What is the GLI mission?

The Girls Leadership Institute inspires girls to be true to themselves. We teach the practices of emotional intelligence, assertive self-expression and healthy relationships, giving girls the skills and confidence to live as leaders.

What Does GLI Do?

For ten years, the Girls Leadership Institute (GLI) has awakened thousands of girls to a life of authentic leadership.  Co-founded by bestselling author and girl-expert Rachel Simmons, we are a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing transformational programs to girls, their parents, and their educational communities.

At GLI, we offer camps and workshops designed to teach girls, educators and parents the core practices of emotional intelligence, healthy relationships, and assertive self-expression. Taught by professional, salaried instructors, all GLI programs use interactive lessons and theatre-based techniques to help girls connect with their emotions and practice the tools of building healthy, authentic relationships. The courses are age-appropriate and progressive, following girls’ developmental needs from grade school through high school.

What Makes GLI Unique?

GLI's exceptional program offerings are based on:

• Program foundation grounded in developing girls’ “internal” leadership skills
• Teaching based on an emotional-intelligence-centered curriculum
• Salaried, professional teaching faculty
• Full spectrum curriculum, supporting girls K-12
• Teacher and parent education programs

Our principal focus is girls’ “internal” leadership skills, which include:

• Recognizing and building healthy relationships
• Identifying, expressing and respecting emotions
• Owning mistakes
• Accepting constructive criticism
• Approaching conflict as an opportunity for change

We structure our work around five central values:

• Inclusivity
• Authenticity
• Integrity
• Quality
• Fun!

Where are you based?

Our office is in Oakland, CA.  We run workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area, Colorado, New York City and Northern New Jersey. Our overnight camp is held at Mount Holyoke in South Hadley, MA. We run programs all over the country and internationally.

Are you hiring?

Yes, check out our summer camp jobs and part-time, year-round positions.  If you are interested in becoming a GLI educator, please send your cover letter and resume to kiku@girlsleadership.org. 

Can I volunteer?

Thanks for asking! There is an amazing community of parents who volunteer to organize GLI programs, help with marketing, development, and generally spread the word. Please check out our volunteer page if you are interested in lending a hand.