Published on July 07, 2026
Franklin County Board of Commissioners I Franklin County Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development
A $60,000 county grant will fund two leadership programs expected to reach as many as 720 girls across Franklin County, not through direct enrollment, but through the adults who mentor them.
The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously July 7 to approve Resolution 0470-26, a grant agreement with She Imprints to support two programs: Emerge and She Leads. Emerge is a cohort-based leadership program for women between the ages of 30 and 55, covering financial literacy and personal and professional growth alongside leadership training. She Leads trains educators, social workers, and community leaders who work with girls in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Each cohort serves 15 to 20 women, but organizers expect that training to ripple outward. Participants are projected to reach between 540 and 720 girls as they apply what they learn in their own schools and communities. Programming runs in multiple cohorts starting in spring, including a summer facilitator training session, with additional sessions planned into early 2027.
Perla Martinez, Deputy Director with the Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development, presented the item. The grant supports Goals 9, 11, and 13 of the Rise Together Blueprint and the office's economic opportunity and workforce development priorities.
Session Date: July 7, 2026
Resolution: Res. 0470-26
Vote: Passed unanimously