About Girlspring
Founded by philanthropist and social activist Jane Stephens Comer GirlSpring is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide access to reliable information, inspiring events, and positive role models so girls and (ages 9-18) are empowered to reach their full potential.
“The world is missing out on one of its most precious commodities – the power and strength of women, who make up more than half the world’s assets. Our investment in girls and young women now can reap huge benefits. By doing so, we build better communities, better relationships, better businesses, and a better world overall.” Jane Stephens Comer, GirlSpring Founder
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KEY PROGRAMS
GirlSpring.com
A digital platform that provides girls 13-18 access to reliable and developmentally appropriate resources and social interaction in a safe online space. With incredible growth since it's launch in 2016, and even more since the onset of Covid-19, www.girlspring.com has thousands of visitors each month, from Alabama and beyond.
SpringBoarders
(Teen advisory committee and leadership group for girls 13-18): SpringBoarders create relevant and original content for www.girlspring.com, help identify topics that need to be addressed, provide expertise on issues that girls face, and support one another as they navigate the teen years. This group meets once a month via Zoom, has opportunities to interact with female mentors and to participate in special projects such as the creation of video interviews with professional women and the publication of a book!
Girls at the Center
This program is also for girls 13-17, and is geared for girls of color and girls from marginilized communities. Girls work together throughout the year to address issues faced by girls and women in their communities. There is a set curriculum that involves guest speakers who address subjects relating to mental health, education, and safety. At the end of the year, this group is tasked with creating a special page for our website, addressing all the issues they have discussed, and how they think change can be made.
Wonder Women
A monthly program led by women recognized as leaders in our community. Geared for girls in 6th grade and up, topics are focused on career, civic engagement, and personal growth. Program formats include a lecture series, film screenings, and small group mentoring.
Summer Camp
We are now offering our 5th year of SHE Camp, a one-week comedy and improv camp fro girls ages 9-16 that instills confidence, leadership, team building, and self-esteem in a fun environment. Led by The Second City trained actress/comedians, girls spend the week learning how to tell jokes, think outside the box, develop critical thinking skills, and end the week with a friends and family performance! Scholarships are available.
Career and STEM Fairs
We also offer an annual career fair and STEM fair to teach girls about the many opportunities available to them and to introduce them to women who may serve as role models.
In-School Programs
GirlSpring chapters launched this year in 7 schools in the Birmingham area! This growing program teaches girls in middle and high school how to build confidence, set goals, bounce back from setbacks and ultimately how to navigate the world as a female, whether in the classroom or the board room.
GirlSpring is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, but the ultimate goal is to grow to become a national organization, with chapters across the United States.
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ADVISORY BOARD
Jane Stephens Comer | Founder
Tommie G. Cummings
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BOARD MEMBERS
Rupa Kitchens, M.D. | Board President
Sally Bradley | Board Treasurer
Susan Nettles Han | Board Secretary
Brooke Battle
Anna Comer
Vera Copeland
Elizabeth Featheringill Pharo
Taylor Pursell
Craig Stephens
Nikki Still
Wendy Tatum
Martha Underwood
JUNIOR BOARD MEMBERS
Tara Arrington | Junior Board President
Tacita Thompson | Junior Board Vice President
Katie Lindsay | Junior Board Secretary
Kalyn Fuller
Meredith Hutcheson
M’Kayl Lewis
Joi Mahand
Lucy Marks
Michelle Smith
Renee Smith
Krystle Stell
Marteen Ware
Caitlin Watson
Liucija Smaizyte Wright