Our Community Impact
G.I.R.L.S. Inc., is dedicated to transforming lives through meaningful action. By investing in our youth, we catalyze progress that uplifts families and strengthens the very fabric of our communities.
Leadership & Advocacy
We empower young women to become vocal leaders in their communities. Over 85% of graduate participants actively lead local civic initiatives, driving intelligent change for their neighbors.
Economic Empowerment
By providing financial literacy and career workshops, we break systemic cycles. Our students directly contribute to local economic stability through professional excellence and entrepreneurship.
Civic Engagement
Impact is seen in every neighborhood cleanup, mentorship program, and community service project led by our girls, resulting in safer, more connected, and vibrant communities for all.
Make an Impact with Us
Your involvement is the engine of our success. Whether you donate, volunteer, or partner with us, you are directly investing in a brighter, more equitable future for our entire community.
Ways to Get Involved
Join our mission to empower the next generation. Whether you donate, volunteer your time, or partner with us, your support makes a lasting impact.
Faces of G.I.R.L.S.
Real stories of impact, soaring together as a community. Meet the faces of our next generation of leaders.
Amara Williams
"G.I.R.L.S. taught me that my voice isn't just a sound, it's a tool for change."
Maya Jordan
"I found a sisterhood here that supports my biggest dreams in technology."
Elena Rodriguez
"Leadership isn't about being in front; it's about lifting others as you climb."
GIRLS Alumni
GIRLS 4 LIFE! Leading for a future tommorrow!
GIRLS participants have successfully completed honors courses, visited universities of interest, been accepted to several universities, served global communities, engaged in internships, and modeled leadership qualities.
GIRLS Alumni have attended graduate school, law school, secured professional careers, served as class presidents of their universities, secured internships with Fortune 500 companies, served as graduation keynote speakers, participated in study abroad, advanced as entrepreneurs, graduated high school early, graduated from top universities within 3 years, and have volunteered their time to give back to GIRLS program youth.
Destinee Butler
Urbana High School, 11’
University of Illinois Springfield, 16’
Destinee graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield with a BS in Social Work. She is a licensed foster care coordinator, entrepreneur, advocate for underserved populations, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and a fashion consultant,. Destinee currently resides in North Carolina and has a fashion line called “Wear Your Destinee”.Destinee has experience with diverse communities, grants, curriculum development, social services, supervision, and the training of new employees. She has served at Unique Caring Foundation, Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club, Upward Bound, and Men’s Transitional Housing. Destinee has also served on the Supportive Services team for a Veteran’s Families Grant to provide services to homeless veterans, as a licensing coordinator at Dreams and Vision Group Home, as a case coordinator at Catholic Charities, as a coordinator for Movement Afterschool Program, as a Family Educator and Child Development Case Manager at Champaign-Urbana Public Health, as a program coordinator for Springfield’s Urban League’s 21st Century Program, and as an Individual Advocacy Group Direct Support Professional and DSP Trainer to provide services to individuals with disabilities. Destinee enjoys traveling, reading, sewing, giving back to the community, spending time with family, educating herself in fashion, and listening to motivational speakers (such as Les Brown). Destinee has volunteered with many organizations, including churches where she has served as the drummer. She has served as a volunteer with nursing homes, Rotary club, Don Moyers Boys and Girls Club, Urban League, Upward Bound, and Women of Purpose. Destinee continues to give back to her community. She currently serves on Genuine Intelligent Respectful Ladies Soaring (GIRLS) Marketing Team and the GIRLS Grant Committee. Destinee says, “The GIRLS program was influential by providing a positive environment with positive mentors, outings, and peers. I have built long lasting friendships and connections due to the GIRLS program. My most memorable experience would include leadership roles and community service, such as peer court”. “Positive role models, faith over fear and consistent goal setting all played a major part in where I am today. I would say my family motivates me the most. I am inspired to fulfill my purpose in life. I will always strive to make an impact, whether that involves mental health, youth, fashion and so on! “When setting your goals, take on those weaknesses, just as you would your strengths; because in the end, your weaknesses are what provides you strength” . Always remember, “You’re never to old to learn and you’re never to young to teach” - Destinee
Jessica Heath
Howard University School of Law 19’ Howard University 16’
Jessica is a dual graduate of Howard University after receiving both her Bachelors in Political Science and law degree focused on family law. Currently, she is working in Maryland under a clerkship for a Circuit Court judge. Her time at Howard was marked by her membership of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Alpha Pi, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Jessica credits her success to hard work, dedication, a strong support system as well as a solid professional plan. This clear path was started within the GIRLS program where she developed the skills necessary to research various majors and career opportunities. Jessica looks to continue a legacy for both her family and community: “Not only does my family inspire me, but knowing that members of my community seek legal assistance also motivated me to go to law school. Jessica’s advice to current GIRLS participants: “Although you may not know exactly what you want to achieve at this moment, make sure to have the desire and drive to create a path that leads to your ideas of success.”
