As we close the chapter on the 2024 Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. This is my first year as the Program Manager for the Summer Leadership Institute, and the experience thus far has been truly transformative. I was deeply moved by the passion, dedication, and brilliance of the young leaders I had the privilege of working with.
We are incredibly proud of the 26 fellows who participated in this year’s program. They embodied the true meaning of collective power, sharing their stories and experiences in a way that brought them closer together and revealed the tremendous strength they have when united. Their diverse lived experiences, their differences, and their unique perspectives are what give them—and us—strength and power. These young women are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change makers of today. We are in awe of their commitment to creating a better world for women and gender-expansive folks.
The SLI retreat was a particularly powerful and emotional experience. The laughter, the tears, the talent show that turned into a joyous dance party—it was a deeply moving time that solidified lifelong friendships and sisterhoods. The collective joy we felt, the connections we built, and the unity we experienced were nothing short of magical. This retreat showed us all how powerful we are when we come together, and it was exactly what we needed to prepare for the future.
WFC would like to express our deepest gratitude to Paula Hansen, our incredible graphic recorder, and Meika Ejiasi, our wonderful photographer, for capturing the spirit and energy of the retreat so beautifully. A heartfelt thank you to Haleema Bharoocha,Solís Policy Institute Alum, for leading a powerful policy and advocacy workshop that inspired and empowered our fellows. And to Neha Singh, thank you for guiding us through a rejuvenating Yoga and Self-Care workshop that reminded us all of the importance of nurturing ourselves. We also want to extend a special thank you to our six peer leaders who, inspired by their experience last year, returned to mentor this year’s fellows. Their dedication, compassion, and overall mentorship left a lasting impact, and they were exemplary role models for the fellows.
We are also deeply thankful to our community, chaperones, and grant partners who have supported us every step of the way. Your belief in our mission has been the backbone of our success.
Finally, to the parents and guardians, thank you for your cooperation, trust, and support. Your teens are truly exceptional, and it has been an honor and a joy to witness their growth and transformation.
This year’s SLI was more than just a program—it was a journey of discovery, growth, and empowerment. The synergy and connection we built together, grounded in our collective power, is exactly what we need to move forward. I couldn’t be more excited for the future we are all working to create together.