70 Years Strong:

Celebrating Women's History and Bold Futures

In celebration of our 70th anniversary, Girls Inc. of Orange County reflects on a legacy that began in 1954. From serving 166 girls in our first year, we have since grown to positively impact over 9,000 Orange County girls annually. Our unwavering commitment to reaching more girls and deepening community connections drives our ongoing growth.  

As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, the connection to Women's History Month becomes even more profound.

Girls Inc. of Orange County's humble beginnings.

Opening up as the Harbor Area Girls Club, Bungalow 3, in Lindberg School.

Founded by visionary women who understood the transformative potential of investing in girls, Girls Inc. of Orange County not only marks seven decades of impact but also contributes to the broader narrative of women shaping history. 

This celebration extends beyond our organization; it's a tribute to the enduring strength, intelligence, and boldness that women bring to every aspect of life. In honoring Women's History Month, we recognize and celebrate the pivotal role women play in Girls Inc. and society at large.  

As we celebrate 70 years of inspiration and support for girls in Orange County, we encourage you to connect, engage, and volunteer! 

For more information on engagement and volunteer opportunities, please contact Orleda Azevedo at [email protected]

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us on April 20 at Balboa Bay Resort for our 70th Platinum Anniversary Annual Gala, The Strong, Smart, and Bold Future Tour. This concert-themed event features an encore performance from The Tijuana Dogs, all in support of inspiring the next generation of strong, smart, and bold leaders. Don your blingy sneakers for the signature sneaker ball and dance the night away. Secure your spot for the concert of the year and inspire greatness by sponsoring or purchasing your tickets today!

For more information, please visit www.girlsinc-oc.org/gala or

contact Ria Martinson, Development Director, [email protected]

Donate to our exciting silent and live auction. All donors will be recognized in our auction preview email before the event as well as onsite signage and recognition at the event!

Click here to download our in-kind donation form.

Join us in celebrating Girls Inc. of Orange County as one of only 23 affiliates with 2024 Girls Inc. National Scholars, either at the 8th-grade and/or high school level! 

A resounding congratulations to our extraordinary Girls Inc. of Orange County scholars! A special salute to our high school students who have secured an impressive four national scholarships: 

• Kyanna (12th grade): $25,000 Suzanne Patmore Gibbs Courage Scholarship,
• Kristen (12th grade): $5,000 Lucile Miller Wright Scholarship
• Ruby (12th grade): $5,000 Lucile Miller Wright Scholarship
• Maya (11th grade): $2,000 Lucile Miller Wright Scholarship

We're thrilled to announce our 8th-grade winners of the "Strong, Smart & Bold" Scholarship, each receiving $500:

• Angie (8th grade): Lucile Miller Wright "Strong, Smart, & Bold Scholarship"
• Sydney (8th grade): Lucile Miller Wright "Strong, Smart, & Bold Scholarship"

Earning these prestigious scholarships is no small feat, given the intense competition. With over 125 applications from Girls Inc. affiliates nationwide, our girls stood out for their exceptional talents, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence. Congratulations to our Girls Inc. scholars for their resilience, determination, and commitment to being strong, smart, and bold!

Girls Inc. of Orange County is thrilled to announce our upcoming College Shower coming up in May at Orange Coast College. This special event is a celebration of the remarkable achievements of 150 college-bound participants who have chosen to pursue higher education. 

We invite you to be a part of this empowering initiative by sponsoring a College Shower tote bag for just $50. Your contribution will provide essential items that go beyond the practical - it sends a powerful message of encouragement and support to these bright young women as they embark on their first year of college! 

For more information on how to get involved with programs like College Bound, please contact Orleda Azevedo at [email protected]

Explore our collaborative partnerships with select stores, where a percentage of your purchase benefits Girls Inc. of Orange County.

In honor of Women’s History Month, @Macys is partnering with Girls Inc. to inspire young women and girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Show your support by rounding up your change in-store or by donating online. #MacysMissionEveryOne #strongsmartbold

For more about collaborations, please contact Ria Martinson, Development Director, [email protected]