Camille Parsons
Orthopedic Assistant
Concordia University Wisconsin 14’
“Don’t tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” - Paul Brandt “The girls program helped keep me motivated. It was amazing to be surrounded by other successful and determined women working towards bettering themselves,” said Camille Parsons. Camille graduated from Urbana High School in 2009. In 2016, She was inducted to the Urbana High School Hall of Fame for basketball and track and field. She majored in Athletic Training at Concordia University-Wisconsin. Shortly after graduation she passed the national board exam and became a certified athletic trainer. Currently, Camille is working as Orthopedic assistant. Camille words of wisdom for current girls participants - “As long as you put forth the absolute best effort you can in life; inside the of the classroom and outside in the world around you, you can succeed. For some the world maybe rockier than others, but that will only make you stronger in the end. Care for those around you and keep your eyes on your end goal, whatever that may be for you.”
Danyelle Clements
GIRLS participant: 2008-2012
Illinois State University ’17
Newspaper Marketing Assistant
I feel the GIRLS program helped me learn the value of branching out. Sometimes in life, to achieve what you want or to go where you want to go in life, you have to come out of your comfort zone a bit. That’s the best way to learn how to talk and learn about new people and have new experiences. Through the GIRLS program, I was pushed to do more than I thought I could, and because of that, I feel as if a lot of things I would’ve been hesitant to do, I did! Don’t be afraid to try new things! You can’t go along in life focusing on the “what ifs.” In most cases (like college applications or applying for that job) the worst somebody can say to you is no. If they do, pick yourself up and on to the next thing! At the least you can say that you tried!
Troy Cobb
Illinois State University 20’
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 18'
Troy Cobb is a 2018 Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville graduate. She received her Bachelors in Social Work. Currently, she is a graduate assistant at Illinois State University, where she will receive her Masters degree in Social Work Spring 2020. She has served as an American Reads tutor, an intern for First Star, and as an employee for Unit 5 schools. Troy credits her success to her faith in God, a strong work ethic, and networking. One of her most memorable moments from GIRLS was a camping trip. The camping trip consisted of team building exercises like tug of war, hiking, zip line, and horseback riding. This activity allowed her to become comfortable in an uncomfortable environment. “GIRLS always challenged me to step out of my comfort zone,” said Troy. Troy’s words of encouragement to current participants are: “The world is yours if you want it to be and you are the only person responsible for your outcomes in life.”
