I’m excited to share my experience with the Girls Belong Here (GBH) program run by Plan International Canada, which I participated in earlier this year.
About the Program
The Girls Belong Here Program is Plan International Canada’s initiative to promote gender equality in leadership. This year, the program shifted to a digital platform, allowing young women to step into leadership positions and shadow executives across various organizations.
Watch this video to learn more about the program:
The program pairs ambassadors with CEOs and executives, providing valuable mentorship and real-world experience in leadership roles.
My Personal Experience
I had the incredible opportunity to shadow Nadine, the VP of Business Development at Plan International Canada. During my shadowing experience, I was deeply inspired by:
- Her outstanding work ethic
- Her genuine motivation to help others
- Her exceptional leadership skills in group settings
The timing coincided with my midterm season, but the encouragement from other participants helped me stay motivated and push through challenges.
Key Takeaways from My Shadowing Experience
Professional Development
- Importance of adaptability in the workplace
- Mastering work-life balance through effective time management
- Value of long-term thinking in career planning
- Focus on developing problem-solving skills - passion will follow
Overcoming Challenges
- Dealing with imposter syndrome
- Pushing beyond comfort zones for maximum growth
- Building confidence in professional settings
- Embracing networking opportunities
Climate Change Initiatives
During my time with Plan Canada, I learned about their climate change programs, including:
- Community resilience projects
- Infrastructure development
- Solar energy initiatives in developing countries
- Youth unemployment solutions
- Local environmental protection efforts
Lessons from Other Participants
- Build and maintain strong self-esteem
- Challenge your assumptions regularly
- Take feedback constructively
- Don’t let perfectionism hold you back
- Utilize free internet resources
- Break down big goals into manageable steps
Advice for Future GBH Members
Based on my experience, here are three key pieces of advice for the incoming cohort:
- Find Your Voice: Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions
- Embrace Curiosity: Approach every opportunity as a chance to learn
- Build Genuine Connections: Network with your cohort - you never know where these connections might lead!
What Makes a Successful GBH Member
Success in the program comes from:
- Genuine engagement with the program and its opportunities
- Active interest in learning and growth
- Commitment to personal development and community improvement
- Openness to new experiences and perspectives
Program Impact on My Career
The GBH program has significantly impacted my professional journey by:
- Building my confidence in professional settings
- Helping me recognize my ability to bring value to organizations
- Establishing valuable professional connections
- Providing real-world exposure to various industries, especially finance
Personal Highlight
One of my favorite aspects of the program was participating in various industry meetings, particularly in finance, which gave me invaluable insights into the professional world. A particularly exciting outcome was discovering that one of my GBH cohort members later became my coworker during an internship!
Additional Resources
For more perspectives on the GBH experience, check out my peer’s blog post about shadowing the President of Pfizer Canada.
Closing Thoughts
I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can continue to empower each other. The Girls Belong Here program isn’t just about individual growth - it’s about creating a community of strong, supportive leaders who lift each other up.
Stay safe and well!
-Grace