Stronger together
On International Day of the Girl 2025, we are thrilled to share big news: She’s the First and Girl Rising are coming together as one organization.
For more than a decade, both of our organizations have worked tirelessly for a simple but urgent belief: every girl deserves to be educated, respected, and heard. Now, united under the Girl Rising name, we will multiply our reach and deepen our impact.
This merger comes at a moment when girls’ rights are under attack and funding for this work is shrinking. By joining forces, we are doubling down on bold, collaborative action, scaling proven solutions, and ensuring that girls everywhere write their own futures.
What This Means for Girls and Their Communities
She’s the First and Girl Rising are uniting under the Girl Rising brand — joining She’s the First’s strong relationships with grassroots organizations and girl leaders with Girl Rising’s powerful storytelling and education programs.
In the Classroom
we provide education in life skills, gender equity, digital literacy
In the Community
we strengthen mentorship programs that serve girls
Directly with Girls
we build girls’ leadership through our fellowships & girl-led clubs
We will support girls to break barriers — while working with the people and systems around them to shift mindsets, challenge inequities, and build lasting change.
the team
〰️
the team 〰️
Nidhi Shukla and Christina Lowery will be co-CEOs of Girl Rising in 2026.
Kate Kiama will be VP, Global Programs and Tammy Tibbetts will take on a 1-year role as Chief Advisor to support the transition.
She’s the First programs — and the wonderful staff who lead them — are coming along!
Emma Mogaka, Ceci Arriaza, and Dania De Leon will continue to lead our Girls First Institute programs.
Janae Phillips and Florence Sidi will keep growing our Girls Leadership Programs.
We are thrilled to have Girl Rising staff as our new colleagues! With our Girls Advisory Council and newly blended Board of Directors, we will advance the vision and legacy of She’s the First and Girl Rising.
Donate to Support Our Growing Impact
You can continue donating to She’s the First as usual.
We’ll let you know when we officially move to Girl Rising (expected in January)!