Encourge. Support. Connect.
Our mission is to celebrate and explore the powerful influence women have on each other's lives through building friendships, sharing experiences and providing financial support in the form of educational grants to motivated women.
What We Believe In.
The Girlfriend Factor believes in the power of girlfriends. We believe that when women have the encouragement and support of their girlfriends, they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. We also believe that education is the key to economic advancement and self-sufficiency among women
What We Do.
The Girlfriend Factor aims to ensure that higher education and occupational training are financially accessible to adult women who choose to improve their economic position in life and who strive for self-sufficiency. We provide educational grants to women to achieve their educational goals.
We have created our organization with minimal red-tape or bureaucracy so that our time and energy can be directed towards the sheer essence and fun of being Girlfriends. Within the Girlfriend Factor friendships blossom, fun is had, and lives are changed for the better!
We are The Girlfriend Factor. Just watch us.
Add your Voice
Do YOU believe that education is the key to self-sufficiency?
If so, add your voice!
"There are no limits to the making of dreams
come true when you have your education. The
GFF gives many a chance at having something
that was only a dream, become a reality. Kudos!"
Patti Clute - 05/05/2010
La Quinta, California
"I wholeheartedly agree - education is one thing that, once you have it, cannot be taken from you. Not only does it increase your knowledge and your awareness of the world, but it brings great personal satisfaction and confidence - for men and women. Education is not a partisan topic, it is a humanitarian topic."
Revae Reynolds - 01/28/2010
Palm Desert, California
"In my experience, one of educations' richest benefits is helping me clarify what I really want out of life and then test what I need and am willing to do to go after that. Getting that clear for myself is core to a joyful and fulfilling life."
Shari Vines - 01/25/2010
Loveland, Colorado
"Education is far more than the diploma on your wall. It is power and knowledge both of which have been supressed for far too long for women. GFF is a great way to network for the empowerment of women everywhere."
Debbie Corna - 01/25/2010
Boulder Creek, CA
"Education not only feeds the brain but more importantly feeds the soul. Many of our recipients are on the honor role and the dean's list and to watch their self-esteem grow is very powerful."
Katie Sween - 01/15/2010
La Quinta, Ca
"Education is our future, for tomorrow. We need to have goals and opportunities to survive."
Evie Denise Herrera - 01/14/2010
Desert Hot Springs, C.A.
"The Life Planning/Personal Exploraton class at COD still has openings. Section 8043 is especially for reentry students who have dreamed of a college degree. The class is for both men and women.
Eve-Marie Andrews, Counselor/Coordinator Career Center"
Eve-Marie Andrews - 01/13/2010
Rancho Mirage, CA
"How important is that little piece of paper called a diploma? In today's marketplace,it could mean being considered for the position, and not. Competition is stiffer than ever, and credentials make an easy tool to measure candidates quickly. It's never too late to get started-and it's nice to have girlfriends to cheer us on! YOU CAN DO IT!"
Dee Boyd-Critchlow - 01/09/2010
Palm Desert, CA
"When I was twelve years old I watched my
mother graduate from college with honors. She
went on to have a 22 year career in
Occupational Therapy and helped and inspired
many people!"
Laurel Turner - 01/08/2010
Indian Wells, CA
"Education is the path to opportunity, but Girlfriend Factor provides much more than a means to that path. GFF gives emotional support and TLC as well, which are the cornerstones of every good girlfriend relationship."
Cindy - 01/07/2010
Palm Desert, CA
"You have the ability to return to school @ any age. I went back @ the age of 43 I began teaching @ the age of 49. I now am retired & collecting a pension. GO GIRL!!!!"
Lillian Lopez - 01/07/2010
Long Beach, CA
"Educated women can change the world and improve opportunities for their children. It is never too late to pursue your education: I've had students in my community college classes from 17 years old to 84!"
Julie Bornstein - 01/07/2010
Palm Desert, California
"January is Go Education, Go Girl! month. Please join us in encouraging women to return to school so that they may achieve their goals and dreams."
