Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Detroit at the Rhonda Walker Foundation increases capacity and expands programming for Metro Detroit girls in grades 3–8.
NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Girls Inc. and the Rhonda Walker Foundation (RWF) announced a new affiliation that brings Girls Inc.'s national resources and research-informed programming together with RWF's proven programs and impact in preparing Detroit girls for college, careers and their futures. The affiliation establishes Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Detroit at the Rhonda Walker Foundation and expands RWF's programming and capacity to reach and engage more Metro Detroit girls in grades 3–8.
RWF's Empowering Her Success Academy will transition to Girls Inc. programming, giving participants expanded opportunities during critical years of development. GIRLS INTO WOMEN® will remain RWF's signature five-year program, continuing the Foundation's longstanding commitment to sustained mentorship, opportunity and preparation as girls progress toward adulthood.
The affiliation reflects strategic priorities for both organizations. Girls Inc. sought to expand its work into Detroit through an organization with established programs and demonstrated impact in the lives of Detroit girls. RWF sought to expand its capacity and increase the programming and resources available to advance their development.
For Metro Detroit girls, the affiliation expands access to programming as they progress through middle school, when confidence can falter, and social pressures and other factors can affect their engagement in school. More girls in grades 3–8 will have opportunities to develop the skills, confidence and supportive relationships they need to navigate these formative years and continue growing academically, socially and personally.
"For more than 160 years, Girls Inc. has evolved alongside girls, equipping them with the skills, experiences, and supportive relationships they need to navigate the challenges and opportunities of their day," said Stephanie J. Hull, President and CEO of Girls Inc. "The Rhonda Walker Foundation has built an extraordinary track record of investing in Detroit girls and preparing them for college and their futures. By bringing our organizations together, we can start earlier, go further, and create a more connected pathway for girls as they grow from childhood into adulthood. When girls have the support and opportunities they need to thrive, they are better prepared to contribute to their families, workplaces, and communities."
The affiliation was announced during an Oct. 8 gathering at Newlab at Michigan Central of Metro Detroit with corporate, philanthropic, educational, community and business leaders. The program highlighted RWF and Girls Inc. alumnae who shared the impact of their respective affiliations within RWF and Girls Inc. The event also brought together Girls Inc. President & CEO Dr. Stephanie J. Hull and RWF Founder Rhonda Walker to discuss the opportunities this new affiliation creates for girls across Metro Detroit.
"There is tremendous alignment and urgency between the Rhonda Walker Foundation, now in our 23rd year, and Girls Inc. toward our collective commitment to expand our reach and empower more Detroit area girls with our proven programming," said Rhonda Walker, founder of the Rhonda Walker Foundation. "We are deeply grateful for partners like Ian Conyers and Amazon who invest generously in our mission and especially in this next chapter as we launch our affiliation with the premier and longest-running girls leadership organization in the nation."
RWF CEO Erycka K. Hunter added, "We are excited about our affiliation with Girls Inc., what we will accomplish together, and the expanded opportunities we will create for more girls to build confidence, envision new possibilities for themselves, pursue their ambitions, and achieve their full potential."
During the launch event, Amazon deepened its commitment to the Rhonda Walker Foundation with a $40,000 contribution as a Founding Partner of Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Detroit at the Rhonda Walker Foundation, bringing the company's overall support of RWF to $100,000.
"At Amazon, being a great neighbor is just as important as being a great employer," said Ian Conyers, head of community engagement at Amazon. "We are proud to deepen our support of the Rhonda Walker Foundation and the tremendous impact Rhonda and her team are making in the lives of girls and young women. As the Foundation begins this next chapter through its affiliation with Girls Inc., we are excited to continue our partnership and invest in the next generation of confident, capable leaders."
To bring a Girls Inc. Affiliate to your community contact Direct of Affiliate Services and Expansion, Deb Hopkins at [email protected].
Media Contact
Elizabeth Velez, Girls Inc., 1 212.269.4630, [email protected], girlsinc.org
SOURCE Girls Inc.
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