GIRLS RULE THE LAW, INC.
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 2016
Since our inception in 2016, Girls Rule the Law, Inc., has been committed to fostering a more representative society by creating pathways into the legal, legislative, and judicial fields for underrepresented and underprivileged youth, particularly middle and high school girls. Our mission is to inspire and empower these young women by providing them with exposure to accomplished professionals in these fields through engaging events, school-based programs, and personal mentorship opportunities during our speed mentoring programs.
OUR MISSION
At Girls Rule the Law, Inc., we believe in the power of representation and the importance of diversity in shaping a fair and just society. Our programs are designed to:
- Inspire young women to pursue careers in law, legislation, and judiciary roles.
- Provide hands-on learning experiences through mock trials, debates, and law clubs.
- Facilitate meaningful connections with mentors who are successful lawyers, legislators, and judges.
SERVICES TO DATE
Our comprehensive range of services includes:
- School-Based Programs: We host mock trials, law clubs, debate teams, and Law Days in various schools.
- Signature Events: Our Annual Youth Conference attracts around 350 young women and men, offering them the chance to learn from industry leaders and develop their professional aspirations.
- Networking Sessions: We organize smaller, more intimate gatherings at law schools, courthouses, law firms, and Bar Associations, allowing students to build networks and gain insights from professionals in their regional area.
OUR REACH
While our primary focus has been on serving the vibrant community of New York City, our impact extends well beyond. Each year, nearly 1,500 individuals participate in our in-person events. Additionally, our robust presence on social and digital platforms, coupled with strong professional partnerships, amplifies our reach, ensuring our mission and message resonate far and wide.
Join us in our journey to empower the next generation of female leaders in law and beyond. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future.
Changing the world, one girl at a time. Be part of the change. Support our mission today.
Our Executive Board of Directors
Board Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Chairwoman: Juana Pacheco is the Chief Development Officer at the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), where she leads fundraising and strategic initiatives to empower Hispanic students and professionals. With over 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Juana has worked with organizations like the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and th
Chairwoman: Juana Pacheco is the Chief Development Officer at the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), where she leads fundraising and strategic initiatives to empower Hispanic students and professionals. With over 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Juana has worked with organizations like the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, focusing on education, community development, and women’s issues. At HHF, she has been instrumental in advancing programs such as the Hispanic Heritage Awards and Latinos on Fast Track (LOFT).
A graduate of Princeton University and Baruch College, Juana is also the Chairwoman of Girls Rule the Law, Inc., an organization that inspires young girls to explore careers in law. Through her work in education and economic development, she is passionate about empowering underrepresented communities and shaping the next generation of leaders.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member: Basil Manolakos is a dedicated husband, father, and the son of Greek immigrants. His father, a member of the Greek Resistance, was forced to leave school after his own father was killed by the Nazis, while his mother’s family fled the Christian Genocide in Turkey. Basil earned a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a
Board Member: Basil Manolakos is a dedicated husband, father, and the son of Greek immigrants. His father, a member of the Greek Resistance, was forced to leave school after his own father was killed by the Nazis, while his mother’s family fled the Christian Genocide in Turkey. Basil earned a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from NYU School of Law, becoming the first male in his family to attend college and graduate school.
After practicing trust and estate law, Basil transitioned to teaching, where he has spent 23 years inspiring high school students. He coordinates the Youth Court, a student-run restorative justice program, and internship programs with the NY State judiciary, the Bronx Defenders, and the NYPD, continuously seeking ways to better serve his students.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member: Felipe De Los Santos is an accomplished attorney and compliance professional with extensive experience in the non-profit sector. Passionate about empowering youth through legal education and engagement, Felipe is dedicated to advancing innovative approaches that create lasting impact. He plays a vital role in supporting the
Board Member: Felipe De Los Santos is an accomplished attorney and compliance professional with extensive experience in the non-profit sector. Passionate about empowering youth through legal education and engagement, Felipe is dedicated to advancing innovative approaches that create lasting impact. He plays a vital role in supporting the mission of Girls Rule the Law, contributing his expertise to help foster the next generation of young women leaders in the legal field. Felipe's commitment to social justice and education drives his ongoing efforts to shape transformative opportunities for underserved communities.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member: Ms. Harriet Burnett is the SONYC Director at I.S. 229 Roland Patterson School, where she leads a dynamic after-school program designed to empower students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Under her leadership, SONYC provides a pathway to success by offering a unique blend of structured activities, including sports, arts, and ser
Board Member: Ms. Harriet Burnett is the SONYC Director at I.S. 229 Roland Patterson School, where she leads a dynamic after-school program designed to empower students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Under her leadership, SONYC provides a pathway to success by offering a unique blend of structured activities, including sports, arts, and service-based youth leadership opportunities. The program is designed to engage students in ways that go beyond traditional classroom learning, incorporating trips and hands-on experiences that turn the city itself into an extended classroom. With a focus on choice, rigor, and personal growth, Ms. Burnett ensures that SONYC’s three-hour daily sessions, five days a week, help foster critical skills and open doors to future success for every participant.
Special Thanks to our Sponsors
