ROX (Ruling Our eXperiences)

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ROX (Ruling Our eXperiences) Being a Girl ROX! ROX is the national nonprofit leader in research, education and programming for girls.

Ruling Our eXperiences directly addresses the challenges that girls face during their adolescent years including drops in self-esteem and self-confidence, less interest in certain subjects in school including math and science, lower confidence in their bodies and appearance, difficulty forming healthy relationships with peers as well as dating partners, and dealing with violence -- particularly sexual violence.

We're so proud of ROX Facilitator Vanessa Paula! She won the Impact Award for her "outstanding performance and lasting c...
10/16/2026

We're so proud of ROX Facilitator Vanessa Paula! She won the Impact Award for her "outstanding performance and lasting contributions that support the mission and vision of Fairfax County Public Schools in the category of Equity and Cultural Responsiveness."

Vanessa, you're changing lives every day - for your ROX Girls, and for every student at your schools! THANK YOU!

A Story About: A new ROX Facilitator quickly learns the power of The ROX ProgramSubmitted By: Caroline Kavanagh, License...
10/15/2026

A Story About: A new ROX Facilitator quickly learns the power of The ROX Program
Submitted By: Caroline Kavanagh, Licensed School Counselor, ROX Facilitator
Key ROX Program Outcomes: After participating in The ROX Program, 86% of girls have higher levels of self-esteem and self-confidence
Did You Know? 3 out of 4 ROX Programs that start with philanthropy become self-sustaining due to demonstrated impact and effectiveness.

I stumbled upon ROX on Instagram in the Spring of 2024. I was immediately interested.

I work at a Title 1 school in The Bronx, NYC. There are limited funds for extracurricular programming. I attended an all girls school for high school and knew the power of girl connection. There is a lack of girl education and empowerment across the board, but more so in low income areas.

Luckily I was going to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Conference that summer and was able to meet ROX’s Dr. Lisa Hinkelman and Nancy Willis in person. I was awarded the Walmart Scholarship to start a cohort at my school.

To say that I am grateful would be an understatement. ROX quickly became my favorite part of my job. My girls absolutely loved coming to ROX each week. I had girls asking if they could join everyday. I saw a complete difference in each of the ten girls in my ROX Cohort. The skills learned in ROX are invaluable and PS 96 is forever indebted to this amazing organization.

Read more ROX Impact stories at www.rulingoureperiences.org/50states50stories

Did you know ROX has a program for ROX alumni called ROX Leadership Team? The number one thing we hear from ROX Girls af...
10/14/2026

Did you know ROX has a program for ROX alumni called ROX Leadership Team? The number one thing we hear from ROX Girls after they participate in the 20-week ROX Program for Girls is that they wish they had more ROX! So, we created a space for them to build upon the skills they learned in ROX and take them to the next level via ROX Leadership Team.

Of girls who participated in the RLT program:
- 95% said the experience helped them set goals
- 93% said they feel more confident using their voice
- 93% said the experience helped them grow as a leader

Here’s what ROX Leadership Team girls told us they learned about themselves through the program:
- “I learned my ideas and thoughts can have a huge impact. Everyone plays a part.”
- “I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to.”
- “I learned that I have more power than I think and can use my voice when I need to.”
- “I learned that I am more of a leader and can get through harder things than I thought.”

According to The Girls’ Index™, girls’ desire to be liked keeps them from speaking up. In fact, 67% report that they don...
10/13/2026

According to The Girls’ Index™, girls’ desire to be liked keeps them from speaking up. In fact, 67% report that they don’t say what they are thinking or disagree with others because they want to be liked.

So what can we do to support girls in using their voices?

We need to teach girls that not everybody is going to like them, and that’s ok.

Especially when standing up for ourselves, or speaking up in a new way, not everyone is going to agree or like what we have to say. Teach your girl to find her value within herself, instead of getting it from the external approval of others.

10/11/2026

Happy International Day of The Girl! At ROX, we are more committed than ever to our mission of creating generations of confident girls who control their own relationships, experiences, decisions and futures. The ROX Program for Girls is now in schools in ALL 50 STATES, but even so? We're *just* getting started. Did you know ROX is a nonprofit? Our work is made possible by generous donors and philanthropy. You can celebrate International Day of the Girl by joining our mission and sponsoring a ROX Girl for just $10/month! Over the course of one year, you'll send one girl through the 20-lesson ROX Program!

