Women’s Fund Helps Empower Future Women Leaders Through LeadGB Girls

For many young girls, confidence and leadership don’t happen overnight – they are built through encouragement, connection and opportunities to grow.

That is exactly what LeadGB Girls aims to provide.

LeadGB Girls, a summer youth leadership camp at UWGB, is designed for girls entering 1st through 8th grade. The program helps girls strengthen communication and leadership skills while building confidence, friendships and resilience in a supportive environment.

This summer, around 260 girls are participating in the program across two one-week sessions. Campers engage in hands-on activities, team-building exercises, creative projects and conversations with women leaders from a variety of professions. At a time when many young girls face growing social pressures, LeadGB Girls creates a space focused on confidence, connection and encouragement where girls are reminded they do not have to navigate challenges alone.

Beyond leadership development, the program emphasizes supporting and celebrating one another rather than competition. Campers spend time outdoors, build relationships with peers and mentors, and develop healthy habits that support both physical and mental well-being.

Chelsea Faase, the Camp Director for LeadGB Girls, shared that one of the most rewarding parts of the program is seeing girls return year after year and continue growing into confident young women.

One former participant first joined the program more than 10 years ago as a shy camper before later returning as a high school volunteer, counselor and guest speaker. She shared that LeadGB Girls helped her build confidence, problem-solving skills and lifelong friendships while teaching her to embrace opportunities and believe in herself. Looking back, she described the transformation from “a nervous, shy girl” into a confident leader who now hopes to serve as an example for the next generation of girls participating in the program.

The Women’s Fund Impact

The Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay recently provided a grant to help fund scholarships to girls who would otherwise not be able to attend, helping make LeadGB accessible to more families in the community. LeadGB remains committed to creating an inclusive environment where every girl has the opportunity to participate, grow and thrive regardless of background.

While funding is always important, Faase shared that one of the biggest ways the community can support LeadGB Girls is simply by spreading the word. Whether it is parents, guardians, grandparents or community members sharing the opportunity with young girls in their lives, increased awareness helps more girls access the confidence-building experiences and connections the program provides.

Through programs like LeadGB Girls, the Women’s Fund continues investing in opportunities that help girls grow into strong, confident leaders who will positively impact our community for years to come.