Posts Tagged ‘career’

NPC: Tell us a little bit about your organization, Girlstart. Why was it started?

Julie Shannan: Girlstart is a nonprofit organization created to empower girls to excel in math, science, and technology. Founded in 1997 in Austin, Texas, Girlstart has quickly established itself as a best-case practices leader in empowering, educating, and motivating girls to enjoy and become more proficient in math, science and technology.


NPC: Who does it serve?

Julie Shannan: Girlstart serves 1st-12th grade girls and families


NPC: How long have you been in operation?

Julie Shannan: Since 1997


NPC: How many people did you serve your first year? And, this year?

Julie Shannan: Since our inception, we have served over 20,000 girls. We average about 1,200 girls per year (not counting families and professional development). Our first year we served 25 girls in our after school program.


NPC: What is your most difficult challenge as a nonprofit?

Julie Shannan: Fundraising


NPC: What was your most difficult challenge starting out?

Julie Shannan: Creating a brand that girls and families could recognize and trust. Something that appeals to girls and parents both!


NPC: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a nonprofit?

Julie Shannan: Look around and see if there is something out there already doing the service that you want to provide. If so, partner with them instead of compete with them. If not, make sure the community has the need for your services.


NPC: How can people get involved?

Julie Shannan: We are always looking for volunteers to help in the office behind the scenes, or at our family science extravaganzas leading a fun science booth, or assisting with our after school programs. We also have high school volunteers helping out during our summer camps.


NPC: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Julie Shannan: Girlstart is committed to changing the way girls perceive science, technology, engineering and math and we need everyone’s help making that happen! Everyone can encourage a girl in their life, let them know they are smart enough to excel in these subjects, and they can have a rewarding career doing something they love.


Julie Shannan is the Deputy Director of Girlstart. For more information about this organization, please visit the website at www.girlstart.org.