The Emily Jane Project celebrates the life of Emily Jane D’Ancona (10/30/75 -  4/17/08). If you met Emily, even for a moment, you know that she lived life richly and without reservation, not suppressing her true self because of  what other people might think. Emily didn’t worry about what other people thought because she lived without judging others.

GLI founder Rachel Simmons says, “Relationships are girls' primary classroom.” Emily had a large group of friends and we all felt ourselves so lucky to have learned the lessons that our friendship with her taught us. She listened to us all so fully that we learned our stories were important. Her laughter taught us that we were funny. Emily taught us that we could be real, that she loved us for our real selves. At her funeral, her friend Katie Model said that she felt like she had just lost her biggest fan. And it was true. She made us all feel that way.

There is a common saying that tells us to dance like no one is watching. Emily not only danced, but also lived like no one was watching. GLI works with girls, their parents and schools to help awaken girls to the full potential of their authentic selves. In other words, we teach girls to live the way that Emily lived.

The Emily Jane Project at GLI will carry on Emily’s spirit and give her life a lasting impact beyond those of us that knew her. The project started in 2009 by bringing back four girls who attended GLI, loved it, but couldn't afford to return for a second summer. In 2010, two of those girls returned for a third summer and two new EJP campers returned for a second summer. This summer we hope to, again, allow four low-income girls to return for thier second, third or fourth summers at GLI.

The EJP campers of all years will be working together on an exciting project this summer. They will prepare the skills to go to Maine and volunteer at a free summer camp for girls from low income families and girls living in foster care. They will teach these girls the theatre games that Emily loved.
The campers will learn about themselves, the skills they need to facilitate groups and include others, and the impact on thier community when they have the courage to expand their comfort zone.

There will also be an Emily Jane night at GLI. There will be dance music, Shirley Temples and cookies. There can be no better way to celebrate Emily’s life than by getting a room of 00 girls to dance together with abandon. We may even show them some of her signature moves.

Please think about what you can give to these girls. Our goal is to raise $16000 for all the girls to be able to attend. If you can’t donate anything at this time, but want to be a part of the Emily Jane Project, please email us and we will keep you on the mailing list so you will get photos and updates about the girls involved in this project.

Click here to donate to the Emily Jane Project via secure PayPal.

Or mail your donation by check to:
Girls Leadership Institute
1316 67th Street
Emeryville, CA 94608

Please be sure to write "Emily Jane" in the memo line.

The Girls Leadership Institute Inc is a duly qualified 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Emily Jane Project Donors