At TWIST Creative, we’re proud to share that in 2026 we will become a strategic partner of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS). This partnership is both professional and deeply personal for me. It reflects what we value as a company, as parents, and as advocates for education that meets students where they are.
Why ICGS
ICGS is a global network of girls’ schools dedicated to advancing the education and development of girls through research, collaboration, and leadership. Their work centers on understanding how girls learn best, how they develop confidence and voice, and how schools can support young women academically, socially, and emotionally. At its core, ICGS is about possibility – creating environments where girls are encouraged to think critically, lead boldly, and define success on their own terms.
Why This Matters to Us
I first experienced ICGS firsthand at the annual conference last summer in Philadelphia. I arrived curious. I left inspired.
What stood out most was the depth of commitment I saw across the community. Every educator, school leader, and speaker I encountered shared a genuine dedication to understanding girls – how they think, how they learn, and the real challenges girls and young women face today. The conversations were thoughtful, research-driven, and grounded in care.
By the end of the conference, I knew I wanted TWIST to be part of this work. Supporting girls’ education isn’t a trend or a talking point for us – it’s a responsibility.
“I arrived curious. I left inspired.”
Why We Believe in Girls’ Education
All-girls education isn’t the right path for everyone – and that’s okay. But for many students, it can be transformative.
Girls’ schools offer an environment where students can explore leadership, academics, creativity, and confidence without comparison or constraint. For some girls, that difference matters profoundly. It can be the space where they first raise their hand, take intellectual risks, or see themselves as leaders.
We believe girls deserve options. And we believe schools that intentionally design learning around girls’ needs play an essential role in the broader education landscape.
A Personal Perspective
I am a strong advocate for all-girls education, shaped by both experience and observation. As a former parent and volunteer of a Hathaway Brown student—our daughter, Sophia, Class of 2021—I have seen firsthand the impact of a girls’ school education. Sophia left Cleveland well prepared for college not only academically, but emotionally and socially. That foundation gave her the confidence to pursue her path, and today she lives in New York City working in the fashion industry.
The teachers who challenged her, cultivated her talents, instilled discipline, and encouraged her to dream big will always be at the foundation of her growth and success. Equally important are the friendships she formed – relationships that became a lifelong sisterhood and community.
Listening to Voices Within the Community
As part of this partnership, we’re committed to listening closely to the voices within the ICGS community – educators, leaders, parents, and advocates who are deeply invested in girls’ education.
In the coming months, we’ll be sharing perspectives from across that community, including our colleague, Rachel Zake. Rachel brings a powerful point of view shaped by her own experience with all-girls education and her role at TWIST, where she works closely with education-focused organizations. Her perspective reflects what we value most: thoughtful advocacy, lived experience, and a deep respect for the role schools play in shaping confident young women.
We’ll explore topics around:
- What families often misunderstand about all-girls education
- How girls’ schools are evolving to meet today’s challenges
- What confidence-building looks like in practice
- How girls’ schools inspire a life-long love of learning
“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with TWIST Creative — an outstanding resource for girls’ schools and purpose-driven organizations. Their creativity, strategic insight, and deep commitment to amplifying mission and impact have already made a meaningful difference for ICGS and our member schools. We’re grateful for their support in helping advance the Coalition’s work and elevate the stories of girls’ schools around the world!”
Kathleen Osborne
Director of Strategic Communications & Programming, ICGS
Looking Ahead
We believe in the future of girls.
We believe in educators who are doing the hard, thoughtful work of shaping that future. And we’re proud that TWIST Creative can support ICGS and its member schools by helping them articulate who they are, what they stand for, and why their work matters.
This partnership reflects our belief that design, strategy, and storytelling should always serve a larger purpose. In this case, that purpose is clear: supporting girls as they learn, lead, and grow into the women the world needs.
About the Author
Connie Ozan is Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer at TWIST Creative. A nationally recognized designer and educator, she’s led more than 200 award-winning brand campaigns for schools, nonprofits, and businesses—blending timeless design with strategic insight to help clients shine.
