigious Equality Can’t Wait Challenge, hosted by Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures and other forward-thinking donors championing the cause of equity

Revolutionizing Leadership: Project Accelerate’ s Mission for Gender and Racial Parity

“In Tarrant County and North Texas, female leaders are making significant strides in major corporations and government positions,” states Girls Inc. of Tarrant County President and CEO, Jennifer Limas. “Yet, with alarming statistics revealing only 1 in 4 C-suite leaders in Corporate America being women, and a mere 1 in 16 for women of color, there’s an urgent need for concerted efforts to bridge the gap. Girls Inc.’s Project Accelerate is a powerful catalyst for change, investing in education, leadership training, and dismantling barriers to create a transformative impact on the future of corporate leadership.”

Elevating Ambitions: Accelerating Trajectories Through Education and Mentorship

Building on Girls Inc.’s evidence-based approach, Project Accelerate tackles workplace inequality head-on, with a sharp focus on addressing the absence of women of color in influential roles. The program is set to fast-track young women through college and career entry, establishing crucial partnerships with corporations and social impact organizations to ensure both preparedness and access to positions of influence.

Girls Inc.’s corporate partners are also extremely excited regarding the launch of Project Accelerate. Girls Inc. Dallas Board Member and EVP and Head of Technology at Capital One Card Tech, Arjun Dugal, emphasizes Capital One’s unwavering commitment to empowering girls: “We actively support Girls Inc. initiatives to provide strong female role models, inspiring girls to dream big and achieve their goals. Our partnership centers on promoting technology and financial literacy, equipping them with essential skills for success in the modern world. By investing in these key areas, we contribute to building a brighter, more inclusive future.”

Time for Change: Addressing Gender and Racial Inequities

“This is a momentous announcement for our community. While progress has been made, we recognize there’s still a long way to go,” says Beth Myers, CEO of Girls Inc. Dallas. “Project Accelerate is a game-changer for participants, reshaping the landscape of our city. The gender pay gap is a stark reality, and this program will make a tangible difference, not just for the participants in the program but for the entire fabric of our community.”

Paving the Way: Project Accelerate Extends the Girls Inc. Experience Beyond Boundaries

Project Accelerate is not just a program; it’s a movement. Extending the proven Girls Inc. Experience through college and into early careers, it’s an investment that goes beyond individual development. The ripple effect reaches into the heart of companies, fostering an environment where young female leaders thrive, and equality prevails.

Join the Movement: Project Accelerate – Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Project Accelerate isn’t just a program; it’s a call to action. Join Girls Inc. in rewriting the narrative on workplace equality. Together, let’s accelerate the trajectory towards a future where every girl has the opportunity not just to dream but to lead.

ABOUT PROJECT ACCELERATE
Project Accelerate will prepare thousands of young women leaders not merely to succeed in workplace environments, but also to affect cultural change from within. Expected outcomes include an increased number of program participants graduating on time; an increased network of influence for participants in our program from historically marginalized groups; and job placement in high-paying, positions of leadership. In doing so, participants will acquire the means and the opportunity to elevate their status—and their families, neighborhoods, communities, and organizations.

ABOUT GIRLS INC.
Girls Inc. is a network of local organizations that works with schools and in communities across the United States and Canada. Through direct service and advocacy., Girls Inc. equips participants -particularly girls from low-income communities and girls of color – with the knowledge and skills to effect positive changes in their lives and to become leaders who will change the world. Professionally trained staff and volunteers provide mentorship, safe spaces, and programming that address the unique challenges participants face and are proven to help them succeed. Together with partners and supporters, Girls Inc. is building a new generation of leaders.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jaime Cabrera, Vice President of Advancement
Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas
jcabrera@girlsincdallas.org

Cindy Vasquez, Director of Marketing and Communications
Girls Inc. of Tarrant County
cvasquez@girlsinctarrant.org