Amy Rasor, Director of Development

Press Contact Amy Rasor, Director of Development [email protected] 817-468-0306

Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Celebrates the Day of the Girl with a March on Main Street

Girls Inc. of Tarrant County President and CEO, Jennifer Limas, with girls from the Young Women’s Leadership Academy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2015, Tarrant County

Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, Day of the Girl Event Chair, Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Board Vice Chair, and Co-Founder of Plaid for Women, Shivaun Palmer, along with Honorary Chairs Marie “Doc” Holliday, Sandra McGlothlin, and Julie H. Wilson celebrated the 2015 Day of the Girl on October 9, 2015.

The Day of the Girl is a response to an urgent problem facing our world today: the neglect and devaluation of girls around the world. Our annual Day of the Girl celebration helps to highlight, discuss, celebrate and ultimately advance girls’ lives and opportunities across the globe.

When the community comes together to talk about what really matters to girls, we can teach ourselves and others all across the world new ways of thinking about gender issues, which will help us take action to change the status quo. On Friday, October 9, 2015 the Tarrant County Day of the Girl rally began at 2:00 p.m. at the Tarrant County Courthouse. The National Anthem was performed by Ashley Casey, girls from the Young Women’s Leadership Academy and Eastern Hills High School presented the Girls Inc. Girls Bill of Rights, and Mayor Betsy Price read the official Proclamation of the day. Participants then Marched on Main Street from the Courthouse to the Convention Center. This demonstration of unity celebrates girls’ rights and recognizes the struggles that still exist.

Over 700 Participants Celebrated the Day of the Girl with a Rally at the Courthouse followed by a March on Main Street Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price Read the Day of the Girl Proclamation

Young Women’s Leadership Academy Principal, Mia Hall, and girls from the school presented Day of the Girl Proclamations that were issued all over Tarrant County Over 400 girls from the Young Women’s Leadership Academy participated in the Day of the Girl

Community Leaders also celebrated the Day of the Girl Left to Right: Erica Fox Gibbons, Andrea Puente, Mia Hall, Staci Kirpach, Victoria Puente, Ann Zadey, MaryAnn Means-Dufrene, and Lauren Harris

What is the Day of the Girl? In 2011, the United Nations declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to raise awareness about all issues concerning gender inequality around the world. It’s a day when activist groups come together under the same goal to highlight, discuss, and take action to advance rights and opportunities for girls everywhere.

October 11 is not just a day; it’s a movement. A worldwide revolution.

What are the Issues? Girls all over the world want to raise awareness about issues that impact their lives. These issues are addressed by Girls Inc. with nationally researched and developed programs that empower girls to overcome gender, social, and economic barriers. The Day of the Girl brings awareness for issues like: negative media images of girls and teens, the United States girl dropout crisis, limited work opportunities, and equal pay for equal work.

Why is Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Involved? Girls Inc. of Tarrant County embraced the Day of the Girl and created an event to celebrate with a March on Main Street, a Proclamation of the day issued by government entities throughout Tarrant County, and an emphasis on the agencies Bill of Rights:

Girls have the right to be themselves and to resist gender stereotypes. Girls have the right to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm.

Girls have the right to take risks, to strive freely, and to take pride in success.

Girls have the right to accept and appreciate their bodies.

Girls have the right to have confidence in themselves and to be safe in the world.

Girls have the right to prepare for interesting work and economic independence.

Girls Inc. is dedicated to addressing issues in Tarrant County that will not only improve the lives of girls, but that will bring positive change to the community. Programs address issues like preventing adolescent pregnancy, reducing the dropout rate, increasing the number of girls that pursue post- secondary education, and getting youth involved in leadership and community action.

Tarrant County is full of excellent role models for girls and examples of strong, smart, and bold women. Tarrant County has 5 female mayors, hundreds of woman-owned businesses, and women heading up major STEM corporations like Lockheed Martin CEO, Marillyn Hewson.

About Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Girls Inc. of Tarrant County inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through life-changing programs and experiences that help girls navigate gender, economic, and social barriers. Research- based curricula, delivered by trained, mentoring professionals in a positive all-girl environment equip girls to achieve academically; lead healthy and physically active lives; manage money; navigate media messages; and discover an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Want to learn more about how you can help with the College Shower? Make a donation at www.girlsinctarrant.org or call Amy Rasor at 817-468-0306.

About the Honorary Chairs

Sandra McGlothlin, Dr. Marie Holliday, Julie H. Wilson Sandra McGlothlin is a successful business woman and entrepreneur dedicated to serving her community. She is a Co-Founder of Empire Roofing, Inc., a successful and award-winning, multi- million dollar Fort Worth-based business. The company was launched in 1982 and has grown to become the largest commercial roofing company in the southern United States with 13 locations, one being in Mexico. She is also Co-Founder of Empire Texas Equities, a real estate investment firm specializing in industrial properties and development as well as raw land. Sandra also co-founded Empire Disposal, which handles commercial and construction waste disposal.

Marie “Doc” Holliday is the owner of three successful businesses in Sundance Square located in the heart of Downtown Fort Worth. Her primary profession is as a Dentist—thus her nickname: Doc Holliday. In addition to a thriving dental practice, she owns two retail stores. Flowers To Go is a unique floral design studio that delivers for all occasions! Marie Antoinette is a family owned Parfumerie and Spa celebrating 23 years of business.

Julie H. Wilson is the President and CEO of Reasons Group, a consulting firm specializing in business development and marketing strategies. She has served as the local ranking officer for three public companies, co-owned and managed a major marketing communications company, and owned 20+ retail franchises. Julie is a long-time civic and industry leader. She has served on numerous non- profit boards and mentored up-and-coming executives.