Empowering Women and Girls: A Lifelong Journey of Confidence and Leadership with No Girl Left Behind
From early confidence-building to adult leadership, No Girl Left Behind is a multi-generational movement transforming lives.
By
Feb 5, 2026
The Rise of Empowered Women: How No Girl Left Behind Is Shaping the Future of Leadership
In today’s world, leadership isn't just about making the big decisions, it's about knowing your worth, staying resilient, and inspiring others along the way. As society progresses, there is a growing recognition that women and girls deserve platforms to nurture their confidence, leadership, and personal growth. No Girl Left Behind (NGLB) is one such organization that’s turning this ideal into a powerful, lasting movement that is reshaping the way women and girls view themselves and their potential.
NGLB was founded with the mission to provide girls and women, of all ages, the tools they need to face life's challenges, build unshakable confidence, and take on leadership roles with strength and resilience. The idea behind NGLB is not to create one-time change but to instill lifelong empowerment, nurturing girls at a critical age while continuously supporting women throughout their life journey.
Nurturing Leadership from the Start: Why Confidence is Key for Girls
It’s no secret that young girls face immense pressure to conform to societal expectations. Whether it’s in the classroom, on social media, or in their personal relationships, they are constantly navigating challenges that can erode their self-esteem. Many young girls struggle to see their own potential, especially in a world that often undervalues their voices. But at No Girl Left Behind, the goal is to change that narrative.
One of the core missions of NGLB is to instill confidence in girls between the ages of 9 and 15. This stage is critical in shaping how girls will see themselves in the world, and it’s also when they start developing the mental and emotional tools needed for leadership. By offering programs that focus on self-worth, leadership, and emotional resilience, NGLB creates a space where girls feel valued, capable, and ready to take on challenges, no matter how big or small.
The initiative works by bringing together girls from all walks of life, helping them develop leadership skills and foster a growth mindset that will stay with them as they transition into adulthood. These girls learn about goal-setting, healthy boundaries, and the power of self-belief, all within a supportive community that celebrates their uniqueness.
The Dual-Track Model: Building Strong Women Leaders
What sets No Girl Left Behind apart from other initiatives is its Dual-Track Model. By dividing its programming into two separate tracks, one for girls aged 9 to 15 and the other for women aged 16 and above, NGLB is able to address the unique needs of both age groups effectively. This model allows the organization to meet each individual where they are in their life journey, offering tailored programming that is relevant and impactful.
For women, the Dual-Track Model continues to empower them, offering workshops and mentorship that focus on overcoming personal barriers, navigating career challenges, and refining leadership qualities. Many women who engage with NGLB’s programming have shared that the organization has helped them rediscover their leadership abilities, build lasting networks, and tap into a sense of purpose that had been missing for years.
The organization’s approach isn’t just about teaching leadership, it’s about breaking down the walls that prevent women from stepping into their power. Whether it’s tackling imposter syndrome, learning to advocate for themselves, or simply being reminded that they’re enough, NGLB’s programming provides a foundation for women to truly thrive.
Success Through Mentorship and Continued Support
A key element of NGLB’s success is its unwavering commitment to ongoing mentorship and support. While many organizations provide a one-time event or workshop, NGLB offers continuous engagement that extends beyond events. After each event, participants can access curated resources, attend follow-up workshops, and remain in touch with mentors who guide them as they continue their personal growth journey.
Marissa Cherepanov, the CEO and founder of No Girl Left Behind, often speaks about the importance of continued mentorship in empowering women and girls. "Empowerment is not a one-time thing," says Marissa. "It’s about creating lasting, sustainable change. Our participants don’t just leave with a spark of inspiration, they leave with tools, resources, and relationships that will help them grow long-term."
By prioritizing mentorship, NGLB creates a community where women and girls don’t feel isolated in their journey toward leadership. The bond between mentor and mentee is what solidifies NGLB’s role as a true community, rather than just an event organizer. This ongoing support network allows participants to keep evolving, even after their event or program ends.
Leading by Example: The 2026 NGLB Speakers
NGLB's 2026 speaker lineup is a true reflection of the organization's commitment to empowering women and girls in all areas of life. The speakers, each a leader in her own right, embody the principles of resilience, growth, and leadership that NGLB seeks to instill.
Alethea Crimmins, a recording artist and motivational speaker, uses her platform to inspire others with her powerful messages of self-belief and perseverance.
Ally Stone, the founder of The Inspired Leader, empowers women to lead with authenticity and clarity through times of transition.
Lacey Odum, founder of Live Fit ATL, encourages women to embrace wellness, step into their confidence, and lead with unapologetic strength.
Tanesha Williams, a life coach and speaker, is dedicated to helping women break free from limiting beliefs, set boundaries, and step into their full potential.
Heleen Red Bird, an Indigenous leader and advocate, works to foster a sense of belonging and healing, ensuring women feel empowered in their identities.
Jazmin Hayworth: A high-energy motivational speaker and the founder of Build Your Hype, known for her magnetic presence and real talk. She empowers women to own their voice, build confidence, and take bold action
These speakers, along with many others, exemplify the NGLB ethos, leadership that comes from within, and a passion to help others reach their highest potential. Their collective message is clear: no woman or girl should ever feel left behind, and every woman has the power to become a leader in her own right.
Why NGLB's Multi-Generational Approach is Revolutionizing Empowerment
At its core, No Girl Left Behind is about building connections across generations. By focusing on both girls and women, NGLB is able to break down barriers between generations and encourage mutual support. This multi-generational approach is revolutionary because it ensures that younger women have access to the wisdom, guidance, and experience of older women, while older women get the opportunity to support the next generation of leaders.
As a result, the entire community grows stronger together. Younger girls benefit from seeing powerful women in leadership roles, while older women gain a renewed sense of purpose as they mentor and nurture the next generation. This reciprocal relationship fosters a cycle of empowerment that is sustainable and effective.
The Future of Empowerment: A Lifelong Journey
No Girl Left Behind is not just about short-term empowerment, it’s about changing the trajectory of women’s lives for generations to come. As the organization continues to expand across North America, its impact will undoubtedly grow, creating a world where women and girls don’t just survive, they thrive.
By giving women and girls the tools they need to develop confidence, build leadership skills, and embrace their potential, NGLB is not just empowering individuals. It’s creating a community of leaders who are changing the world, one girl and one woman at a time.
Join the Movement: Empowerment for a Lifetime
Are you ready to step into your leadership journey, or help someone you love do the same? Whether you're a girl starting out or a woman ready to reclaim your power, No Girl Left Behind is here to support you every step of the way. Visit the NGLB website to learn more about upcoming events, mentorship opportunities, and how you can get involved.
You can also follow them on social media for the latest updates and inspirational content:
Together, we can create a world where no girl, or woman, is left behind. The journey starts now.
