What was the initiative?

Thrive: “Like a Girl” (TLAG) aimed to empower girls by fostering self-esteem, confidence, and leadership skills. The program was designed to provide a safe, supportive environment where participants could engage in meaningful conversations, explore personal growth, and increase their resilience. Through workshops that blended education and discussion, TLAG sought support girls to navigate body confidence, self-esteem, leadership, sexual and reproductive health, healthy partnerships, and feeling confident in their identities.

What was the community connection?

Nicola’s connection to girls in the Hamilton community was rooted in her understanding of their unique needs, as someone who calls Hamilton home. Through her initiative, she sought to address a gap in youth empowerment programming by moving beyond traditional education-focused approaches and fostering conversations that empowered young people to drive their own growth. Her familiarity with the community allowed her to create a program tailored to local challenges while laying the groundwork for expansion to nearby areas.

How was it innovative?

Thrive: “Like a Girl” prioritized participant-led growth, allowing girls to drive discussions and explore their fears and questions, giving them agency over their personal development. Unlike traditional, curriculum-heavy programs, TLAG blurred the lines between structured education and open dialogue, fostering a more organic and engaging learning environment. The program’s scalable model, supported by volunteer training and plans for a dedicated steering committee, ensured It could expand into new communities while staying true to its core mission. Additionally, by integrating real-world challenges through activities like role-playing and focusing on relatable topics, the program remained impactful and highly relevant.

What is Nicola doing now?

Nicola has been working as a Registered Nurse focused on pediatric emergency for Hamilton Health Sciences since 2022. Nicola also works as a Project Manager for the American Society for Emergency Contraception.