She's the First

At just two years old, Janani’s life changed. Determined to ensure that her daughter got an education, Janani’s mother found Shanti Bhavan, a graduated She’s the First partner school, where Janani’s education journey began.

With support from Shanti Bhavan and She’s the First, Janani decided to pursue a path rarely traveled by girls in her community: engineering. During an STF chapter summit in 2018, Janani’s eyes opened to a world where girls like her were leading and changing the world.

Fast-forward to today: Janani, 24, is in a dream job as a Facilities Engineer at ExxonMobil. She's paid off loans, tutors her cousins when she’s home, and is now a role model to the next generation—like her niece, who aspires to be like her.

Read about Janani's story: https://shesthefirst.org/15th

In the past, Annie kept quiet. That changed when she attended a She’s the First Chapters leadership training event and found her confidence. She went on to meet with government leaders and campaign for the protection of reproductive rights.

Now Annie is a She’s the First Girl Activist Fellow, working alongside other girls to fight for girls’ rights globally: http://shesthefirst.org/15th

In El Salvador where 1 in 3 women experience violence, a group of young women founded Leer para Soñar with a vision to empower girls affected by violence. Thanks to the Ellas al Frente fellowship by She’s the First, they have shifted their focus to meet the unique needs of girls.

Through mentorship and learning, girls have become confident leaders who are leading change in their communities. Read the full story: shesthefirst.org/15th

With protests against women’s rights and reproductive care flooding Arizona, 17-year-old Siyaa Poddar and her She’s the First chapter chose resilience over silence. Their March With Women Fun Run united over 80 students and local groups, proving that solidarity can start with just one idea—and grow into a movement.

Read how Siyaa and her peers are reshaping what’s possible for girls in Arizona: https://bit.ly/STFChaptersBoldStand

Tandeep’s journey took her from attending an STF chapter Summit to amplifying underrepresented voices at the U.S. Senate, where she now works. STF gave her the tools to understand the intersections of identity and take action on her values.

By offering a space for girls to learn, lead, and be heard, She’s the First empowers them to create meaningful change. Now, Tandeep advocates for gender justice at the highest level, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are represented in government.

Her story proves that when girls lead with purpose, they don't just participate, they shape a better world: https://shesthefirst.org/15th

She’s the First Advocacy Programs Manager, Janae, traveled to Austin, Houston, and Dallas, to meet with key chapters and strengthen their advocacy skills in today’s challenging political climate. Texas was selected as a region of the United States where girls are being systematically stripped of rights, and yet our chapters are building a girl-led front in this state. Through guided sessions, girls opened up about the realities of growing up today: mental health struggles, gender-based violence, family pressures, reproductive health, and navigating conservative spaces as girls.

What they gained? Tools to lead, space to heal and reflect, and a renewed sense of power. They learned how to navigate tough conversations, disengage with grace, and build safe spaces in their chapters. We’re honoured to walk beside them.

Read more about Janae's Texas Road Trip: https://shesthefirst.org/news-blog-roll/2025/4/3/showing-up-for-girl-leaders-in-texas

📷: .m.jackson

From being told she ‘was nothing’ to graduating university, playing for Nepal’s national women’s soccer team, and founding Himshaakti Foundation, Sirjana’s journey redefines what’s possible when girls are supported to thrive. Because when girls lead, the world grows stronger. ✨

https://shesthefirst.org/news-blog-roll/2025/7/28/breaking-traditions-building-futures-sirjanas-stand-for-equality-through-sport-and-education

📷: Uma Bista

Cynthia Muhonja knows what it means to overcome challenges in the pursuit of education, and now she is making sure that other girls do not have to face them. An alum of our Institute and founder of Life Lifters Kenya, she provides menstrual health support, mentorship, and education to girls across Kenya. Her goal? To reach 1000 girls by 2027!

She is an empowered and equipped young woman leading change in her community. Read her full story: http://shesthefirst.org/15th