Alumni Program

Girls Garage believes that when women and non-binary individuals play an equal and substantive role in building our world, the result is more equitable, sustainable, and representative spaces and opportunities for all. Working with and empowering our alumni is part of our larger effort to shift the demographics of the construction and trades industries.

Our Alumni program, launched in 2024, provides opportunities for our alumni to stay connected to Girls Garage and expand their networks of career possibilities and pathways.

The Alumni Program offers year-long opportunities for virtual workshops, professional panels, social gatherings, and networking events with our construction and skilled trades partners. This supportive network links young leaders to internships and employment opportunities and provides professional development stipends to underwrite tuition, conferences, or membership fees.

Our two Alumni Coordinators, Erica Chu and Charlene Tonai Din, are Girls Garage alum. They helped launch our Alumni Program, and have been involved in designing and moderating panel discussions, hosting informational interviews workshops, and social events.

“My desire to creatively and compassionately build a better world, a value that Girls Garage helped cultivate, is the throughline that gives me direction. Participating in Girls Garage helped me develop strong values at a young age, and now, as an Alumni Cohort Co-Coordinator, I have the opportunity to practice those values as a young professional. ”
— Charlene, class of 2020

“It happened so slowly and I don’t think I realized it until I was deep in high school, but I truly learned how to be fearless through Girls Garage. That’s not to say that I would not be afraid of anything, but I learned how to act in spite of fear. I learned how to recognize fear, put it in its place, and not let it hold me back or define what I was doing. I think it was so important that it happened by doing because it’s something I apply to absolutely every aspect of my life.”
— Tori, class of 2023

“Girls Garage is very much a family. Not only do they see me as a friend and as someone they want around, but my skillset and knowledge as well as my creativity and the way that I think are so deeply valued in this space that it is worth asking me to come back constantly makes me really happy.”
— Nautica, class of 2022

“The alumni program is an amazing resource for professional networking, finding scholarship opportunities, learning new skills, enhancing existing skills, and overall is a safe welcoming space for our alumni. It provides an opportunity for entry-level alumni to meet seasoned industry professionals, and answer any questions that will arise. As a young woman in commercial construction, I am beyond thankful to have the GG alumni cohort as a resource. ”
— Erica, class of 2020

Why It Matters

Launching an alumni program for Girls Garage is a game-changer, extending our impact far beyond our programs itself. By building a vibrant alumni network, we’re creating a powerful support system that offers resources, connections, and a sense of belonging long after participants graduate. Connecting alumni to internships and job opportunities unlocks doors to industries, mentors, and networks, giving them the tools to build successful careers and thrive in their professional journeys.

Beyond job opportunities, the program provides professional development stipends to cover essential costs like tuition, conferences, and memberships, breaking down financial barriers and fueling continuous growth. This investment empowers our alumni to reach new heights in their careers and stay on the cutting edge.

What’s more, the alumni program strengthens the Girls Garage community, creating a cycle of empowerment where alumni mentor and support the next generation of leaders. This sense of connection and purpose fuels a culture of resilience, leadership, and success. The program ensures that Girls Garage is not just an organization but a dynamic movement that keeps creating opportunities, elevating voices, and helping women thrive at every stage of their journey.

28

alumni currently in program

50+%

of graduates move on to college programs + careers in the trades

96%

of girls report increased confidence and interest in STEM and trades due to Girls Garage

5

events organized in 2024