No Girl Left Behind Is Remaking Empowerment and Expanding Across the United States
Written by Marissa Cherepanov, CEO/Visionary
Marissa is widely recognized for her contributions to female leadership and women's empowerment. She is the CEO visionary of No Girl Left Behind, a leading organization fostering female empowerment. She is also a sought-after motivational speaker, career coach, and active advisor at Linfield University's Women in Leadership Program.
There’s a reason empowerment has become a major cultural conversation, confidence is eroding earlier, women are carrying heavier loads, and too many people are expected to “figure it out” in isolation. No Girl Left Behind (NGLB) is stepping into that gap with a bold premise, empowerment should be practical, multi-generational, and built to last.
NGLB is not positioning itself as another inspirational event brand. It’s building an ecosystem, designed to meet girls and women where they are, equip them with real tools, and keep support going long after the room empties. And now, as NGLB scales its footprint nationally, the organization is entering its next chapter with a landmark partnership and a highly anticipated community event.
A movement built for girls starting at 9 and open to all women
Most empowerment spaces serve one audience at a time, youth programs for girls or conferences for adult women. NGLB disrupts that model by being intentionally inclusive, welcoming girls starting at age 9 and all women (you don’t need to be a mom to attend).
That early start matters. When confidence is shaped at a young age, leadership becomes a learned practice, not a late-stage rescue. NGLB creates the kind of environment where girls can build identity, self-worth, and voice early, while women gain space to grow, reset, and rise in their own season.
The signature: NGLB’s dual-track model
The most distinct feature of NGLB is its Dual-Track Model, a format that turns a single event into two targeted experiences running in separate spaces, one track designed for girls and one for women, with purposeful moments of connection throughout the day.
This is not passive “sit and listen” programming. NGLB emphasizes learning that translates into life, interactive teaching, self-discovery, and tools attendees can take home and apply immediately.
That approach creates something rare, a multi-generational impact in real time. Girls are learning confidence and leadership foundations while women are strengthening their mindset, resilience, and direction, within the same community, on the same day.
Beyond event day: Support that doesn’t disappear
Here’s where NGLB separates itself from the typical empowerment event cycle, it’s built around what happens after. The organization’s own message is clear, empowerment can’t be contained in a single day. NGLB continues the work through ongoing communication, online support, mentorship touchpoints, and resources designed to keep participants growing long after the lights go down.
In a world where many events offer a high moment and then silence, NGLB is building continuity, turning empowerment into an ongoing experience rather than a one-time inspiration.
Scaling the vision: U.S. expansion with community anchors
NGLB’s growth strategy is rooted in reach and repetition, more cities, more programs, more lives changed. The organization has publicly outlined an expansion vision moving into 2026, an intentional build toward a nationwide network of empowered girls and women.
That expansion is strengthened by community-aligned partnerships that provide both visibility and access, creating a platform where empowerment programming can scale without losing heart.
Next up: May 2, 2026, at the Salvation Army Kroc Center
A major highlight of NGLB’s next season is its partnership with The Salvation Army, which NGLB has described as a “landmark partnership” helping bring the mission to a broader community platform.
That partnership launches into a major moment. NGLB’s next U.S. event is set for May 2, 2026, at the Kroc Center in Salem. Venue address: 1865 Bill Frey Dr NE, Salem, OR 97301.
This event is positioned as a kickoff to the next chapter of impact, bringing together speakers, workshops, and a community of women and girls ready to grow, connect, and lead.
Leadership with vision and execution
NGLB is led by Marissa Cherepanov, Chief Executive Officer, who oversees the U.S. organization’s growth and momentum. Under her leadership, NGLB’s mission is being translated into action, expanding programming, deepening partnerships, and building a model where women and girls are not only inspired but also equipped and continually supported.
Why this matters now
NGLB is remaking empowerment by refusing to separate generations, refusing to stop at inspiration, and refusing to let support end at the door. It starts early, at age 9, it stays open, all women, it delivers intentionally, dual-track programming, and it continues long after the day ends, with ongoing mentorship and resources.
And as the organization expands across the U.S., May 2, 2026, at the Salvation Army Kroc Center stands as the next proof point, not just another event date, but another step in building a nationwide movement where no girl and no woman is left behind.
Read more from Marissa Cherepanov
Marissa Cherepanov, CEO/Visionary
Marissa is a dedicated leader committed to empowering women. She shares her life story and unique insights on personal growth, dedicating her life to inspiring others and driving the female empowerment movement. Marissa serves on the Board of Advisors for Linfield University's Women in Leadership program and is the CEO of No Girl Left Behind.
