Our History

Girls Inc. is the longest-running girls’ leadership organization.

Our affiliate has been serving girls in our community since 1972. We started with 5 outreach sites manned by volunteer staff and Mrs. June Taylor, who was later hired as our first Executive Director. Dr. David Sloan served as our first board president while space was being rented at the K of P building for evening hours of 6 to 9pm.

Our first permanent facility and current location in the heart of Madison’s historic district was purchased at auction by board president, Connie Huntington who, as the story goes, had no idea how the board would pay for it. That bold step paid off; however, and the facility was paid for within the year. A few additions and renovations later, we are still going strong and busier than ever!


Our Mission

Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Our Vision

Powerful girls in an equitable society.

Our Values

Respect the dignity of each human being.

Recognize and support the strength in every girl.

Appreciate, embrace, and advance diversity.

Drive for results anchored in accountability.

Operate collaboratively.

Girls Inc. was founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women who were experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War.

Across the decades, we adapted to meet the specific environmental challenges facing girls and young women, always working in partnership with schools and communities, and guided by our founders’ fundamental belief in the inherent potential of each girl. Woven into those early girls’ clubs are the same core values of Girls Inc. today: the importance of creating a safe gathering place for girls to learn and to share in a sisterhood and a strong premise that each girl can develop her own capacities, self- confidence, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.

For 160 years, Girls Inc. has been evolving with girls.

We not only support girls, we also equip them and give them the opportunity to envision, and then create, a more equitable future.

Girls Inc. is the leading expert on girls.

Working with and on behalf of girls for 160 years has given us unparalleled knowledge and expertise. The Girls Inc. Experience changes the trajectory of girls’ lives and prepares them for lifelong success.

Girls Inc. has served millions of girls across the United States and Canada.

Our participants are equipped with the skills to lead and create positive change in their communities.

Girls’ Bill of Rights

We will always support girls and ensure that their rights are recognized and respected.