Kahlilah Cooke RN, BS, CLC
University High School, UIUC, 11’ University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, 15’
Kahlilah graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Kinesiology. She is a certified lactation counselor and is currently continuing her education at DePaul University in MSc Family Practice. Khalilah is a registered nurse at Carle and continues to share her artistic abilities with the world. She has been involved in the local film and theater community. She co-directed “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” by Lynn Nottage at the Station Theater and had the female lead in a pilot for a local web series “Writer’s Block” created by Elazia Key. She is very proud to have been a part of these projects written by Black women. She has also worked as a background performer for television in New York. Khalilah enjoys traveling and expanding her cultural horizon. She has traveled to several countries in Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. Her most memorable experience with GIRLS was how the program influenced her! A weekend trip to Chicago was her first time in the city despite living three hours away. We worked with younger children in a school and assisted in an event with an Afro-Latina artist. It was an opportunity not just to attend, but to play an active part in inspiring others. Additionally, it further influenced her by convicting her to spend two years in NYC’s entertainment industry. Khalilah said: “I had a lot of support along the way. Family members who motivated me mentally and spiritually. Instructors and mentors, including Ms. Neffie, who invested in my growth and encouraged me to accept the challenges in my life. All these people let me know that doubt is normal, but courage is action in the face of fear. It has been and will continue to be difficult to explore new avenues, particularly in situations when those I trusted were not available to give me immediate advice, however, the wisdom and love they provided along the way gave me the confidence to be brave and make my own decisions. For those blessings, I am thankful”. She encourages GIRLS participants to: “Try new things! Lots and lots of new things. Foods, experiences, cities, activities. Go horseback riding. Take a pottery class. Grab a friend, a cookbook, and try cooking a new dish together. There are many things where the stakes can feel high with a lot of pressure. Persevere in school, attend college (yes, it’s challenging) and go for that dream job. It helps to have those experiences where you do not need to be skilled and where you are doing something out of your comfort zone. That is where you discover new passions, new people, new things about yourself you never knew. It can be hard to try something different from the people around you, they may even discourage you or call you out. But you will have opportunities to find your tribe, people who will admire you for your experiences and opinions, the unique traits and the stories you have to offer. So, seek beauty in the world, love the beauty within yourself and ADD beauty to the world”.—Kahlilah
Genuine Intelligent Respectful Ladies Soaring
Executive Board
GIRLS Board Members are phenomenal service leaders with diverse expertise
Dr. Neffisatu Celestine Dambo
Dr. Neffisatu Celestine Dambo is the founder of Genuine Intelligent Respectful Ladies Soaring, a 501(c)(3) holistic organization that advocates for 6th through 12th grade youth. She is a licensed teacher, principal, and school counselor. She has served as an advocate, mentor, consultant, and volunteer, with academic, medical, and not-for profit programs around the world. She is also an entrepreneur who serves as the CEO for several limited liability companies (LLC). In 2015, she was the first to be awarded the University of Illinois Young Alumni Achievement Award. She has also served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas where she was awarded a Faculty Opportunity Award for research. She has over eight years in higher education as a full-time Counselor Educator, six years as a high school counselor, and 20 years of experience with organizations serving children from underrepresented groups. She has over 10 years of supervision experience in K-12 schools and higher education institutions. She has also supervised educational professionals in nonprofit sectors. Dr. Dambo graduated high school at the age of sixteen, earned a B.S. in Psychology, and a B.A. in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University. In 2006, Dr. Dambo earned her M.S. in Counseling from Eastern Illinois University and became a member of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She continued her studies at the University of Illinois and earned a M.S. in Educational Policy Organization Leadership. Dr. Dambo earned her Ph.D. in Education-Counselor Education Track at the University of Central Florida where she served as a Graduate Research Assistant for the College of Education and the College of Medicine’s Associate Dean of Diversity. Dr. Dambo has had the opportunity to lead 21 grants, serve as PI or CO-PI on 10 approved IRB research projects, conducted 49 peer reviewed research presentations, and produced 14 peer-reviewed publications. Research has included both qualitative and quantitative methods. Her clinical, community, and educational background has provided extensive opportunities for collaborating with diverse communities, schools, families, and business organizations. Her research interests include: (a) Academic career transitions, (b) program development and evaluation, (c) innovative group counseling approaches for students’ at-promise, (d) instrument design for special populations, and (e) multicultural advocacy. Dr. D is the loving daughter of Issac Jr. and Carolyn Celestine Bobo. She enjoys spending time with family, attending church conferences, traveling, reading, and serving the community.
Mr. Virgol Hawkins
Mr. Hawkins membership with the board is reflective of his expertise, active engagement, prior residency in Illinois, and current networks in Illinois. Mr. Hawkins has over 20 years of experience as an engineer, producer, and youth leader. In his capacity as a lead engineer and producer, he served as the Urban League’s Director of Technology & Infrastructure for seven years, implemented the Department of Technology, as well as oversaw Computer Literacy Programs that provided skill development training courses in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and PC Troubleshooting. Mr. Hawkins is a strong advocate for youth development, which is evident through his work as a musical instructor for youth service organizations including Boys and Girls Clubs, 4-H, and the Champaign-Urbana Area Project. He was featured as the lead musical instructor for College for Kids through Parkland College and the Independent Media Center: Arts based instruction that included radio broadcasting, mixing, and electronic music production and song development. Mr. Hawkins has served as the Program Director for the Internet Radio Academy, a youth service program that provided real-world learning opportunities to youth interested in media based technologies including: Recording and Production, Internet Radio Broadcasting, and Video Production and Editing. Mr. Hawkins is the Founder and CEO of the AON Center for Community Arts and Development; a social service based organization that provided youth and young adult job training, mentoring and afterschool based programming surrounding multimedia and technology programming. In 2001, he established an independent music label, All or Nuthing Productions in Champaign, IL. He has produced music projects, radio shows, and commercials for organizations including State Farm Insurance, Insure One Insurance, and Urbana Public Television.
