ABOUT US
OUR STORY
Girls Action was founded as a start up in 1995 by three young women fresh out of school with an entrepreneurial spirit. We had no funding and no limitations.
Accessible to underprivileged girls, POWER Camp (as it was called then) encouraged girls to discover their power and create positive change in their lives and communities. Really listening to girls was the cornerstone of our success. Young women facilitators built trust with the girls. Girls came out of their shells and got smart about topics like media, discrimination, health, violence prevention, and body image.
Soon communities across Canada were contacting us, eager to exchange. We realized that with so many people wanting to make a difference for girls, a national organization could create a ripple effect benefitting even more girls. The founders of Girls Action imagined a strong force of girls’ initiatives across the country, and that is precisely what was built.
Since 2003, the Girls Action Network has grown from 20 to over 300 members in every province and territory. Girls Action has been a catalyst – seeding and training over 100 start-up girls’ programs. Today, together with local partners, Girls Action builds the skills and confidence of girls from coast to coast, including inner city, remote, and Northern communities.
HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
INNOVATION
Our programs tackle the most relevant and important questions that concern girls and young women.
LEADERSHIP
We support the development of girls' and young women's leadership by facilitating access to resources, to a network of mentors, as well as developing new skills.
INCLUSION
We reach out to girls and young women that need it the most, everywhere in Canada: 90% of our participants come from marginalised communities, either in the North, remote areas or in urban environments.
CHANGE
We encourage the understanding and breaking down of all barriers, especially the ones of poverty, racism and violence.
CREATIVE FORCE
Our work encourages the reinforcement of girls' and young women's empowerment in their everyday lives and communities.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
_edited.jpg)
Calgary, AB
Rekha Gadhia (she/her)
Rekha is a member of the Alberta Premier’s Multicultural Council. She is pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration at the University of Calgary. She has worked as a chief program officer with FearIsNotLove (formerly Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter) which supports all people to live free from fear, neglect, violence, and abuse. She also has extensive experience working with immigrants and refugees through her work with the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association and the Immigrant Education Society. Rekha holds a bachelor of science, a master of arts, and a master of business administration. In 2023, she received an International Women's Day – Woman of Distinction award. With the motto “In the joy of others, lies our own”, Rekha is very passionate about community service, particularly in domestic violence prevention, newcomer settlement, and women and girls empowerment, through education and awareness.
Linda Bùi (she/her)
Linda is a Vietnamese-Canadian who grew up in Treaty 13/19 or Toronto/Brampton. She’s also called Sri Lanka and most recently, Tiohtià:ke/Montréal home. Passionate about amplifying BIPOC voices and experiences through the arts, especially women of colour, she co-created groups like the Girls Empowerment Movement and Empowered Phụ Nữ. Linda holds a BA in international development studies from the University of Toronto Scarborough and a Master of Public Policy from McGill University. Linda is currently the Radical Education Coordinator at Yellowhead, an Indigenous-led research and education centre based in the Faculty of Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Montreal, QB
Montreal, QB
Racha Zahira Ammati (she/her)
Racha Zahira Ammati is an international Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Consultant and decolonial scholar with a Doctorate in Political Science, Public Administration, and International Relations. Her expertise allows her to address research gaps and provide fresh, intersectional perspectives on women’s rights issues globally. With extensive experience in international relations, power dynamics, and gender development, she is committed to leveraging her knowledge and passion to bridge women's struggles worldwide and foster intercultural connections, aiming to create positive impacts for the most marginalized and vulnerable.
Janine Ayoub (she/her)
Janine is co-founder and consultant at YAMM Services, where she supports impactful organizations to grow. She has spearheaded nonprofits programs and organizations for more than 15 years, with a focus on youth, education, DEI and civic engagement. She coaches and leads on fundraising, business development and program excellence, she also consults on anti-oppression and multicultural dialogues. When she’s not working, she sings in a no-audition choir, or play (and invents games).
Toronto, ON
Iana Lanceta (she/her)
Iana is a Master of Public Policy candidate and has worked in diverse policy areas (including municipal finance, affordable housing, education, and immigration) for almost 5 years. She is passionate about community advocacy and civic engagement and believes in leveraging marginalized voices throughout all her roles. In her spare time, Iana enjoys exploring nature, trying new restaurants, working out, and playing with her dog.
Berlin, DE
Amanda Joy (she/her)
Amanda is a policy analyst, researcher, writer, and activist, living on unceded Algonquin land. She works as a strategic foresight analyst for the federal government, helping decision-makers to envision and prepare for possible futures. She speaks and publishes on social movements, activism, and democracy, and has organized with groups including the Council of Canadians, Gender & Sexuality Resource Centre, Food Not Bombs, and Ontario Public Interest Research Group. Amanda holds a PhD in Cultural Anthropology and an MA in Sustainable Development.
Ottawa, ON
Aarti Patel (she/her)
Aarti Patel, a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient, is an educator with the Toronto District School Board and a dedicated community leader in Ontario, Canada. With over 25 years of experience, she has mentored over 20,000 students and continues to develop value-based learning programs to support marginalized communities. A volunteer with BAPS, she serves the community through initiatives inspired by Gurus Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj. Aarti holds degrees in Genetic Engineering and Education and is known for her practical strategies and passion for holistic education. In her personal life, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and spending time with her family.
Ure Eziyi (she/her)
Ure Eziyi is a resident physician in Internal Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and holds a Master’s in International Public Health from England. Passionate about equity, diversity, and advocacy, she is dedicated to supporting and uplifting priority populations, with a strong commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities. With over seven years of experience leading youth empowerment initiatives, health advocacy projects, fundraisers, and policy development, Ure has been at the forefront of driving meaningful change. A dedicated mentor, she has guided numerous young immigrants in navigating their career paths, providing invaluable support and inspiration. Ure finds joy in traveling and photography.
Toronto, ON
You can send us your resume and a cover letter at any time to submit your application to the Board at board@girlsactionfoundation.ca
OUR FUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS
Girls Action is grateful for the many companies, foundations, individuals, and agencies that support girls', young women's and gender diverse youth's empowerment. The following funders and donors have made our work possible through financial and in-kind contributions.
