Publication date: Steptember 29, 2021
From Bullied to Beauty Queen: Miss Oregon Teen USA helps teens build confidence as they head back to the classroom.
“I’m really thankful for [Girls Inc.],” says Shayla. “Being in their after school group allowed me to come out of my shell and begin to realize my self-worth. They taught me how to carry myself as a young woman.” As a mentee and, later, mentor, Shayla grew in confidence and learned to advocate for herself and others. While still in middle school, she started an anti-bullying campaign called #StandUp, that taught teens how to navigate bullying and find the resources they needed, especially when they didn’t feel supported.