Hey There!
We are so excited to be hosting the third 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 five 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 high school girls from Benilde-St. Margaret's, The Academy of Holy Angels, The Blake School, and Visitation, and there are seven co-chairs. Here is some more information about them!
Meet Ayslin Wanless
Hi! My name is Ayslin Wanless, and I am a sophomore at Benilde-St Margaret’s! I am a co-leader of Girl Up at BSM, and I was a co-chair of the Girl Up Gala last year, too. I've loved being involved with Girl Up because of the opportunity to connect with other passionate young women and raise awareness for important causes. I also dance, help lead speech and Model UN, serve as a student ambassador, am a member of French club, and help lead the medical club at BSM. In my free time, I love hanging out with friends, shopping, and volunteering at a local hospital.
I’m so excited to be returning as a co-chair for this year's gala! I am especially looking forward to meeting new people, raising awareness Girl Up, and listening to our inspirational speakers. I can't wait to see everyone there!
Meet Olivia Duplessis
Hi! My name is Olivia Duplessis, and I’m a rising senior at The Blake School! I’m passionate about business, leadership, and finding ways to make a positive impact in my community. I volunteer with Sunrise Senior Living and Good in the Hood, and at school, I’m involved in Women in Business as a leader, DECA, SHADES as a co-leader, Student Diversity Leadership Council, Student Inclusion Advisory Council, and a lacrosse captain. Outside of school, I love spending time with my friends and family, listening to music, and meeting new people!
I’m especially excited to co-chair this year’s Girl Up Gala because I believe in creating opportunities for young women to feel empowered, supported, and confident in themselves. I can’t wait to work with such an amazing team, bring our ideas to life, and make this year’s gala something truly special!
Meet Lily Steinle
Hi! I’m Lily Steinle and I am one of this year’s Girl Up Gala co-chairs! I am a Senior at Holy Angels and I play tennis! Additionally, I am one of the Girl Up club leaders at my school and I am part of the Campus Ministry Team. Outside of school I love to spend time with friends and family. I enjoy spending time outdoors and I love listening to music!
I am so excited to help plan the gala this year and meet new people! It’s such an honor to be a part of an organization that helps empower and support women. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the gala!
Meet Sammy Aylward
Hi! My name is Sammy Aylward, and I go to Academy of Holy Angels and a senior in high school. I am a Girl Up Co-Chair and leader! Outside of school, I love to swim, draw, dance, hang out with friends and make a difference.
I am so excited to help out and share my passion for Girl Up and its values.
Meet Isabella Kessenich
I’m Bella Kessenich, one of your co-chairs for the 2027 MN Girl Up Gala! I’m a current sophomore at Benilde-St. Margaret’s and a leader of the Girl Up chapter there. I’ve been in Girl Up since 7th grade. Other than Girl Up, I play volleyball and love reading more than anything. I’m also on the speech team, and am part of book club at BSM.
I’m beyond ecstatic to be a part of this year’s Girl Up Gala! Girl Up is such a beautiful cause that I am very passionate about, so it’s been a privilege to contribute something. It has been such an honor to work so many amazing women. I think that this year’s Girl Up Gala will be a success, so cannot wait for January 28th. See you all then!
Meet Maddie Baumgardner
Hi! I am Maddie Baumgardner, a senior at Visitation School. I just started a Girl Up chapter at my school and I am so excited to attend, and co chair, the Girl Up Gala this year! I am a competitive dancer and spend most of my free time dancing and working out! I also love to go shopping with my friends, try new fun drinks and snacks, and read. I love to do community service and have volunteered at Abria and Minnetonka Pediatric Therapy Centers on multiple occasions.
I am so excited to be apart of the Girl Up community and meet new people who share the same interests and passions as me!
MeetEloise Burns
Hi, I’m Eloïse Burns! I’m a co-chair for the 2027 Girl Up Gala, as well as a sophomore at Benilde-St. Margarets. I’m a member of Girl Up at BSM and I’m involved with tennis, speech, debate, theater and Red Knotes choir. I love spending time with friends, traveling and listening to lots of music!
This year, I’ve loved getting to work with other dedicated young women to plan the 2027 gala. I’m looking forward to seeing so many future leaders come together to celebrate each other, and to help empower young girls through connection and community.