Because We Said So

What does it mean to dream big when you come from a small town? In this episode, Ruby Reyes Tapia and Isabella Willard (joining from Panama) share how growing up in Santa Fe shaped their sense of possibility and how they’ve learned to carve their own paths while pursuing opportunities far from home.

In this episode of Because We Said So, two of our younger Girls Inc. participants, Cora and Amaya, share what advocacy means to them and how kids can use their voices for change. From playground fairness to everyday courage, they prove you’re never too young to speak up. Plus, don’t miss our Tiny Talks bonus moment where Madonna chats with Camilla—it’s ridiculously cute.

What does real leadership look like on the trail? Girls Inc. youth Lidah and alum Jasmyn share what they’ve learned.  From facing fears to finding strength—through Girls enCourage and NOLS.

How do we talk to young people about autonomy, identity, and boundaries -- honestly and with care? Madonna sits down with Jess Clark, host of Both/And: A Sexual Violence Prevention Podcast, to explore what it means to support youth in owning their bodies and their truth.

In the premiere of Because We Said So , host Madonna Hernandez talks with advocate and Girls Inc. of Santa Fe alum, Lila Quezada, about why youth voices aren’t just important -- they’re essential. From being dismissed to driving change, this episode is all about what happens when adults finally start listening.

In this episode, host Madonna Hernandez of Girls Inc. of Santa Fe introduces the heart behind Because We Said So,  a podcast all about listening to what young people have to say and taking them seriously. This short intro offers a glimpse of the conversations ahead: honest, curious, and rooted in what matters most.