Flagler County partners with Flagler Cares to empower Girls of Light

Published on December 19, 2025

December 19, 2025 – Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito along with directors Amy Lukasik, Christina Mortimer, and Laura Valencia partnered with Flagler Cares to mentor middle-schoolers who participate in the “Girls of LIGHT” program that empowers these young women through values such as leadership, advocacy, and prevention-oriented skills.

“LIGHT” stands for Lead, Inspire, Grow, Help, and Thrive.

The Girls of LIGHT program started as a weeklong summer experience in June and has grown into a monthly event with activities created to engage and empower the young women to grow in their abilities, connect with one another, and create impact in the community.

“Flagler County is deeply committed to fostering opportunities for our youth to grow into confident, capable leaders,” Petito said. “Programs like Girls of LIGHT not only inspire these young women to find their voice but also strengthen our community by investing in its future.”

Flagler Cares shared its gratitude for the county’s involvement and the impact of its leaders on the program participants.

“Flagler Cares appreciates the time and dedication Flagler County leaders have given to the Girls of LIGHT participants, as these middle-schoolers strive to develop advocacy, future thinking, leadership, and prevention-oriented skills,” said the organization’s Chief Community Impact Officer Kristy Amburgey. “Seeing middle school females being supported and guided by Heidi Petito, Amy Lukasik, Christina Mortimer, and Laura Valencia was powerful. It was incredibly meaningful to observe our Girls of LIGHT grow in confidence and find their leadership voice with the support of these leaders. The Flagler County leaders modeled and defined these values.”

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