Local Teen Selected to Champion Topics Impacting Girls as Part of Girls Inc. U.S. Teen Advocacy Council

Philadelphia, PA October 30, 2026 – Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey is proud to announce that Matab, a Senior from Philadelphia, has been selected to serve on the Girls Inc. U.S. Teen Advocacy Council, joining a select group of girls from across the Girls Inc. Network who will bring their perspectives, experiences and ideas to a national platform. Matab was selected from a record-breaking competitive pool of applicants from Girls Inc. Affiliates across the country. Her selection recognizes a commitment to using her voice, supporting her peers, and contributing to her community.

As a member of the U.S. Teen Advocacy Council, Matab will have the opportunity to develop and strengthen her self-advocacy and leadership skills, connect with other Girls Inc. teens from across the United States, and help inform conversations and initiatives that affect girls and young women. Through training, mentorship, collaboration and opportunities to share their perspective, Council members will learn how to turn the issues they care about into meaningful action, bringing their topics to Capitol Hill with the objective of mobilizing legislators around issues of their choosing. They will take the skills they learn back to their community to build powerful solutions that strengthen their neighborhoods and schools.

Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey CEO Natasha Johnson said of Matab, “Matab is exactly the kind of leader our world needs, courageous, thoughtful, and committed to creating opportunities for others. Her selection to the U.S. Teen Advocacy Council reflects not only her accomplishments, but also her potential to influence meaningful change. We are proud to see her represent Girls Inc. and amplify the voices of girls on a national level.” Matab will be one of fourteen members of the 2026-2027 U.S. Teen Advocacy Council. To learn more about the council,

About Girls Inc.

Girls Inc. is a network of local organizations that works with schools and in communities across the United States and Canada. Through direct service and advocacy, Girls Inc. equips girls with the knowledge and skills to effect positive changes in their lives and to become leaders who will change the world. Professionally trained staff and volunteers provide mentorship, supportive spaces, and research-informed programming that address the challenges girls face and are proven to help them succeed. Together with partners and supporters, Girls Inc. is building the new generation of leaders. Join us at girlsinc.org.

At Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey, we help girls grow up strong, smart, and bold—ready to take on the world with confidence and compassion.

Media Contact:

Chandra Deal, Director of Advancement

Cdeal@girlsincpa-nj.org