Our Collective

Jess Valsechi

Co-Founder & Facilitator

While working as an elementary school teacher and principal, I encountered confident, powerful, young girls with tremendous leadership potential. However, when they transitioned to middle school, they encountered challenges that they struggled to navigate. I realized we needed to do more to equip young girls with the mindsets and skills necessary for middle school and beyond. I began working with a family design team and other passionate women to develop Girls Leadership Collective to provide an affirming space for girls to recognize and cultivate their unique leadership abilities and own their power.

Jess is a graduate of James Madison University and has worked in education for ten years. She is a Moonshot edVentures Fellow and a Colorado Education Initiative Fellow and currently does consulting and coaching.

Elda Loya

Co-Founder & Facilitator

I joined GLC to show girls that come from my background that they can accomplish anything and to advocate for what they want and not let anyone discourage them from living the life they want. 

Elda is a graduate of the University of Denver and has worked in law, education, and health over her career.

The Sotos

We are grateful to partner with the GLC. The social-emotional development of our children is important to us and the GLC supports this by helping Sophia grow into a confident and assertive young woman. After every session Sophia is excited to share what she has learned and loves the friendships she has built. We are excited to she has continued with the GLC year after year.

Sophie was part of our first cohort when she was in 4th grade and is now a freshman in high school!

The Hills

My daughters and I got involved with GLC because my girls were ready to use their experiences and voices to help support their friends and peers to be prepared for middle school. I wanted to support and connect with GLC because sometimes our children, especially our daughters, may have a sense of what they need, but they are not sure how to ask or who to ask, so as parents we need to help them by teaching them to advocate, but also stepping in when necessary. I feel that GLC will help many elementary girls learn how to be brave and identify their strengths and weaknesses so that they can grow, and build many friendships in this program. We look forward to continuing to support GLC!

Kaileai was one of Jess’ students when she was in kindergarten. She and her sister Kailani joined GLC as 4th and 6th graders and are now in 8th and 10th grade!

The Alfaros

We joined GLC because showing them they have wings is easy, telling them they have to fly is scary, and knowing they will soar is the amazing part of this whole journey!

Olivia has known Jess and Elda from her time at University Prep in elementary school. She joined GLC shortly after that and is now in 10th grade!