April 10, 2006

Girls Inc. Teens Wins National Photo Contest

Bonnie Trowbridge
btrowbridge@girlsincdenver.org
(303) 893-4363 x 102

Denver, CO - Girls Incorporated of Metro Denver announced that two girls from the "Be Yourself" Teen Center have won prizes in a national photography contest. This contest was part of an advocacy initiative called "Safe in My World", which uses photography to raise public awareness about girls' experiences of violence and concerns about safety. Girls photographed images of violence and safety in their communities and submitted them for the contest along with captions. Over 1,000 images were submitted. The best 20 photographs will be exhibited on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to raise public awareness and bring national attention to violence and safety in girls' lives. In addition, the top three photographs will appear in a national Girls Inc. publication.

Franki Zinke, age 13 and a student at Skinner Middle School, won first place for her photo "Fence" and her second photo, "You Don't Have to Be Alone" was in the top twenty. She hopes to be able to go to Washington, D.C. to be able to see her photos on exhibit there. Ms. Zinke says, "The class was great and was my first real photography class. I love photography, and there's no limit to what you can do with it. At Girls Inc. I am learning that I don't have to follow and be like everyone else because I am my own unique person."

Christina Martinez, age 13 and a student at Lake Middle School, also placed in the top 20, with her photo of West Colfax called "Colfax St." and will also have her work exhibited on Capital Hill.

"We know that our programs give girls effective tools to deal with violence in their worlds," said Colleen Colarelli, President & CEO of Girls Incorporated of Metro Denver. "It is rewarding to see girls advocating for their needs through these photos and to know that they will be seen by so many people in Washington D.C."

Established in 1983, Girls Inc. of Metro Denver is an affiliate of Girls Incorporated, a national non-profit youth organization working to advance the rights of girls and women and to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold TM. To date, our programs have touched the lives of more than 25,000 girls, particularly those from at-risk, underserved neighborhoods. We have prevention programs in teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and sexual abuse that give girls tools to avoid these risks and overcome peer pressure. We have educational enrichment programs that inspire girls to harness their innate curiosity and creativity and succeed in academics. We have leadership programs that prepare girls to be active participants in their communities. All of these programs create a safe place for girls and help them to confront gender stereotypes and cultural barriers, and prepare them to lead economically independent and successful lives. For more information, go to www.girlsincdenver.org.