a girls inc alumna in dc
From 2007 - 2010, Morgan McDaniel was a Girls Inc participant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After graduating from the University of Memphis in 2014, Morgan moved to DC, where she is the assistant director of the Mosaic Center & Education Services at the American Advertising Foundation.
Morgan shared how Girls Inc. has shaped her as a young woman.
What are some of your fondest memories of your time in Girls Inc?
Some of my fondest Girls Inc. memories were participating in our Leadership Team. We planned community events, had ACT prep, helped one another with homework, and overall created a strong sisterhood. I also enjoyed being invited to come back my freshman year of college to speak to middle school girls of the local community about body image, relationships and college prep. It was so rewarding to share my experiences with girls in hopes that they wouldn't feel alone about what they were going through. It inspired me to be a mentor!
How did Girls Inc affect the path you've taken so far?
The director of teen programs read some of my short stories and encouraged me to apply to a Girls Inc. national scholarship. I was super shy and felt like out of all the girls applying, I wasn't good enough to be chosen. Was I wrong! Tracy (the director) had me write and write, and she edited and critiqued six of my drafts. I ended up winning a $2,500 scholarship which I split over the four years of my college career. I was super ecstatic.
What did you learn in Girls Inc that you continue to apply to your life and your work?
I learned how to be a leader, honestly. It taught me to have confidence in myself. It taught me how to be a president of an organization. It inspired me to keep pushing and have perseverance.
What did you learn about yourself in Girls Inc?
I learned (as cliche as it might sound) I can do anything I put my mind to. I have the ability to be great. I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Memphis, and I got a job in DC straight out of college. If it wasn't for Girls Inc. while I was in high school, I would be so far behind. I don't think I would've had the confidence to do anything and be involved in college. I also learned about my passion to mentor younger girls. Sharing my experiences with others invigorates me.
What message would you like to send to the girls of Girls Inc DC?
I would tell Girls Inc. DC girls to stay motivated and they can accomplish whatever they put their minds to. There is so much out there. You just need dreams, a vision and determination.