The Inspiration Project Authors
Jessica Morris
Program Support Coordinator
My Work:
I work with the program partners at my sites to set up programs during each program cycle, and I support the volunteers and staff who conduct programs at each of my sites.
Favorite Girls Inc. moment:
It’s really hard to narrow it down to just one. I know that all of my favorite Girls Inc. moments have been when I’m interacting with our girls. I think my favorite moments were at Camp GEMS this past summer; we had such a great group of girls, combined with an awesome staff. I loved every moment; it was so inspiring to see how eager the girls were to learn and how much they absorbed throughout the duration of camp. It was a fantastic experience, especially because it was my first time being in charge of a camp.
Interests/Free-time-fillers:
In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, reading (and trying to keep up with what I’m supposed to be reading for my book club), listening to music, going to concerts, spending time outside (especially in parks), and baking yummy things.
Favorite quote, saying, or advice:
“Get yourself back to thankful.” –from Myranda’s grandma. My friend, Myranda, said her grandma would always tell her this when she was feeling down/feeling sorry for herself. I think it’s a nice, simple quote that always reminds me to appreciate all of the good things in my life, rather than dwelling on whatever is bothering me at the moment. Looking at things from that perspective—where the good things invariably outweigh the bad—can help turn my mood around quickly.
Adrianne Slash
Program Support Coordinator
My work:
My job is to serve as a liaison between Girls Inc., our community partners (Decatur Township, Hendricks County, Pike Township, Southwest Indianapolis, Wayne Township and West Downtown), and the volunteers who facilitate programs there.
Favorite Girls Inc. moment:
My favorite Girls Inc. moment so far was session six of a program I was facilitating. The girls at this school had been touch and go on whether or not they liked the program. But on the last day, in the final minutes of the program, without prompting – they thanked me for being there and teaching them, and told me they would miss me and Girls Inc. Moments like that warm your heart and keep you going no matter what!
Interests/Free-time-fillers:
In my spare time – wow, I do a lot! I spend time with family, volunteer with Junior League of Indianapolis, attend various live performances and festivals throughout the city, and keep up with several TV shows.
Favorite quote, saying, or advice:
If it makes you happy then it can’t be that bad! Everyone has their own thing in life and it is theirs to have, ours to appreciate. Celebrating differences is what makes diversity so great!
Gabie Benson
Director of Development and Public Relations
My Work:
Raising money, raising friends, and raising awareness!
Favorite Girls Inc. moment:
My favorite moment at Girls Inc. so far was with a camper at our Touchstone Awards luncheon. When the donation bowls were circulating, she pulled out her own $0.15 to donate. She literally took the change from her pocket to donate it to Girls Inc. Absolutely inspiring!
Interests/Free-time-fillers:
My two four-legged, furry little girls take up most of my time and attention. You wouldn’t guess it, but I moonlight as a jazz and hip hop teacher.
Favorite quote, saying, or advice:
Hope is not a strategy.
Abri Hochstetler
Public Relations Coordinator
My Work: In this position, I work on anything and everything PR related - Girls Inc.’s monthly enewsletter, social media, speakers bureau program, media relations, online fundraising, website maintenance and this blog!
Favorite Girls Inc. moment: My favorite Girls Inc. moment took place at our speakers bureau training this past winter. Along with Butler University, we helped train five girls to speak to local organizations about their Girls Inc. experience. The poise and the enthusiasm these girls demonstrated while sharing their unique stories amazed me. These strong, smart, and bold girls truly are becoming the strong, smart, and bold women of our future!
Interests/Free-time-fillers: I fill my time doing anything active (mostly running), discovering new things to do in the city, baking, testing my green thumb with a garden, volunteering at Global Gifts (a fair trade store), and watching KU basketball when I can!
Favorite quote, saying, or advice: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” Steve ‘Pre’ Prefontaine
Jen Van Dame
AmeriCorps VISTA Public Affairs Specialist
My Work:
As an Americorps VISTA, I will be spending my year developing the organization’s advocacy role, as well as compiling and archiving research on girl-related issues.
Favorite Girls Inc. moment:
Walking through the door on my first day at Girls Inc. I was soaking wet from riding my bike in the rain. I knew that things could only get better from that moment on.
Interests/Free-time-fillers:
I love to cook and eat delicious food. Traveling to the parts of the world without McDonalds is pretty great too..
Favorite quote, saying, or advice:
Half the fun of travel is the aesthetic of lostness.
Kelly Smith
Volunteer Engagement Specialist
My Work:
My job is primarily focused on volunteer recruitment and engagement. I interview volunteers who are interested in our organization, train them, match them with programs that they’re interested in and find new ways to form connections between our organization and the women of Indianapolis!
Favorite Girls Inc. moment:
Every time I meet a volunteer and she tells me why she’s passionate about empowering the next generation of women, I know that we’re doing good work!
Interests/Free-time-fillers:
Yoga, reading, writing, spending time with family and friends and exploring Indianapolis.
Favorite quote, saying, or advice:
“The most notable fact our culture imprints on women is the sense of our limits. The most important thing one woman can do for another is to illuminate and expand her sense of actual possibilities.” -Adrienne Rich
Ashley Montgomery
Program Support Coordinator
My Work:
I have the pleasure of working with volunteers, program partners, and young girls. I help train and support volunteers through volunteer training and leading Girls Inc. programs. I work on building successful, working relationships with Girls Inc. program partners such as schools and community centers. Finally, I get to help serve young girls in the metropolitan area learn how to be strong, smart, and bold through our engaging curriculum. As an education major and a holder of a previous non-profit position, I feel that Girls Inc. combines many of my passions into one role and I am very excited to see what the future holds for our agency!
Favorite Girls Inc. moment:
My favorite Girls Inc. moment was during IPS intersession, facilitating the program Work It Out for girls ages 6-8. The girls were dealing with many issues that some of us don’t even think about, yet these girls were able to see the similarities that we all share and why it is so important to be a friend and not a bully.
Interests/Free-time-fillers:
I love to read, go to the library, walk, and spend weekends traveling to Michigan (I love exploring all that Lake Michigan and it’s surroundings have to offer). Being new to the area I also love to explore Indianapolis and it’s surrounding cities. I enjoy trying new restaurants (I’m not picky; My Grandpa taught me to try anything once!)
Favorite quote, saying, or advice:
My favorite quote is from the strongest, bravest woman in my life, my mom: “Live each moment.” The best advice I’ve ever been given: Be so good at what you choose to do that no one can ignore you.
