Girls Empowerment Network Announces CEO Julia Cuba Lewis's Transition After 17 Years of Inspiring Change for Girls in Texas
AUSTIN, TX – October 30,2023 - Girls Empowerment Network announces a momentous leadership transition with the departure of CEO Julia Cuba Lewis, who has dedicated 17 years to the organization as its driving force. Julia's last day with the organization will be on December 31, 2023.
Julia joined Girls Empowerment Network in 2006, after what she describes as 'love at first sight' with the agency’s mission of igniting the power in girls. Under her leadership, the agency established its signature self-efficacy curriculum, expanded services across key service regions in Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, and adeptly navigated challenges during the pandemic. Today, with the Girls Empowerment Network gearing up for the return of its signature in-person conference and maintaining services to thousands of girls in Texas; Cuba Lewis knows it is a time of strength and opportunity to embrace the next chapter in her career.
“Girls Empowerment Network has been one of the greatest loves of my life. Leaving is not easy, but the staff and board are so capable I know it’s time. I’m ready to know what else I’m
capable of too. I’m excited to be a part of the network in a new way and further this critical mission to help Texas girls become unstoppable - a mission which is more important now than ever before.” - Julia Cuba Lewis
The Board has appointed Ami Kane, the current Deputy Director of Girls Empowerment Network, as the Interim CEO, with her leadership role set to start on January 1st, 2024. As well, the agency proudly internally promoted Kameryn Sampson, Girls Empowerment Network Houston-based Program Director, to the role of Interim Deputy Director. Together, Kane and Sampson will guide the organization into an exciting future, continuing their mission of empowering and championing girls, starting in January 2024.
“Julia's legacy at Girls Empowerment Network is enormous and it is clear that girls in Texas are better off because of her years of hard work. I'm grateful beyond words for all of Julia's mentorship, vision, support, and empowerment as our leader--a leader who truly cares about her staff and lives the mission in her every action. The legacy that she leaves on myself, personally, having worked under her leadership since 2010, is more than I can even properly verbalize, but I will keep trying, as we celebrate her many accomplishments this winter.”
Girls Empowerment Network current Houston Program Director and future Interim Deputy Director, Kameryn Sampson, MSW, had the following to say about this transition: "I am beyond thankful for Julia's kindness, humor, and ability to remain so down to earth, because those skills made me feel not only connected to Girls Empowerment Network, but her as a person as well. It is not often you find a leader like Julia. I am grateful to experience a "captain of the ship" that has such a strong expertise and love for this field. I am also so excited to step into this new role, alongside Ami, and continue to support this organization in what it does best, ignite the power in girls. Julia will without a doubt be missed, and her legacy is one that will live on forever.”
““It’s the honor of my life to have been appointed by our board to steward the organization into its next era. Kameryn and I are both so excited to step up and I know that the team that Julia has built will continue to make her proud and carry the torch of empowerment forward as long as we are needed by Texas’ girls!” ”
Over the next few months, Girls Empowerment Network will introduce these leaders whose contributions have already been instrumental in their current roles and will be vital as they shape the agency's future in their new positions.
The agency is currently in the planning stages for a celebration to honor Julia Cuba Lewis's impact at Girls Empowerment Network. Details regarding this event will be shared at a later date.
“It's the honor of my life to have been appointed by our board to steward the organization into its next era. Kameryn and I are both so excited to step up and I know that the team that Julia has built will continue to make her proud and carry the torch of empowerment forward as long as we are needed by Texas' girls!” , shared Ami Kane.
Board members Becky Austen and Rosa Walker are leading the Executive Transition Committee. For any questions or concerns during this transition process, please do not hesitate to reach out to them at office@girlsempowermentnetwork.org.
About Girls Empowerment Network
Through school-based programs and conferences, Girls Empowerment Network’s mission is to ignite the power in Texas girls by teaching them the skills to thrive and believe in their ability to be unstoppable. Founded in 1996, Girls Empowerment Network envisions a world where all girls believe in their power. www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org