Our Story
GirlsUP was founded in 2008 by Kelly Murray, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist, professor, author, and mother of six daughters. Kelly believed that girls are most successful when they develop a strong and authentic sense of self. Recognizing the middle school years as a critical period of growth and development, she created GirlsUP to help girls build character, critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of their own voices.
In 2009, following a tragic accident and the loss of Kelly and her daughter, Sloane, a dedicated community of family, friends, and supporters came together to ensure that GirlsUP would continue. Leading that effort was Debra Soltis, a civil rights lawyer, professor at Georgetown Law School, and one of Kelly’s closest friends. Under Debra’s continued leadership as Executive Director, GirlsUP has grown from a single summer session into a thriving organization that has served thousands of girls throughout the DC, Maryland, Virginia, and New York areas.
Through the Years
Kelly Murray launches GirlsUP with a vision to help girls develop confidence, character, and a strong sense of self.
Following Kelly's passing, her close friend Debra Soltis steps into leadership and commits to carrying GirlsUP forward
GirlsUP forms Board of Directors with educators, academics, and industry leaders committed to empowering the next generation of girls.
GirlsUP is selected as a partner of the United National Foundation Campaign for Girls
GirlsUP launches Summer Sessions at Strong Ridge School of the Sacred Heart and Montgomery Country Public Schools in Maryland, expanding access to GirlsUP programming across the region.
GirlsUP creates the Teen Board, giving alumni opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and advocacy
GirlsUP Teen Board members travel to San Fransisco to engage with the UN Foundations Unite for Girls initiative.
GirlsUP offers the Gift of GirlsUP, a full scholarship initiative to expand access to GirlsUP programming in under-resourced areas.
Teen Board members attend a Washington D.C. event featuring Malala Yousafzai, connecting GirlsUP Girls to global conversations about education, leadership, and advocacy.
Read the story ›GirlsUP expands the Girls of GirlsUP by offering scholarship programs at Washington School for Girls
GirlsUP is the recipient of the Columbia Country Club Foundation Grant for its innovative work with adolescent girls.
Executive Director, Debra Soltis and Teen Board member, Delia Friel join Pacifica Radio to discuss GirlsUP's mission and impact.
GirlsUP launches the Girl Hero Lunch, bringing together girls and women who inspire leadership, service, and positive change in their communities.
GirlsUP forms partnerships with The Unscripted Project and Athleta, expanding opportunities for girls through collaborative programming and shared commitments to empowerment.
GirlsUP expands the Gift of GirlsUP by offering scholarship programs at the Washington Latin School.
GirlsUP is selected as a partner of The New York Times Summer Academy, creating new opportunities for GirlsUP girls to explore journalism, media, and storytelling.
GirlsUP launches a school-based pilot program at VOICE Charter School in New York City.
GirlsUP forms new partnerships with Vogue Summer School and Sotheby's Institute, expanding opportunities for girls beyond traditional programming.
GirlsUP introduces its first 12-week after-school program at Blessed Sacrament School, bringing the organization's five pillars of self-discovery into a year-round format
See What's Happening at GirlsUP
From program milestones and partner spotlights to stories from our girls, the GirlsUP newsroom keeps you close to the community.