Empowering Futures: FDD’s Support for Girls Rising’s Autism-Informed Training & Outreach

At the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD), we believe that mentorship and education are powerful tools for transformation. We are proud to partner with Girls Rising, an organization dedicated to empowering at-risk girls and young women in San Diego County.

Girls Rising serves young girls ages 8-17 from underserved communities, providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for personal growth. Their programs create pathways to self-confidence, education, and professional development, ensuring that young women from historically underserved communities can access positive role models and support systems.

With the launch of their Autism-Informed Training & Outreach initiative, Girls Rising is taking an essential step toward inclusivity, ensuring that mentors are equipped to support mentees impacted by autism.

Expanding Support Through Autism-Informed Mentorship

Every girl deserves a mentor who understands her unique strengths and challenges. Girls Rising recognizes that young women with autism often face additional barriers to education, employment, and social opportunities. Their Autism-Informed Training & Outreach initiative ensures that mentors are trained to meet the specific needs of mentees impacted by autism, providing:

•  Specialized mentor training to increase understanding and equip mentors with skills to support autistic mentees.

• A thoughtfully developed curriculum that fosters social, emotional, and professional growth for young women on the spectrum.

• Expanded access to mentorship, ensuring that girls and young women on the waitlist receive the needed guidance.

Mentorship has a profound impact on both mentees and mentors, as reflected in the words of Suzie Bigley, a mentor since June 2024, "My mentee has reminded me how indomitable the human spirit is. She is the most kindhearted, compassionate, and giving person I’ve ever met, despite her life circumstances, and it’s helped me bring that same energy to other areas of my work and personal life."

Further, for Victoria H., a mentee since 2023, the support and encouragement from her mentor have been life changing. "My mentor encourages and supports me when I share my dreams. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining values that benefit me and provide for a sound future as I grow older."

FDD’s Support: A $10,000 Grant for Inclusive Mentorship

To help Girls Rising expand its Autism-Informed Training & Outreach efforts, FDD awarded a $10,000 grant, providing a crucial lifeline for the program. This funding helped to:

• Train mentors to provide specialized guidance for autistic mentees.

• Develop a structured, autism-informed curriculum to support the personal and professional growth of girls and young women.

• Ensure that those on the mentorship waitlist receive the support they need.

By partnering with Girls Rising, FDD invested in a future where all young women—regardless of ability—have the mentorship, education, and encouragement they need to succeed.

Building a More Inclusive Future Together

Mentorship isn’t just about guidance; it’s about creating a space where young people feel valued, seen, and empowered to reach their full potential.

As Nicole Anderson, Girls Rising’s Founder and former board member, shares, "I believe that having a consistent, caring person in a child’s life can help guide them to their full potential, especially if there are life challenges that will make it harder for them to get there. I was a board member, and once I came to the end of my board term, I wanted to stay involved."

For Aujunae McKinley, a former mentor and current board member, the impact of mentorship goes beyond the mentees: "Mentorship, to me, means creating a safe space where young people can ask questions, be their authentic selves, and grow. It’s especially meaningful to me because I didn’t have that support growing up. Being able to provide it for young girls in the community is truly heartwarming and reassures me that I’m making a positive impact."

Through this partnership, more girls with autism will have the opportunity to thrive in an environment designed to support their unique journeys.

To learn more about Girls Rising and how you can support their mission, visit girlsrisingsd.org.

We are breaking barriers, building connections, and empowering young women to rise together. 🌟