Ms. Terrish Catchings
Ms. Catchings is a Freelance Public Relations Specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Florida A&M University. Ms. Catchings has worked on marketing campaigns for Hollywood feature films like “Restored Me.” Alongside working on campaigns, Ms. Catching has assisted companies with brand building. She has worked in various industries such as entertainment, fashion, beauty, transportation and healthcare. Currently, Ms. Catchings serves as the executive secretary for Genuine Intelligent Respectful Ladies Soaring (GIRLS) and is a 2010 GIRLS Alumna.
Mrs. Victoria Riley
Mrs. Duckett-Riley has been married to her husband for five years and has mentored children and young adults for over 12 years. She is actively involved with her church and is passionate about the economic development and future of youth. Mrs. Duckett-Riley has earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Government Management from Keller Graduate School and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Ashford University. She has 18 years of experience in the banking and financial industry. Mrs. Duckett-Riley is currently pursuing a Certification in Public Accounting and works for one of the nation’s top financial institutions in their Commercial Banking Department with Wholesale Lending.
Ms. Twinette Johnson
Ms. Johnsons membership with the board is reflective of her expertise, active engagement (i.e., provides legal advice, support, face-to-face youth seminars), prior residency in Illinois, and current networks in Central, IL. Professor Johnson is an Associate Professor of Law at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law. She directs the School of Law’s Academic Success program. Prior to joining the School of Law faculty in 2017, Professor Johnson was an Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Academic Success Program at Southern Illinois University School of Law. There, she taught Agency and Partnership, Introduction to Commercial Law, Higher Education and Democracy (a writing seminar), Lawyering Skills, Advanced Legal Analysis and Strategies (a bar exam readiness course) and Professionalism and the Law. Professor Johnson also served on the faculty of Saint Louis University School of Law as an Associate Professor of Legal Writing. In that position, she taught Legal Research and Writing, Appellate Advocacy and Advanced Legal Analysis and Strategies. Professor Johnson also served as the Associate Director of Bar Exam Preparation while there. In addition, she served as a faculty member in Saint Louis University’s Summer Institute program where she taught Legal Skills and Contracts. Professor Johnson’s previous professional experience includes a clerkship on the Missouri Supreme Court with Judge W. Duane Benton. She also held a position as an associate attorney with Shearman and Sterling, LLP, a New York based law firm. There, she practiced in the Bank Finance group where she represented financial institutions and corporations in investment grade and noninvestment grade financing transactions. Professor Johnson’s research interests include higher education access policy and learning theory models in legal education. Professor Johnson earned her J.D. from Tulane University School of Law and her B.A. in English Literature from Saint Louis University.
Dr. Randolph Burnside
Dr. Burnside is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Education at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi and received his Ph.D from the University of New Orleans. His professional interests include race, ethnicity and diversity, human resources management, behavioral aspects of disaster and organizational leadership. His most recent work has been published in the Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences, the Journal of Applied Social Science, and the Ralph Bunche Journal of Public Affairs. He currently resides in Carbondale, Illinois with His wife Rhetta and son Christopher. He is an active member of Bethel AME Church where he serves on the trustee board and is also a member of Tuscan Lodge #42 of Prince Hall Masons.
Dr. John McIntyre
Dr. John McIntyre is an emeritus professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. While at SIUC, he has served as a coordinator of a teacher education center, Director of the Teaching Skills Laboratory, Director of Professional Education Experiences, Acting Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Teacher Education and School Partnerships and Chairperson of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. He is a past president of the Association of Teacher Educators and received the association’s Distinguished Member Award as well as Distinguished Researcher and Distinguished Teacher Educator. His research interests include design and practice in teacher education, supervision, and teacher development. Dr. McIntyre has published widely in the area of teacher education, including as co-editor of the ATE Research in Teacher Education Yearbook series published by Corwin Press and is co-editor of the Handbook of Research on Teacher Education, 3rd edition.