In the new year, I have been committed to reading as many books as possible. I recently read, Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, and have been fascinated by the simplicity of questions requiring such thoughtful provoking answers. I never realized how connected this book is to our work. There’s a moment in the book that has stuck with me. The boy asks, “What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” and the horse replies, “Help.” That single word—so simple, so vulnerable—captures the heart of what we do at the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center.
Every day, we walk alongside girls who have had to be brave in ways most of us will never fully understand. They’ve asked for help in systems that too often failed them. They’ve shown courage not just in surviving, but in daring to hope, to heal, and to dream again. Many of them learn to move from surviving to thriving.
This June, as we reflect on our journey and look ahead, I’m reminded that our work is not just about policy or programs—it’s about girls. It’s about building relationships rooted in trust, compassion, and the unwavering belief that every girl is worthy of love and opportunity.
Like the characters in Mackesy’s story, we at the Policy Center believe in the power of walking together. The mole reminds us to be kind, the fox teaches us the value of quiet strength, and the horse shows us that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s wisdom and strength.
Over the past five years, I’ve had the honor of leading this incredible organization. I’ve seen firsthand how connection can transform lives. Whether it’s through our See the Girl model, our advocacy in Tallahassee, or our trauma-responsive care, we are creating spaces where girls are not just seen, but celebrated. A recent celebration that reminded me of our work was the See the Girl in Elementary 2025 Graduation where we had the honor of celebrating the courage, strength and power of community and girls.
To our community, our partners, and especially the girls we serve: thank you for your courage. Thank you for trusting us. And thank you for reminding us that the bravest thing we can do is show up—for each other, and for the future we’re building together.
As the horse says, “When the big things feel out of control, focus on what you love right under your nose.” For us, that’s the girl. Always the girl.
Sincerely,
Vicky
President & CEO
