This week, Croton-Harmon High School sophomore Eileen Platero stood before a crowd of more than 200 guests at the Glen Island Harbor Club in New Rochelle, confidently sharing her journey as a proud member of Girls Inc.—a nonprofit organization that empowers girls through mentorship, pro-girl environments, and research-based programs.

Eileen was one of several young women involved with Girls Inc. who were invited to participate in the organization’s annual gala, an inspiring evening that celebrated the accomplishments of female leaders and raised essential funds to support the organization’s mission. In addition to offering a heartfelt speech about her personal experience, Eileen had the honor of introducing Girls Inc. honoree, NY State Senator and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins and presenting her with the Altman Advocacy award. (Senator Stewart-Cousins was unable to attend due to unforeseen work; her daughter-in-law, Kecia Palmer-Cousin accepted the award on her behalf.).

Eileen discovered Girls Inc. when her school counselor, Ms. Nadeem, invited her to an event last year in honor of International Day of the Girl. “Right then and there I fell in love with the program and their mantra of being Strong, Smart and Bold,” she recalls. Since then, she has been an active participant in the Girls Leadership Program and intends to remain committed to the organization through her senior year.

“My involvement opened so many doors for me as a safe space to practice my leadership skills,” she told the crowd. “Freshman year, Girls Inc. was a key contributor in my growth in confidence and overall leadership skills. Currently, I have that confidence in myself and my abilities that I’m able to pass on that confidence to the younger girls in the group.”

Eileen first discovered Girls Inc. when her school counselor invited her to an event in honor of International Day of the Girl. It was there, at a table filled with friendly faces and inspiring materials, that she first learned about the organization.

Through Girls Inc., Eileen has not only developed her leadership abilities, but also found real-world opportunities to apply them. “It’s showing me the power of informed, compassionate leadership in real time,” she explained.

Reflecting on her own growth, Eileen shared a powerful message with the audience about overcoming fear and embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. 

“The most important lesson I’ve learned from being a part of Girls Inc. is you can do anything you set your mind to,” she said. “If you would have told middle school me that I’d be giving a speech in front of all those people last night, I would’ve freaked out on stage and chickened out at the last minute. Through the power of Girls Inc. I was able to change that mindset I had about failure and spin it! I learned that without failure, there’s really no true success. So ask that question, give that speech—there’s nothing standing in the way of success except for yourself!”

CHHS Principal Laura Dubak is inspired by Eileen’s commitment to Girl’s Inc. and praises her for being involved. “Eileen is a truly special young woman, and I am proud of her for her dedication to Girls Inc. and the confidence she has built in the past year,” said Ms. Dubak. 

“The world is my oyster,” she concluded. “And I can do anything I set my mind to.”

Girls Inc. Executive Director Fiona Bruder praised Eileen - and all participating young women - for their courage to find their voice and express themselves. “At Girls Inc, we are guided by the vision of powerful girls who contribute to their communities in meaningful ways,” said Ms. Bruder. “Eileen is a shining example of an individual who is taking ownership of her future and is poised to seize opportunities. I am honored to work with and know her.”

From a curious freshman stopping by a table at a school event to a confident leader addressing a packed ballroom, Eileen is living proof of what it means to be strong, smart, and bold.