Rachael's Story

My name is Rachael Corbitt and I grew up in South Boston.

My LEAP story began my first year of high school when I was 14 my advisor

Rachael Corbitt telling her story

introduced me to Girls’ LEAP.  I first became a program participant, then teen mentor, then moved onto an internship and was soon a college volunteer (known Teaching Woman).  I’ve spent about 6 active years at Girls’ LEAP, however the connection is 8 years and impact will be life lasting.

I graduated from UMass Darmouth in December with a BA in Psychology.  Now I am working as at the South Shore Mental Health Hospital as a Residential Rehab Educator.

When I started Girls’ LEAP I was very insecure, and unsure of whom I wanted to become.  Girls’ LEAP taught me I have potential and capacity to do anything I set my mind to & that it’s okay to say “no” when need be.

Going away to college was a huge transition for me.  I felt that once lit flame in me become dim. I felt lost and insecure and I began to follow instead of lead.

I tested my limits and made mistakes. One of Girls’ LEAP mentors Kristen Cuneo always said, “It’s ok to make mistakes, practice makes better; and don’t give up on yourself.” I find myself hearing this quote from her when I’m feeling doubtful and its helps me gain my courage back.

Rachael with her Girls' LEAP
Mentor Kristen Cuneo

Now as a 22 year old and reflecting upon the long term impact of Girls’ LEAP in my life – I mentally picture some of the charts and diagrams we used in program to help de-escalate situations. I use these in my personal life and in my work with clients.  A few other big take always are; having advocates who see the potential in me and the willingness to be supportive, like Kristen.

I’m very grateful that I found this program at such a young age.

Girls’ LEAP taught me to be proud of whom I am and surround myself with advocates and women who are just as proud of me and themselves. I now know how important it is to have a connection to powerful women so that I can have a powerful connection to myself.  With that I’m confidence my flame will never go out thanks to the support I found at Girls’ LEAP.

Porsha's Story

Porsha McConnell started at Girls' LEAP as a participant at age 14, continued as a Teen Mentor and then as a college intern was a Teaching Woman.  At age 23 she credits LEAP with making her the leader and advocate she is today.  Porsha shared her story of the lasting impact that her experience at Girls' LEAP has had on her life at our Annual Gala.

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"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, my name is Porsha McConnell. I am a former Girls’ LEAP program participant, teen mentor and college volunteer (also known as teaching woman). I am 23 years old and in May I’ll complete my undergrad degree in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State University. Currently I work for City of Boston, Division of Youth Engagement & Employment.

While working with the Boston Centers for Youth and Families I was introduced to Girls’ LEAP. When I was 14 I started Girls’ LEAP as a participant. At first, I hated Girls’ LEAP! 

My friends and I were terrors in class, we didn’t participate, we didn’t listen, and we made things hard for our teachers. I remember thinking, “I don’t need to be here, I know how to defend myself: I know how to fight!” I had a really bad attitude.

People told me I was intimidating. Originally, I wasn’t sure about the Teen Mentor Program. In the end I decided to turn in my application AND I’m really glad I did!

I stand here today because I. am. Girls’. LEAP. 

Through my experience, and the relationships I have developed with this phenomenal organization, I have become the leader and advocate I am today.

 
Girls LEAP taught me to break the silence. I have always been big on self-advocacy however, LEAP has given me that extra push to go outside myself and advocate for others.  I was taught how to use MY VOICE to empower and uplift not only young girls but also young people.

With this, I learned the importance of sticking together as women, Girls LEAP taught me to be unapologetic for whom I am, to value my voice, my strength (physical, mental and emotional) and my personal stake in empowering young girls daily. Most importantly, Girls LEAP has shown me that it is okay to say “NO!” …and mean it. 

I would like to thank you all for coming out tonight in support of this amazing organization, and thank you for listening."
 

Teen Mentor - Imperfection is Perfection

Jamie, age 17 was a Teen Mentor with Girls' LEAP who learned to accept imperfections and grow.  She shares her digital story.

Jamie says..."This video is about the pressure girls like myself feel on a daily basis from society to be perfect, and how it affected me. I made this video in order to show girls that they aren't alone in feeling pressured by society to be something they're not, but also to show how being a part of Girls' LEAP helped me overcome my obstacles and learn how to accept all of my imperfections. Making this video has affected me positively because it has become somewhat of a reflective experience. I was able to see how much I've grown as a person since I've started Girls' LEAP."...on Girls' LEAP YouTube Channel.

Jameelah's journey has been a gift to Emily

Emily Welden, Program Manager

"I started at Girls' LEAP as a Team Leader working with Teen Mentors in fall 2014. Jameelah was one of the teens in my group, and over the course of that semester I was able to witness her intelligence, her humor, and her warm heart. 

When I first met her these qualities were sometimes held back, but over time Jameelah's confidence and influence with her peers has grown in LEAPS and bounds. 

Knowing Jameelah has made me a braver and more compassionate person. Seeing her develop such a sophisticated relationship with her authentic self has been a truly life changing gift."

                              ~Emily

Girls' LEAP is lucky to work with strong, confident girls and young women through our self-defense programs and Teen Mentor Program. We are proud to work with such inspiring young females and play a part in their learning and development as women.

Jameelah, one of our Teen Mentors, is no exception. Girls' LEAP Program Manager, Emily, has supervised and worked with Jameelah over the past couple of years. She has watched her blossom into a bright, strong, and confident young woman. 

Participating in Girls' LEAP has definitely helped Jameelah become who she is today.