Celebrating their success are members of the inaugural graduating class from the Girls Leadership Academy of Arizona, including, from left: Marli Mayon, Maria Magaña, Alexandra Petersen, Ambrosia Mitchell, Adilene Quintero and Yocelyne Garcia Diaz (photo courtesy of GLAAZ).

The Girls Leadership Academy of Arizona (GLAAZ), located at 715 West Mariposa St., held commencement exercises for its first-ever graduating class on May 23. The six graduating young women have advanced academically, developed leadership skills and increased their self-confidence while at GLAAZ, and each one has plans to build on these accomplishments at the college level.

In just two years of operation, GLAAZ has already has created positive change in the community by preparing young women for success in future educational pursuits and in life. Its curriculum and many community partnerships facilitate learning beyond the classroom and provide numerous leadership, creative thinking and career exploration opportunities.

Marli Mayon will attend Scottsdale Community College and then transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a degree in political science. Ambrosia Mitchell will attend Grand Canyon University and major in communications.

Adilene Quintero will attend Glendale Community College to become a dental assistant, while Alexandra Petersen will attend Phoenix College to study phlebotomy, with the ultimate goal of becoming a labor and delivery anesthesiologist.

Maria Magaña will attend Grand Canyon University and major in secondary education, with plans to become a teacher.

Yocelyne Garcia Diaz, who earned college credits for Spanish while attending GLAAZ, will attend Glendale Community College for general education requirements, followed by the University of Phoenix to study criminal justice.

For more information, call 602-288-4518 or visit www.glaaz.org. Tours for prospective students and their parents are available.