From Mentor to Leader: Meet the Executive Chair of Girls Mentor Girls

Girls Mentor Girls is a Bronx-based nonprofit organization founded by Michelle Jervis that uplifts BIPOC young girls through mentorship programs, community events and professional development opportunities. Behind the organization is a community of hardworking and passionate individuals who have helped shape Girls Mentor Girls into the impactful force it is today, such as Daniela Sabogal.

Daniela Sabogal is currently the Chair of the Board of Directors at Girls Mentor Girls where she schedules meetings, sets agendas and oversees grants. Filling in gaps wherever during her busy work life, she is committed to serving the professional and social development of girls. Recently, Sabogal has completed a 10-week Nonprofit Essentials Training Series with the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services and hopes to use the valuable insight she's learned to help blossom Girls Mentor Girls. During her day job, Sabogal is a Housing and Benefits attorney at the nonprofit organization Make the Road in which she defends tenants, primarily serving Spanish speaking communities.

—The Journey—

Taking on such a respectable role doesn’t always begin with hard leadership abilities. It takes experience, ambition, and commitment. Amidst the global pandemic, Sabogal started out as a mentor for Girls Mentor Girls in 2020 after hearing about the organization from a friend.

“I thought it was a cool opportunity during the global pandemic. I had a lot of time,” Sabogal said.

Being someone who liked to volunteer her time, Sabogal was ​​enamored by the organization’s vision of every girl having someone they could confide in and building a sisterhood where they could all grow alongside each other. She worked as a mentor for about 3 years until she aged out of the mentorship program. However, Sabogal, feeling like she was ready for more responsibilities, wanted to go further in the organization. As such, she joined the Girls Mentor Girls Board of Directors as the Executive Chair. The shift from mentor to board member allowed Sabogal to share new ideas, grow closer to the community of girls, and find fulfillment in an organization so dear to her.

“All those things make it worth it,” she said.

—The Struggles—

Yet, the job wasn’t so easy. The transition from mentor to leader has caused Sabogal a fair share of adversity. With more work came more responsibilities. As the Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors, one must keep up with their duties and fill into the shoes of a leader.

“Balancing the workload is a really hard part. Another part is leadership in general. This is one of the first real leadership roles I’ve had in the workplace. Needing to be the one encouraging others is new to me. But I have to take responsibility and just do it,” she said.

Despite the potential fears and failures, Sabogal simply accepts the challenge and faces it. She takes a ready and open approach to her role as Chair.

“I try to take accountability. I keep asking for opinions and feedback. I’m always open to conversations, not shying away from hearing difficult things,” she said.

Leveling with others while having authority is what makes an honest and communicative leader. Sabogal exemplifies this. As she steps into the role and takes on difficult tasks, she is reminded of who this is really all for.

—Member Impact—

Throughout her time at Girls Mentor Girls, Sabogal cherishes the wonderful memories with the girls from meetings at Zambo Aroma to those in the park. Whether in-person or online, every meeting felt personal and moving. Many of the organization’s qualities continue to deeply resonate with her.

“Girls Mentor Girls is really focused on wellness, a personal endeavor of mine. A lot of our meetings start with meditations. I have now brought that with me in my personal life,” Sabogal said.

She also holds the meaning of the organization’s logo near and dear, a Sanokfa bird moving forward while looking back. She describes it as:

“Working towards the betterment of that community, while looking back on your shoulder on who you can help and bring along.”

Sabogal understands the organization’s values and background, encapsulating those qualities within herself. Along with being an attorney and having a busy life outside of Girls Mentor Girls, she maintains a strong personal connection and commitment to the organization. It doesn’t come from the need or obligation but rather the passion to serve her community.

“At this point it would be weird to not be a part of Girls Mentor Girls. Me and the group have become so close. This is part of me now […] Part of me would be missing if I wasn’t doing this work. Disconnected from girls, mentors, mentees, and Michelle,” Sabogal says.

Through thick and thin, Girls Mentor Girls remain a priority for Sabogal. It is a space where she is able to find community, help young girls grow into exceptional advocates, and learn from various generations of women.

“The things that I learned at Girls Mentor Girls are ingrained in me,” She said.

—There's a place for you at Girls Mentor Girls—

For years Sabogal has dedicated her time and effort into Girls Mentor Girls. From a mentor to now the Chair of the Board of Directors, she has learned countless lessons and grew into a capable leader. As she reflects her time back on the organization, she is surprised about how open people can be when they are given a safe space. The meetings and events all create spheres where trust, friendship, and communities can be built. So much time can pass, but when everyone is back together again, everything clicks right back in. To the general public, Girls Mentor Girls seems like a good passing thought. However, Sabogal sees the organization’s programs as more than just an opportunity.

“You won’t understand the scope, or breath of what we do, until you’re in it.” She states.

The entire experience that the organization brings not only impacts the young girls that they serve, but those who help make it happen. Sabogal is one of many amazing individuals that have contributed to Girls Mentor Girls and wishes great success for the organization’s goals. The scope is small, but there is still so much to be done to expand the reach of mentorship programs for girls of color.

“They don’t happen unless we create them,” Sabogal affirms.

Daniela Sabogal plans to continue pursuing her role as the Chair on the board and hopes to make the organization more accessible for everyone. Her future goals include posting information sessions regarding the board so people can see the work Girls Mentor Girls do and the assistance they need in hopes of inspiring more people to join the organization.