Girl Talk

Haley Kilpatrick

The Inspiration:  

While attending middle school, Haley Kilpatrick felt left out and often suffered at the cruelty of other female students.  She found no consolation at home because she, like most teens, generally distanced herself from her parents and ignored their advice.  Then she saw her younger sister go through the same middle school angst.

The Action: 

At the age of 15, Haley Kilpatrick founded Girl Talk in Albany to help girls with the daily triumphs and trials of being a young teen. Girl Talk is a student-to-student mentoring program that pairs middle school girls with high school girls who serve as mentors. During weekly meetings the high school leader conducts valuable lessons that address issues middle school girls face every day.  Middle school girls are encouraged to share any positive news, concerns or problems they may have. The high school leaders are there to listen and to offer support and guidance.  Girl Talk helps girls build self-esteem, learn the importance of community service and most importantly, benefit from their Girl Talk mentor.  In turn, the high school leaders learn leadership, facilitation and mediation. In just 5 short years, Girl Talk has chapters in 24 states, Canada, the Virgin Islands and Africa - and is reaching tens of thousands of girls.

http://www.Desiretoinspire.org

Next: Jade Irvin