Girls Academic Leadership Academy

Congratulations to GALA students Lola (Class of 2027) and Audrey (Class of 2031) for receiving awards at the Design X Diversity (DXD) Competition hosted by the American Institute of Architects | Architecture for Communities Los Angeles (AIA/ACLA)!

Their beautiful and creative artwork honoring renowned architect Gin D. Wong showcased not only their artistic talent, but also the power of design, culture, and storytelling. We are so proud to see our students recognized for their vision and creativity!

To the moms, grandmothers, guardians and mother figures who show up with endless love, strength and support, thank you. 💐

Whether cheering from the sidelines, offering words of encouragement or helping students navigate each day, your love makes a lasting impact in our schools and communities. Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible women who help shape the future of Los Angeles Unified . 💛

🎓 COLLEGEBOUND 🎓 Congratulations to Dominique on her commitment to the University of Houston, where she will major in Pre-Business Administration (finance)! A dedicated scholar and artist, Dominique is a BSAP participant, recipient of the Principal’s Honor Award, and a proud member of GALA’s National Honor Society.

In addition to her academic achievements, Dominique is a pre-professional dancer who has trained with prestigious programs and companies including the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive in New York, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, and Debbie Allen Dance Academy (HCNC).

We are so proud of your hard work and passion, Dominique, and we cannot wait to follow your journey to University of Houston and beyond!

We are honored to see the incredible story of Dr. Hicks and GALA and the impact of all-girls STEM education highlighted in the Asian Journal article, “The GALA Education Model: The Rise of a Nationally Recognized All-Girls STEM Academy.”

A heartfelt thank you to the author, Prosy Arbarquez Dela Cruz J.D. for beautifully capturing the mission, innovation, and spirit of Dr. Hicks and the GALA school community, and thank you to Asian Journal for shining a spotlight on the importance of equitable, rigorous education for girls.

We are proud of our students, educators, families, and supporters who continue to prove what’s possible when girls are given every opportunity to succeed. 💜

https://asianjournal.com/features/opinion-editorial-columnists/the-gala-education-model-the-rise-of-a-nationally-recognized-all-girls-stem-academy/

The GALA education model: The rise of a nationally recognized all-girls STEM academy - Asian Journal News “Dr. Liz Hicks is an extraordinary leader whose vision, determination, and deep belief in the potential of every girl have created lasting, measurable change. She has built not just a high-performing school, but also a culture of excellence where rigorous academics, innovation, and unwavering supp...

// Launch HER Future 2026 // Friends of GALA was proud to host Launch HER Future, their major fundraiser of the year, in celebration of a truly milestone moment for GALA, our 10th Anniversary, the powerhouse honorees, and the upcoming retirement of our visionary Founder and Principal, Dr. Liz Hicks.

As Dr. Hicks retires after the same year GALA celebrates a decade since its founding, we honor a remarkable legacy of educational equity, leadership, and unwavering advocacy for girls in STEM. A lifelong LAUSD educator, Dr. Hicks fought tirelessly to bring her vision of an all-girls public STEM school to life, opening the Girls Academic Leadership Academy in 2016. Under her leadership, GALA has become a nationally recognized school community with exceptional graduation and college admit rates, empowering young women across Los Angeles to lead, achieve, and redefine what is possible.

We were honored to celebrate alongside an inspiring group of honorees:
✨ Renata Simril, President & CEO of the LA84 Foundation
✨ Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of LA Metro
✨ Dr. Emma Louden, President of Slooh, astrophysicist, educator, and TED speaker

Throughout the evening, attendees heard directly from our incredible students about the impact of GALA, including powerful poetry slam performances that reflected the strength, creativity, and voice of our school community.

A heartfelt thank you to our community partners, sponsors, parents, and the incredible Launch HER Future team, Kate Eshaghoff, Rachel Knopfler, Novelyn Aquino, Chelsea Gilmore, and Jody Giles, and all of our parent volunteer team for making the 2026 event so special.

To learn more about supporting Friends of GALA, visit fogala.org.
Photo Credit: GALA Dad, Carlos R. Hernandez

🎓✨ COLLEGEBOUND ✨🎓 Congratulations to Mischa on her commitment to Xavier University! 💙 She is a leader, role model, and talented musician. Mischa has made an incredible impact at GALA through her involvement both in and out of the classroom. From serving as Vice President of Tri-M Music Honor Society and performing as a cellist in Advanced Orchestra, to participating in Key Club and Black Student Union, she has truly embraced every opportunity to lead and inspire. And of course, we can’t forget her reign as Homecoming Queen 👑

We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished, Mischa, and can’t wait to follow your amazing journey at Xavier University and beyond!

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory at the Battle of Puebla and honors resilience, heritage, and pride.

In our classrooms and school communities, we celebrate culture through learning, music, and art. Let’s continue to uplift voices, share stories, and embrace the diversity that makes us stronger together.

🎭✨ GALA’s 2nd musical, Once Upon a Mattress… not bad for a STEM school! ✨🎭

We are beyond proud of our incredible students who brought this production to life both on stage and behind the scenes. From building sets to costumes, lighting, sound, makeup, and hair, this show was powered entirely by student talent 👏

A huge thank you to our amazing musical director, Ms. Leppard, and director, Ms. Houghton, for your vision, dedication, and for creating such a special experience for our students.

Bravo to the entire cast and crew, and heartfelt thanks to all of our parent volunteers who helped! 💛

Photo Credit: Carlos R. Hernandez

Today we close the SRLA 2025–2026 season with a Victory 5K in Boyle Heights 🏅✨

This race represents the culmination of preparation, discipline, and teamwork—where every mile reflects everything they have built as runners and as young individuals. We are incredibly proud of all the girls who crossed that finish line today. Some were able to be there in person, others were not, but each one gave their effort in every practice, every step, and every challenge they overcame.

A heartfelt thank you to the teachers who supported them throughout this journey, Mrs. Petrich, Mrs. Reid, and Mrs. Flores, for being there in every practice and every race, guiding them with dedication and care.

So proud of these amazing girls—what they’ve accomplished will stay with them forever 💜🏃🏻‍♀️✨

The Class of 2026 brought personal finance to life at Junior Achievement Finance Park 💼💰

Through a hands-on simulation, our seniors stepped into the realities of adulthood—choosing careers, managing loans, making credit card payments, and learning how to balance saving and spending at every stage of life.

Real-world skills. Real-life decisions. Real impact.

We’re proud of these future leaders for leaning in, thinking critically, and taking charge of their financial futures.

May is Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and lasting contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Their strength, innovation, leadership, and resilience have helped shape and strengthen our nation in countless ways. This month and every month, we celebrate the voices, stories, and generations that continue to inspire and enrich our communities.