Hi, my name is Katarina Rendon!

Girls Inc. taught me to take big steps, take risks, and strive freely toward my goals. They lifted me up when things were hard, connected me with lifelong friends, and most importantly, they gave me the gift of Ms. Belen. Anyone can be a mentor, but Ms. Belen truly nurtured my growth by sparking the passion within me.

Here’s a perfect example: I don’t like hard things—I really don’t. College was a challenge I didn’t think I could handle. But Ms. Belen knew I could. She saw potential in me, even when I doubted myself. When the pressure felt overwhelming, she reminded me of my strengths and encouraged me to take on tasks I would have otherwise avoided.

She didn’t just push me to face challenges; she helped me see the value in overcoming them. Her belief in me made me believe in myself, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Through Girls Inc., I’ve been forced to grow in ways I never thought possible. I’ve learned to accept challenges instead of avoiding them. In the past, I struggled with confidence—not in how I looked, but in my abilities. Girls Inc. has redefined what it means for me to be bold.

To me, being bold means being unapologetically yourself and taking life head-on, no matter the challenges. And trust me, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. Once upon a time, I was a sophomore in high school who didn’t think I’d ever make it to graduation. Yet here I am now—a proud honors college freshman, the secretary of the Women in STEM Organization, and a Presidential Scholar Recipient at the University of Texas at San Antonio—BIRDS UP!

If that’s not bold, then I don’t know what is.

I want to leave you with this: My journey is the success story others look for when they ask, “What can Girls Inc. offer?” or “Should I sign my daughter up?” I am living proof of what’s possible with the right support systems.

We all hope for a brighter future, and one way to create that change is by supporting girls like me—a Girls Inc. girl.