What makes an effective leader? Most would agree that power on its own is not enough. It takes accountability, consideration, sacrifice and service. Girls Inc. of St. Louis is dedicated to raising up the next generation to become leaders the community can rely on. “Character determines how someone carries the weight of power,” president and CEO Cheryl Jones explains. “It’s easy to lead when things are going well. Leadership often means putting the mission, team or greater good ahead of personal comfort.”
Girls Inc. begins working with young women in early childhood and continues to offer support with mentorship and scholarships through college. The local chapter serves more than 9,000 girls annually. In 45 years, the nonprofit has touched the lives of more than 120,000 young people. Its services include STEM-based initiatives; summer and after-school programs; and outreach designed to help girls navigate gender, social and economic barriers. “Our mission is to support girls by providing educational, recreational and cultural programs in a safe environment that allows them to rise to their potential and aspirations,” Jones says. “We want to inspire the next generation to be strong, smart and bold.”
One of the Girls Inc.’s major initiatives is Project Accelerate. The program is dedicated to creating future leaders who are capable of navigating emerging workforce gaps in critical areas. “It is a strong example of creating meaningful opportunities and accelerating the progress of young women,” Jones notes. “Girls Inc. currently works with more than 500 young women in college or just starting careers.” The nonprofit also recently created the Thelma Steward Leadership Academy. The 12-week program focuses on leadership, character and service. The local chapter was selected to host the inaugural “Girls Leading Change” national summit, bringing together more than 250 young women from across the U.S. and Canada.
The impact of Girls Inc.’s approach is clear. A comparison study from the American Institutes for Research found that participants had stronger math performance, greater school engagement, better attendance and stronger postsecondary readiness than their peers. Girls also felt more supported, with 93% reporting in a 2025 survey that they could depend on adults at Girls Inc. for help. “We are changing girls’ trajectories by combining trained mentors, supportive environments and research-based programming,” Jones says. “We help participants become advocates for themselves and others. Last year, 93% of girls said they believe they can be leaders.”
To make its programs possible, Girls Inc. relies on community support in the form of both volunteers and donations. Its largest annual fundraiser is its Strong, Smart and Bold Luncheon. This year’s event is Nov. 17 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Guests can look forward to meeting Girls Inc. participants and learning how the nonprofit has helped prepare them to become future leaders. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown—it speaks to how leadership is not simply having authority, it’s carrying responsibility,” Jones explains. “It’s never an excuse for entitlement or exploitation. Girls Inc. is building strong leaders for the next generation to solve problems, find sustainable solutions and help our community thrive.”
Girls Inc. of St. Louis inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold by providing educational, recreational and cultural programs. Its annual Strong, Smart and Bold Luncheon is Nov. 17 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Pictured on the cover: President and CEO Cheryl Jones with Girls Inc. participants. For more information, call 314.385.8088 or visit girlsincstl.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at the top: Girls Inc. is building a new generation of strong, smart and bold leaders
in St. Louis.
Photo: Lance O. Thurman
