Hey There!
We are so excited to be hosting the second annual Twin Cities Girl Up Gala! Thank you for your interest in our event and we hope to see you there!
What is Girl Up?
Girl Up is a girl-centered leadership development initiative, focusing on equity for girls and women in spaces where they are unheard or underrepresented.The Girl Up organization is also dedicated to 5 pillars: education, health, freedom from violence, count, and leadership so we surround many of our efforts around these pillars.
Meet the co-chairs
The Girl Up Gala is being planned with around 20 high school girls from five schools. Within these twenty, there are seven co-chairs. Here is some more information about them!
Meet Harper Stevnenson-Shimek
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Hi! My name is Harper Stevenson-Shimek and I am one of the co-chairs for this year’s MN 2026 Girl Up Gala as well as a current senior at Benilde-St. Margaret’s School. Outside of Girl Up, I play basketball, I like to hang out with friends, go on walks, and do just about anything outside & active! In school I am one of four leaders of our Girl Up club, and I also am on the varsity girls’ basketball team. I am a peer ministry captain, a link crew leader, and I also have an internship with the BSM admissions team!
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Being the only returning co-chair from the 2024 gala is such an honor. I am so excited to have brought in new co-chairs with new ideas and excitement. I handle the social media for the gala as well as our speakers and I will also be an MC of the gala. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Meet Emme Coulliard
Hi everyone! My name is Emme Couillard and I am a senior at the Academy of Holy Angels. I am the president of the Holy Angels Girl Up chapter.
Outside of Girl Up, I am president of HOSA, Knowledge Bowl, and the Math team. I have Irish danced for 12 years and I also play tennis.
I am one of the co-chairs of the Gala and have spearheaded the venue, volunteers, and helped with the silent auction donations. I am so excited to be an MC at the Gala and bring people together for such a good cause!
Meet Kenna Cossack
Hi! My name is Kenna Cossack and I am a senior at Edina high school. Besides Girl-Up I am involved in cross country, band, Global Scholars, and Interact Club at my school. I also serve on the student board of the Edina Education Fund and through that I focus on Mental Health awarness and needs in Edina Public Schools. I love listening to music and traveling!
I have loved planning the gala and getting to know the girls that have been working hard. I'm so excited to see everything come together the night of the gala!
Meet Lucy Johnson
Hi guys! My name is Lucy Johnson and I am a junior at Benilde Saint Margaret's. I am a leader for Girl Up at BSM and a Co-Chair for the MN Girl Up Gala.
Outside of Girl Up, I play basketball, softball, and run cross country and I love to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse! I am so excited to be a part of the Minnesota Girl Up Gala and have loved growing closer with my other co-chairs.
Meet Sadie Taylor
Hi! My name is Sadie Taylor and I am a
current junior at DeLaSalle Highschool! I am the founder and co-president of the girl up chapter at my school, which was established earlier this year. Outside of Girl Up, I love to be surrounded by friends and family, play volleyball, volunteer in the community, and be outside!
I am one of the co-chairs for this year's Girl Up Gala and have worked on sponsorships, vendor partnerships, and overall design of this event! I am so excited to connect with new people and see everyone come together at the gala! Hope to see you there January 14th!
Meet Ella Duplessis
Hi everyone!! My name is Ella Duplessis, and I am a senior at Blake High School. This is my second year being a co-chair leader of Blake's Girl Up. Outside of Girl Up, I am a leader of my schools Student Diversity Leadership Committee, am a Captain for Cross Country, and I am a leader for our student of color affinity group!!
I am one of the Co-chairs of the Gala, and am SUPER excited for it. I have loved working with the other girls to create an unforgettable night!!!!
Meet Asylin Wanless
Hi! My name is Ayslin Wanless. I am a freshman at Benilde-St. Margaret’s! I am a co-leader of BSM’s Girl Up Club.
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Outside of Girl Up, I dance and play golf. I love hanging out with friends and baking!
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I am so excited for the gala to raise awareness for these inspirational non-profits and to visit with Girl Up members and friends!