SheLeads the Way: Celebrating the Student Leaders Driving Impact Nationwide
They Led the 2026 SheLeads Challenge!
SheLeads The Way Recruitment Challenge 1st Place Winners: University High School, CA
This spring, young women stepped up, reached out, and redefined what leadership looks like in their communities.
From January 19 to April 17, 2026, Girls With Impact hosted the SheLeads the Way Recruitment Challenge, a nationwide initiative designed to grow SheLeads Clubs and empower more students to access leadership, career, and life-building skills. What followed was truly inspiring.
A Movement Fueled by Leadership and Heart
Throughout the challenge, SheLeads Clubs showed up with creativity, consistency, and purpose. They recruited new members, built community, and expanded opportunities for their peers.
In total, over 200 new members joined SheLeads Clubs during the challenge, each one representing a step toward a more confident, capable, and connected generation of young women.
Meet the SheLeads the Way Winners
We’re proud to recognize the clubs that went above and beyond:
🥇 1st Place: University High School – 3,180 points
🥈 2nd Place: JFK High School – 1,885 points
🥉 3rd Place: Severna Park High School – 1,770 points
Prizes for challenge winners included digital badges, LinkedIn certificates, custom SheLeads graduation cords, and social media shoutouts.
All participating clubs created spaces where young women can learn, grow, and thrive together.
More Than a Club. A Launchpad for Leadership.
At the heart of this challenge are SheLeads Clubs: free, student-led spaces where girls gain real-world skills, grow their confidence, and prepare for what’s next.
Whether it’s mastering professional communication, exploring career paths, learning personal finance, or leveraging AI tools, SheLeads equips students with the tools to turn ideas into action.
Just as important as the lessons are the connections.
As Rachel from John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, MD shared:
“My favorite thing about SheLeads is how the friendships develop. It's not just a place to meet, but a safe place to eat, talk, share our opinions, and explore how we can grow together, not only as classmates, but as human beings.”
Rachel’s experience reflects what makes SheLeads so impactful: it’s about building community, confidence, and a sense of purpose.
Momentum That Keeps On Growing
The growth of SheLeads Clubs is about expanding access. Every new member represents a young woman gaining the tools, network, and confidence to navigate her future.
As DeAnna Williams, Program Manager of Mentorship & SheLeads, puts it:
“During the SheLeads the Way Challenge we saw leadership in action. By growing their clubs, these young women are not only investing in themselves, but opening doors for other young women to step into their power. They’re learning to lead and forming friendships along the way.”
To every club that participated: thank you. Your dedication, outreach, and leadership are shaping stronger school communities and lifting up your fellow students.
And to the newest SheLeads members, welcome! We’re excited to have you as part of the growing GWI community.
Interested in bringing SheLeads Clubs to your school? Learn more and sign up here.