She’s the First is proud to announce the selection of our latest cohort for our Girl-Centered Incubator fellowship program! The Girl-Centered Incubator is an important piece of our larger program, the Girls First Institute. After an extensive and competitive process, we’ve chosen a group of exceptional young women to embark on a transformational journey for themselves and their organizations.

The 2023-2026 Cohort of the Girl-Centered Incubator Fellowship includes:

• Japnit Ahuja, Go Girl Organization

• Moraa Beryl, She Deserves to Soar

• Lizza Marie Kawooya, Dwona Initiative

• Joan Kembabazi, Gufasha Girls Foundation

• Ausmiita Sarkar, RANG (Research & Action for Nurturing Gender & Other Identities)

• Peace Tizaru, Hope Peace Gift of Life

The Next Chapter: What's in Store for the Selected Cohort

The Girl-Centered Incubator (GCI) supports young female leaders who are transforming outcomes for girls in their communities through the organizations they founded. Their focus is not just on immediate change but on creating sustainable, long-term impact.

In this program, She’s the First provides fiscal sponsorship and fundamental training to strengthen their organizations—leading to transformative outcomes for the girls in their communities. Throughout the fellowship, these young leaders are equipped with essential knowledge and skills, preparing them for a journey toward financial sustainability for their organizations. The fellows will also receive invaluable mentorship, peer-to-peer support, and guidance from within the organization, with the opportunity to raise funds through She’s the First.

Over the course of three years, our team will train these leaders on topics including NGO governance, capacity building, financial management, program design, and monitoring & evaluation processes with the ultimate purpose of sustaining themselves independently.

A Warm Welcome to the new Girl-Centered Incubator Fellows

“The uniqueness of this group lies not only in their commitment to their work but also in their connection to the communities they serve. The fellows are deeply ingrained in these communities,” said Ceci Arriaza, She’s the First Senior Programs Manager. “This direct connection is fundamental to their approach because they intimately understand the issues faced by these girls, likely because they've encountered similar challenges during their own adolescence.”

A critical criterion for selecting these exceptional individuals was their unwavering commitment to their communities. “They are intentional in defining their priorities and actively involve girls in decision-making processes. Their eagerness to learn and collaborate sets them apart, demonstrating a collective desire for growth and impact,” said Ceci when reflecting on the selection process.

Congratulations to the selected cohort members, and best of luck as you embark on your Girl-Centered Incubator journey. We eagerly anticipate your growth and success!