Pace Volusia-Flagler Presents Maryam Ghyabi-White the “Believing in Girls Champion Award”

On Friday, June 16, nearly 200 community leaders and youth advocates gathered at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to commemorate Pace Center for Girls, Volusia-Flagler’s annual Believing in Girls Breakfast and awards ceremony. During the ceremony, Maryam Ghyabi-White was recognized with the “Believing in Girls Champion” award for her steadfast support of Pace’s mission to provide girls and young women an opportunity to thrive.

“Maryam has made a tremendous impact at Pace, supporting and advocating for thousands of girls and young women throughout Florida,” said Mary Marx, Pace President and CEO. “She is steadfast in our vision, and we are grateful for her shared commitment to empower our next generation of young women.”

Ghyabi-White serves on Pace’s National Board of Trustees and has a longstanding history of providing direct support to Pace girls. She has been instrumental in providing girls with the necessary tools to obtain a high school diploma or GED, long term employability skills and support pursuing an education past high school. In 2022, Pace Volusia-Flagler secured a partnership with Daytona State College, supporting college-bound Pace girls with on-campus housing and financial aid.

“Our services are not possible without champions like Maryam who build bridges that connect ideas, people and resources,” said Sheila Jordan, Executive Director of Pace Volusia-Flagler. “Our community has faced unprecedented challenges over the past two years. Hurricane Ian and Nichole deeply impacted our girls and caused significant damage to our center. Without hesitation, Maryam quickly scaled up community efforts to meet the urgent needs of our girls.”

Over the course of a year, Pace Volusia-Flagler serves over 100 girls by providing year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development. The model is designed specifically for girls to include strength-based counseling and therapy services that yield successful results. Nine out of 10 girls are engaged in their community, measured by being enrolled in school, higher education, or employment.

“I know firsthand when women and girls are offered the tools they need to succeed, a ripple effect occurs in families and communities. I am honored to receive the Believing in Girls Champion Award,” said Ghyabi-White.