Girls Leadership Programs
WE BELIEVE IN... Supporting Women in Leadership Roles
In our communities, in our work places, and in our homes.
The Red Ants Pants Foundation Girls Leadership Programs are designed to inspire hope for our youth, develop pride in our rural communities, and foster strength and courage in our leadership.
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Each program is intentionally structured to include a cohort of eight girls, eight women mentors, and a team of professional facilitators. Both programs provide a dynamic and supportive space for young women to explore their leadership identity, strengthen their voice, and build connections with peers and mentors. Retreats are highly interactive, blending hands-on learning, meaningful discussions, and personal reflection to help participants apply leadership skills to their lives and communities.
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The Girls Leadership Programs foster highly competent and confident leaders, focused on strengthening the unique talents of girls from rural communities. We believe leadership can take many forms, and no prior experience is required to join our programs.
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GLP participants must be Montana residents - inclusive of the sovereign tribal nations within Montana. Both the Flagship GLP and the Eastern Montana GLP are offered at NO COST to participants. Travel to and from the retreat location is the responsibility of the participant. Limited scholarships are available for travel expenses if they present a barrier to participation.
Eastern MT GLP
Participants attend a single weekend retreat centered on gaining a clearer sense of self, acquiring practical leadership tools, and building a supportive network of women dedicated to growth and leadership.​
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Who: Girls currently in their sophomore or junior year of high school residing in the greater Eastern Montana area.
Where: Miles City, MT​
When: Application opens January 14th, 2026; see detailed schedule below.
Flagship GLP
Participants attend three multi-day retreats throughout the year, where they work on developing a community project. Between retreats, they receive one-on-one mentoring for continuous support and guidance as they bring their project to life.​
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Who: Girls entering their junior year of high school from across Montana.​
Where: North of Bozeman, MT (approx. 30 minutes)​
When: Application opens April 1, 2026; see detailed schedule below.​
Before this program, I did not know I had the ability to be a strong leader in my community. I also did not know what an honor it is to be a strong rural woman. I now have the confidence and drive to empower others to make an impact.
-2018 Red Ants Pants Foundation Girls Leadership Participant
Eastern MT GLP 2026 Program Dates
Application Open:
January 14 – March 25
Virtual Meet & Greet:
Wednesday, April 29 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Retreat:
Friday, May 8– Sunday, May 10​​
Flagship GLP 2026-2027 Program Dates
Application Open:
April 1 – September 11, 2026
Fall Retreat:
Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25, 2026
Virtual Training:
TBD | 6-7:30 p.m.
Winter Retreat:
Friday, January 29 – Sunday, January 31, 2026
Virtual Training:
TBD| 6-7:30 p.m.
Spring Retreat:
Friday, April 23 – Sunday, April 25, 2027
Red Ants Pants Music Festival:
July, 2026 (optional, but highly encouraged)​​
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Note: Retreats include lodging and meals, each retreat begins with dinner on Friday and concludes with lunch on Sunday.
Questions?
Please check out our FAQ page for more detailed information on our Flagship GLP program.​
Please Contact Us if you have any questions regarding either of our GLP programs.
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To stay in the loop about future GLP opportunities, please join our mailing list.
Interested in Volunteering?
The Red Ants Pants Foundation’s Girls Leadership Program (GLP) is made possible by the dedication and generosity of our GLP Volunteers. Each year, we invite women from diverse backgrounds, professions, and communities across Montana to support and inspire the next generation of leaders.
GLP Volunteers are often early- to mid-career professionals and rising leaders who bring valuable experience, strong community connections, and a passion for both guiding and learning alongside program participants and fellow volunteers. Volunteer cohorts are thoughtfully selected to create a dynamic, supportive community committed to growth, leadership, and shared learning.​ We offer two opportunities to get involved as a GLP Volunteer:
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Flagship Program – Mentor
Volunteer Mentors are paired with a participant during the first retreat and supports them throughout the program year by offering guidance, encouragement, and leadership support.
Eastern MT Program – Community Leader
Volunteer Community Leaders participate alongside the girls, sharing their experiences and local perspective while helping build connection and leadership within their region.
Shannon Stober - Lead Facilitator
Shannon is a nationally recognized leadership trainer, facilitator, and coach, as well as a skilled program strategist with more than 20 years of experience in the youth development field. She holds certifications in youth entrepreneurship, youth life coaching, youth mental health first-aid, and youth prevention theory, all of which informed the design of the Girls Leadership Program. Prior to launching her company, Jump Start Training and Development, she worked as the Statewide Training Officer for the Montana Governor’s Office of Community Service, Program Manager for Montana Campus Compact, and Director of Programs with the Montana Conservation Corps. Stober is quick to tell you that the Girls Leadership Program is her “heart-program”, and is known for her positive energy, strength of character, and humor.
Krystle Gawel-Kulesa - Lead Mentor
Krystle serves Montana individuals and families through her work as a therapist at Peaks and Prairies Therapy and supervises University of Montana master's level social work students as they complete their field work. Mentoring allows her to instill a sense of confidence and competence in emerging leaders while supporting their ability to utilize these skills within their personal and professional relationships. Helping women find and use their voices is integral to successful and supportive communities and she has been honored to see this time and time again as a mentor in this impactful program.