In just a short period of time, ALA Girls State programs make a big impact on the lives of participants. Not only do they learn about government, attendees also gain confidence, find new interests, make new friends, and much more. For one 2025 alumna, the week was a transformative journey. 
 
“ALA Girls State truly changed my life,” said Elisa Nay, ALA California Girls State. “So much change, empowerment, and inspiration took place over that week. I’ve met incredibly determined, caring, and supportive women throughout this journey, and it truly has made my life so much better.” 
 
One change that came out of the program: college and career goals. Before ALA Girls State, Nay saw her future as a special education teacher, but now she has an additional vision — she wants to study political science along with education. 
 
“I’ve always had an interest and passion in politics, but ALA Girls State helped me realize how much I want that passion to become a reality for me in my daily life,” said Nay. “After spending numerous years as a teacher, I plan to get involved in local politics, and eventually work my way up to state government. My goal is to become a congresswoman and work on legislation that will benefit all communities, specifically advocating for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their education.”  
 
At ALA Girls State, Nay felt empowered to make a suggestion about something she felt was missing.
 
“We were honoring veterans, but I felt we were lacking in paying tribute to those who were prisoners of war and those missing in action. So, I talked to one of the leaders and she suggested I create a speech and do a presentation,” she said. “I was happy to do so. I love knowing I was able to help educate others about these important people in our country who I believe should be honored at the highest level.”
 
Nay was already familiar with the topic. Her grandfather’s best friend, a World War II pilot, was a prisoner of war in Germany.
 
Attending the program also led to a new membership.
 
“I am now a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary and was not before ALA Girls State,” said Nay. 
 
Her eligibility is through her father who is a Marine veteran. “My dad’s service is something our family is extremely proud of, and his dedication is something I have always admired,” she said.
 


Nay’s life has already been impacted by the new friendships she developed. After ALA Girls State, one of her new friends founded a nonprofit called AquaEmpowers. The friend invited her to help with the organization. She agreed and now serves as the international relations director for AquaEmpowers, which provides clean water filters to people in impoverished communities. The organization has already provided sanitation kits to 200 families in Africa, which will provide 200,000 gallons of clean water for five years.