Learn more and give at https://loom.ly/Lutl5B0

A Story About: A State Representative speaks to a ROX Cohort as their career speakerSubmitted By: Jillian Doddema, Licen...
10/08/2026

A Story About: A State Representative speaks to a ROX Cohort as their career speaker
Submitted By: Jillian Doddema, Licensed School Counselor, ROX Facilitator
Key ROX Program Outcomes: Enhanced communication skills and career inspiration
Did You Know? After participating in ROX, 90% of girls report that they plan to attend college after they graduate

Every ROX Program includes a career speaker day, and my ROX Group invited our State Representative, Tara Peters, to share her experience being a woman in a male-dominated job. We ended up being invited to the State Capitol!

It was great to see my girls take ownership of the visit. It was amazing to see their excitement speaking with someone who grew up in a 'normal' way but was able to do great things in our community as a strong, assertive woman!

Read more ROX Impact Stories at www.rulingourexperiences.org/50states50stories

55% of girls said they are afraid to lead because they don’t want others to think they are bossy (The Girls’ Index™). So...
10/06/2026

55% of girls said they are afraid to lead because they don’t want others to think they are bossy (The Girls’ Index™).

So what can we do to support our girls in embracing their leadership potential?

For starters: we need to teach girls that leadership skills are skills for success.

As Dr. Hinkelman writes in her book Girls Without Limits, “Assertiveness is generally a characteristic associated with boys and men; however, it is a skill that is also necessary for effective and authentic communication– a key trait of leadership. Assertiveness does not mean aggressiveness or demanding to get one’s own way; rather, it means ensuring that your voice and opinions are offered and heard.”

In fact, Dr. Hinkelman says, “Being a good listener, demonstrating empathy and creating an environment of mutual respect and collaboration are all traits of effective leadership.”

55% of girls said they are afraid to lead because they don’t want others to think they are bossy (The Girls’ Index™). So...
10/05/2026

55% of girls said they are afraid to lead because they don’t want others to think they are bossy (The Girls’ Index™).

So what can we do to support our girls in embracing their leadership potential?

For starters: we need to teach girls that leadership skills are skills for success.

As Dr. Hinkelman writes in her book Girls Without Limits, “Assertiveness is generally a characteristic associated with boys and men; however, it is a skill that is also necessary for effective and authentic communication– a key trait of leadership. Assertiveness does not mean aggressiveness or demanding to get one’s own way; rather, it means ensuring that your voice and opinions are offered and heard.”

In fact, Dr. Hinkelman says, “Being a good listener, demonstrating empathy and creating an environment of mutual respect and collaboration are all traits of effective leadership.”

Hey Central Ohio! Our friends at the Columbus Blue Jackets  are offering a special ice hockey clinic for girls ages 5-12...
10/03/2026

Hey Central Ohio! Our friends at the Columbus Blue Jackets are offering a special ice hockey clinic for girls ages 5-12 called Her Game, Her Night! And the best part? No experience or equipment is required to attend!

📅 Friday, October 16
⏰ 6:30–7:15 p.m.
📍 OhioHealth Chiller Dublin

✨ What’s included:
- Get Out And Learn stick, jersey, and knit gloves to keep
- No experience required
- Skate rental included
- Ticket to a 2026-27 Blue Jackets home game

Space is limited, register at www.bluejackets.com/goal to reserve your spot!

A Story About: Brittany, a 5th grader from OhioStory Submitted by: Lavonne King, Licensed School Counselor (LSC), ROX Fa...
10/01/2026

A Story About: Brittany, a 5th grader from Ohio
Story Submitted by: Lavonne King, Licensed School Counselor (LSC), ROX Facilitator
Key ROX Program Outcomes: Increased confidence to use her voice
Did You Know? 86% of ROX girls have higher levels of self-esteem and self-confidence.

Brittany is soft spoken and fairly shy. When being interviewed for a speaking role at the ROX fundraiser, she didn’t speak up and wasn’t chosen for the role. She was devastated.

The night of the fundraiser, however, she was asked if she wanted to speak. She lit up and was so excited. She nailed it! She showed such bravery and confidence that night. She said ROX helped her to speak up and use her voice.

Read more ROX impact stories at www.rulingourexperiences.org/50states50stories

Address

1335 Dublin Road, Ste 18A
Columbus, OH
43215

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