United States – Girls Health Ed

Where We Are

United States

Currently, we operate in 4 US cities (Washington, DC; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and New Orleans, LA) and have received requests for workshops in several other US cities.

In the US, only 9 states require sex education to be culturally competent and unbiased.

GHE in the US

Currently, we operate in 4 US cities—Washington, DC; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and New Orleans, LA—and have received requests for workshops in several other US cities. We are also in the process of developing a virtual learning platform in order to efficiently scale and reach girls and young women in more geographic regions.

Our Impact

We work with our school and community center partners and Teaching Fellows to develop and deliver customized, culturally competent, and relevant workshops and programs to the girls we serve. As an organization, we constantly evolve to meet the needs of the whole girl and young woman. We maximize our impact through pre- and post-workshop surveys and modify or adapt our programming based on the results.

of girls feel more comfortable talking to romantic/sexual partners about consent and safer sex practices.

of girls correctly answer questions about menstruation and contraception.

of girls agree or strongly agree that they have positive qualities outside of how they look.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes: Meet Our Chapter Leaders

Gianna Yenna - New York, NY Chapter Leader

Gianna is a pre-health student majoring in Human Biology at Hunter College. She completed her A.S. in Community Health at Nassau Community College. She is a volunteer EMT and certified in mental health first aid.

Gianna spent many years working as a camp counselor with young children and as a one-on-one counselor to children with special needs. Her passions include health, spending time in nature, women’s empowerment, and reading.

Gianna was drawn to Girls Health Ed because it is an organization where many of her most valued passions are instilled in girls and young women. Gianna believes that Girls Health Ed has a mission that will not only teach the girls and young women about self-care, health, and positive relationships but allow the team to grow as well.

Tavia Ricks - Washington, DC Chapter Leader

Tavia is a mom, experienced leader in the technology realm, certified life coach, and Girls Health Ed Teaching Fellow who has made it her mission to not only make a positive impact on the lives of those closest to her, but to assist others be the best they aspire to. She understands that most people want to reach their full potential in life and achieve certain goals; however, knows that stagnation may take a strong hold and is always willing to listen and encourage growth. She has a reputation of being honest, affable, and understanding yet driven and firm.

In addition to her resume of other noteworthy experiences, Tavia completed leadership courses through Harvard University and Lead People while working as a professional IT manager at the Executive Office of the President of the United States for 12 years.

Tavia says, “Volunteering my thoughts and time is integral to who I am. I am not sure why it took me until 2020 to take the first step toward serving children outside of my home. I love every minute of it as well as what the organization stands for.”

Jenna Holtzman- Miami, FL and Los Angeles, CA Chapter Leader

For over 6 years, Jenna has led successful brand campaigns for talent in the entertainment space, helping her clients make 5 to 7 figures in profit and fundraise hundreds of thousands of dollars for their own charities (always casually suggesting GHE as a potential beneficiary).

Jenna’s passion for empowering others began as a child, having created an anti-bullying program at the age of 11 at her own middle school. Growing up in an environment that didn’t prioritize or educate on mental, emotional, and reproductive/women’s health and having experienced certain hardships as a result, Jenna knew she didn’t want this to be the case for other girls and young women. This desire led to Jenna’s involvement with Girls Health Ed which started during the beginning of the pandemic in Los Angeles. She is currently based in Miami and goes back and forth between there and Los Angeles each month for work. She is excited to grow the program in both locations.

GHE at Work

Your Support Is Powerful!

Join our efforts to improve the lives of girls and young women through comprehensive health and sexuality education. Thanks to your continued support, we can expand our reach and help even more girls and young women change their lives.