When our Director of Development Kristy Higares talks about Oakland, something changes. Her tone softens and smile widens, as if she’s talking about a beloved family member whom you just 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 to meet. Read our most recent blog post to learn about Kristy's deep, abiding love for Oakland, creative community organizing, and the collective power of activist art!
*“Girls” refers to gender-expansive youth (cis girls, trans girls, non-binary youth, gender non-conforming youth, gender queer youth, and any girl-identified youth).
“When I'm here, I do all the things people tell me I can't.”
— Solyana, 15 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
“The experience was so amazing for me because I got to show my work to school kids, teachers, and parents that use the classrooms and school space. I am so grateful that I got the experience to create a powerful symbol of hope and interconnectedness. I don’t think I could have gotten the same experience anywhere else, creating powerful artwork alongside girls my age, artwork with a social justice purpose.”
— Keiani
“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
participating girls since 2013
projects completed since 2013
teen girls attending at no cost
Girls Garage is your can-do compendium of all things tools and building! Packed with over 175 illustrated tool guides, 11 how-to projects, 21 essential skills, and 15 profiles of awesome builder girls and women, Girls Garage will inspire you to fill up your toolbox and get building.
"I wrote this book as an invitation for girls to put on their tool belts and build the world they want to see. And I mean that quite literally: I want girls, who have big dreams, goals, and ideas, to have zero barriers to access the tools they need to be successful. That tool might be a hammer, a little extra confidence to try something new, or the ability to see yourself in the world of STEM."
— Emily Pilloton, Founder of Girls Garage