Project Girl Code was founded by best friends, Mabry and Zoe. Despite meeting as direct competitors in the Miss America Teen program at 14, they developed a friendship that prioritized their relationship over any title they could win. Zoe, having been the target of relational bullying in middle school, was very cautious with new “friendships.” However, she and Mabry immediately connected, and she knew this relationship was different – there was kindness, trust, honesty, and inclusion – as compared to gossip, hurtful comments, backstabbing, and purposeful exclusion. Mabry and Zoe decided to utilize their combined strengths to share positive strategies to help others grow genuine friendships as a way to combat relational bullying.
From conversation starters (on how to meet new friends) to real-life scenarios (what to do if you are being bullied), Project Girl Code helps girls recognize harmful relationship behavior, handle such behavior, and see examples of how to be a true friend. Project Girl Code is not just an anti-bullying campaign, it is cultural movement towards normalizing healthy friendships. Through peer-led workshops lasting around 40 minutes, pre-teens and teens can discuss their firsthand experiences or situations they witnessed involving friends and/or frenemies. Project Girl Code also offers a 4-week workshop: Week 1 – Own Your Own Worth (no need for comparison, self-value); Week 2 – Choose Connection (inclusion over exclusion); Week 3 – Celebrate Her (discuss gossip and jealousy); and Week 4 – Rise Together (building a positive friend group). Mabry and Zoe also created a free digital platform that is accessible at any time and has resources for girls, parents, and educators.
Project Girl Code’s message is simple but effective – compassion over competition and having even one genuine friend is life changing. Relational bullying is a very real thing, but it doesn’t have to be normal.
Mabry Shields is a rising Junior at Halls High School in Knoxville, TN, and Zoe Little is a rising Junior at Cabell Midland High School in Ona, WV. They would love to come share the message of Project Girl Code with students at no cost to the school or facility.
