If we’ve learned anything over the past year, it’s that we need to do more to support educators, students and parents. I’m not a parent—I’m an active volunteer who believes in this old Greek proverb: “A society grows great when older generations plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.” 

I first got involved with GALS when a parent asked me to volunteer with an after-school entrepreneur club. I enjoyed the opportunity to interact with teens, and I learned just as much from the students as they did from me. GALS teens are curious, insightful, and engaged. They are a tough crowd and not easily impressed by corporate America. 

March is Women’s History Month. All too often, contributions by women have been omitted from the history books. At GALS, the accomplishments of notable women are celebrated every day of the year. If I could, I would walk you through the hallways with names and quotes of leaders on the walls. I would explain why the rooms are named after the women who have left indelible marks on world history. 

Next Monday, March 8, is International Women’s Day, and GALS is hosting a celebration, featuring keynote speaker Liz Giorgi. Ms. Giorgi is an Emmy Award winning media entrepreneur who has had an indelible, positive impact on the startup world. She’s a shining example of unbridled confidence, clarity of vision, and creative problem solving. She has succeeded in a male-dominated world of venture capital and changed the industry with the Candor Clause. No matter what industry you’re in, you need to catch this speech. 

I have three simple asks for you:

1. RSVP for the International Women’s Day virtual event: http://ow.ly/YVjl50DKcX3
2. DONATE to the cause: https://galsdenver.org/support/
3. Follow GALS on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and like or share posts to spread the word to your network

I’ve been impressed with the teachers at GALS because of their dynamic approach to teaching and fostering leadership skills. I’ve heard parents rave about the results they see from movement-based learning, and how GALS encourages their daughters to find their voices as they learn and grow. I also love that GALS reflects the diversity of the city of Denver—it is available to kids across DPS, regardless of where they live, as part of the School Choice process. What I would have given to have gone to a school like GALS!

By supporting GALS, we aren’t just planting trees, but mapping out whole forests. We’re helping nurture the next generation of leaders, who will transform their communities and tackle the world’s most pressing problems.