At the Virginia Women's Foundation, we believe leadership begins early — and that when girls are equipped with confidence, community, and courage, they thrive.
Girls Leadership
We are proud to bring our Girls Leadership Circle to Charlottesville in 2026, utilizing the evidence-based Lean In Girls curriculum designed specifically for middle school girls. Grounded in research on confidence and belonging, Lean In Girls helps them build skills in leadership, resilience, teamwork, communication, and self-advocacy — all during the pivotal middle school years when confidence often begins to drop.
Through small-group sessions, interactive activities, and supportive mentorship, participants will:
Strengthen their confidence and sense of belonging
Practice leadership and decision-making skills
Learn how to navigate challenges and setbacks
Build meaningful friendships and supportive peer networks
Last year in 2025, we successfully launched this program in Northern Virginia and we are excited to expand this powerful experience to Charlottesville during April and May.
💜 Register a Girl
We invite parents, caregivers, educators, and community members to register their middle school girls for this transformational experience in Charlottesville. Learn more & register
🌟 Calling Mentors & Volunteers
We are seeking caring, committed mentors to help facilitate small groups and guide girls through the curriculum. You don’t need to be an expert — just someone who believes in girls and wants to help them grow. Training and materials are provided. Learn more & register
🏡 Bring It to Your Community
Interested in launching a Girls Leadership Circle in your area? We would love to partner with you. Reach out to learn how we can bring this program to your community. Together, we can ensure that Virginia’s girls grow into confident, courageous leaders — ready to shape their futures and our Commonwealth. Email Judy@VAWomen.org to learn more.