“When I showed up for my first Protest and Print class, I wasn’t sure who I was, what I wanted to do, or why I joined. But I was met with open arms and surrounded by girls and instructors who showed me my purpose and gave me a sense of belonging. The creation of my first piece was just the beginning of my journey to making sure my voice was heard and representing those who were being misrepresented or not represented at all.”

— Aisha, 16 years old

“Girls Garage has opened up doors to so many different worlds that I would have not known existed if it wasn’t for this program. It shows every girl that they have in each of them a person who can do anything. They give you tools that can be used throughout your whole life along with an amazing community that cheers you on every step of the way.”

— Iris

“I am personally working towards establishing myself as a visual artist. And even somewhere as liberal and diverse as the Bay Area, there is always that feeling... That feeling that because you are a woman, and especially a young one, that what you are doing is lesser; less informed, less talented, less valuable. But when I’m at Girls Garage, and the reason I have stuck around so long and plan to as long as I can is that I truly feel the exact opposite. The space radiates with support, appreciation, and empathy; helping me further my work and connect with others.”

— Innua, 17 years old

“Girls Garage has changed the way my daughter feels about herself as a learner and a creative person—and perhaps that is the greatest gift the program offers our girls. The skillset my daughter is building is clear and undeniable. I never anticipated the self-reliance she would gain, or the faith she would develop in herself as a result of her work. The experience has exploded her notion of what she believes she is capable of doing.”

— Stephanie, Parent