Next Girl Up Founder Erica Palmer's Non-Profit Offers Saturday Series For High School Girls, Women

BRANFORD, CT — An overheard conversation on a Branford school lacrosse field several years ago sparked an idea that has grown into a nonprofit devoted to helping girls and women build confidence, explore careers, and develop business acumen.

In 2017, Erica Palmer was coaching middle school girls when she overheard her players debating the best time to post on Instagram. Rather than dismissing the conversation as typical social media chatter, Palmer saw an opportunity.

Palmer spoke to the girls about marketing and business concepts behind what they were already doing online—and an idea for a new kind of educational program began to take shape.

In 2018, Palmer launched Camp Erio Marketing, a free summer program designed to introduce girls to marketing and business. As the program expanded, so did its mission. It eventually evolved into Next Girl Up, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on empowering girls and women through confidence-building, career exploration, and practical business education.

Palmer's work attracted attention, and she was featured in interviews with longtime Connecticut journalist Ann Nyberg, highlighting Next Girl Up's programs and its mission to "prepare the next generation of female leaders."

Now, Palmer has brought that mission back to Branford with the Next Girl Up Saturday Series, a four-part, in-person program designed for women of all ages and stages.

The series will take place at Branford Coworking, 119 Montowese St., and will focus on practical skills participants can apply to their personal lives, careers, and businesses. The program is open to high school students, women building their careers, entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone interested in learning something new.

The four sessions include:

Oct. 17 – MONEY: Get Your Finances in Order
Participants will learn practical strategies for spending, saving and working toward their financial goals.
Oct. 24 – CAREER: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
The session will focus on creating a LinkedIn profile that showcases experience and helps participants
stand out to employers.
Oct. 31 – MARKETING: Build an Instagram Strategy
Participants will learn how to use Instagram more effectively to support personal or business goals.
Nov. 14 – TECH: Making AI Work for You
The final session will explore practical ways to use artificial intelligence to save time, solve problems, and make everyday life easier.

Each Saturday is designed to be more than a traditional workshop. The morning begins with a light breakfast and welcome, followed by a hands-on learning session.

Participants will then have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A with a female entrepreneur before enjoying lunch and a creative activity. Participants can register for an individual session or attend all four.

Tickets and additional information are available at NextGirlUp.org.

Questions or inquiries about getting
involved can be directed to erica@nextgirlup.org.