Leann Malone, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Columbus, has been tapped to serve on the Girls Inc. National Policy Advisory Group.

The nine-member group is comprised of executive leaders from the Columbus, Alameda, CA, and Memphis, TN, affiliates, as well as Girls Inc. alumnae and national board members. The group’s primary purpose is to advise the organization’s public policy team on the development and advancement of the Girls Inc. national policy agenda. In addition, members will assist with advocacy, outreach and public education efforts to implement the agenda.

Wendi Jenkins, Board President of Girls Inc. of Columbus, said, “We are extremely proud that Leann will represent our local affiliate on the national level.” Jenkins continued, “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Policy Advisory Group that not only will propel the group forward, but also will continue an important tradition of advocacy for strong, smart, and bold girls in our community.”

 In a recent statement, national officials from Girls Inc. said, “We will be working hard to protect girls' rights and opportunities, and to engage our network in fighting challenges to erode the gains that have been made for women and girls (particularly at the federal level). At the same time, we will be preparing our network for greater involvement in advocacy and looking for opportunities to try to make advances on our issues at the state, local, or even school levels.”

For decades, Girls Inc. has advocated for the needs of girls, especially those often neglected by policy makers. The national organization began increasing its public policy efforts last year, creating advisory groups as part of the organization’s overall strategy to advocate for public policy reforms that bring about systemic change and ensure all girls have the opportunity to succeed.