About Us

That commitment was born from something Jessica Valsechi witnessed firsthand as a former elementary school teacher and principal: what happens to girls the moment they leave elementary school.

As girls transitioned from elementary to middle school, something shifted. The confidence, curiosity, and connection they'd built began to erode under the weight of social pressure, comparison, and the quiet message that who they were becoming wasn't quite enough. Research confirms what Jessica saw: the middle school years are one of the most vulnerable periods in a girl's development, a time when identity is forming, belonging feels fragile, and the voices around her begin to matter more than her own.


Starting in 2019 through the Moonshot Fellowship, she created programming for girls navigating the elementary-to-middle school transition, working closely with the families of the girls she taught to understand what girls actually needed, and building alongside them from the very beginning.

Those founding girls are now in high school and The Girls Collective has grown with them.

Group of five young women smiling and hugging outdoors in a wooded area during sunset.

Our Mission

We believe girls thrive when they shape the spaces designed to support them. From middle school through young adulthood, we center HER: her heart, her body, her mind, and her voice, co-creating experiences rooted in connection, wellness, growth, and empowerment at every step of their journey.

Our Vision

We envision a future where every girl grows up grounded in her heart, strong in her body, curious in her mind, and bold in her voice — empowered to shape her life and the world around her. At The Girls Collective, that future doesn't wait. It starts now, built together.

An interior classroom with wooden desks and chairs, a blackboard, and windows letting in natural light. There are vases with yellow and pink flowers on the tables, a map of the United States on the wall, and a framed portrait of George Washington. A small American flag is partially visible in the upper right corner.

The GIRLS Framework

  • Rooted in self-awareness, wellness practices, and emotional regulation.

  • Curious, creative, and excited about their interests and possibilities.

  • Able to navigate challenges and setbacks with confidence.

  • Surrounded by supportive friendships and community.

  • Confident in their identity, voice, and leadership.