For the past four years, I’ve volunteered with an incredible organization called Girls in Gear, where I’ve led cohorts of young girls through an eight-week program that teaches life skills through biking. Each week, I watched the girls grow more confident, connected, and self-assured, and I found profound fulfillment in being part of that growth. I knew that I wanted to build on that experience by teaching skills that I’m personally passionate about—ethics and leadership. These are subjects I’ve studied, practiced, and lived—and I knew I could translate them into something meaningful for young girls.

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Before launching the class, I conducted extensive research on the barriers women face in becoming leaders, the various styles and qualities of strong leadership, and the ethical values and frameworks that guide decision-making. I designed a five-session curriculum around key themes such as: what it means to be a girl, ethical decision-making through case studies, communication and listening, confidence, collaboration, leadership styles, and identifying core values. Each session combines thoughtful discussion with fun, interactive activities designed to make these complex topics accessible and engaging.

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A central part of the program is open dialogue—creating a safe, respectful space where every girl felt her voice mattered. I encourage the girls to speak up, ask questions, and challenge each other’s ideas in thoughtful ways. This not only helps them build confidence in expressing their own views but also teaches them the importance of listening to others, rethinking their assumptions, and standing strong in their beliefs while remaining open to different perspectives.