Joan Busick, President of the Girlfriend Factor - 12/30/2009
Palm Desert, CA
The Power to Guide and Inspire
"When a woman is educated, she changes her world as well as the world of her children. At our elementary school, we have witnessed the power a higher education gives to Moms and the inspiration it provides the next generation to do the same. Thanks to your organization for rallying women to promote friendship, education, and changing lives!"
Linda Williams, Principal ~ Robert Down Elementary School - 11/15/2009
Pacific Grove, California
Education
"Our goal is to become autonomous individuals, secure with choices we make for ourselves. Education is the key to attaining this goal. Go to school, learn, grow, become successful and secure."
Sue Erickson - 11/11/2009
Salinas, CA
"Going back to school to get my RN was the best thing I ever did. Not only do I have a challenging vocation, I have a rewarding and fulfilling career where I can make a difference in people's lives. I encourage all women to change their lives through education. Education is power!"
Donna De Silva - 04/09/2009
Calimesa, CA
"As a member of the CSU system for 32 years, and working as an administrator at branch campuses, I see higher education as empowerment for women. My "TaTa" used to say to me as a child, "Mijita, get an education, it is something no one can take from you"."
Cynthia Flores - 03/05/2009
Palm Desert, Ca.
"As a college instructor, I have witnessed many transformations when women return to college. Once a goal is set, the dedication to an education is astounding."
Eve-Marie Andrews - 02/25/2009
Rancho Mirage, CA
"Education is the window to opening doors to opportunity."
Doreen Pottios - 02/20/2009
Breckenridge, Colorado
""Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." —Margaret Mead"
Stephanie - 02/16/2009
San Antonio,, TX
"Education is the door we must choose to open if we are to make the most out of the world around us. We are all students at some time or another but actively furthering your education gives you the tools to be the person you know you can be."
Alicia - 02/12/2009
Anchorage, AK
""Attaining equal status in the workplace and society remains an uphill battle for women, as the underlying social tendency to oppress women remains. Despite the continued bias in favor of men, knowledge gained through education has, and will continue to increase the empowerment of women today!""
Bronwyn - 02/08/2009
Dallas, Texas
"Education is the key to everything in our lives; our self-confidence, families, communities and government. The Girlfriend Factor gives us the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of all women."
Janine - 02/07/2009
Desert Hot Springs, CA
"Education is an amazing gift, that never stops giving!"
Michelle - 02/06/2009
Colorado Springs, Co
"I am so glad that my parents gave me no
choice; college was just a continuation of my
education and something you have to do. It
has opened numerous doors that would not
have otherwise been open and has brought
me so much fulfillment in life. Go GFF!"
Natasha - 02/06/2009
Portland, OR
"I always knew I would go to college after high school. My mother had done so to become a nurse, and my father did after 20 years in the military. It has opened many doors for me and allowed me to work smarter not harder as so many have to. I'm thankful my parents lead the way."
Karla Kleine - 02/06/2009
Mesa, AZ
"I was lucky enough to be able to go straight from public high school to a private college at a time when such an education was financially possible for anyone willing to work for it. Education is much more expensive now and many talented women don't get the opportunity to go to school. Kudos to GFF for helping."
Laurie Brannen - 02/05/2009
Palm Desert, CA
"The door to your power over this material life, comes by entering the hallways of education. Whether it is college or a professional trade school, entering these doors increases your control over your life situations. Education, the "fat" no one can loose or have taken away from her."
Delight Miller - 02/04/2009
Downey, California
"I am a 4th grade teacher. I have my CA state credential. Going to school was the best choice I have ever made about anything."
Donabeth Houx - 02/04/2009
Palm Desert, CA
"As a current student I believe that educations is important in growing as an individual because it provides more options and gives discipline. I would not be who I am today without it. Thanks for all your support and trust in me and my education."
heather basye - 02/03/2009
Indio, ca
"Even in todays economy education is a must. It empowers everyone, but especially women.I didn't attend college right out of HS and wished I had, but it worked out. My kids watched me go to college as a single Mom and graduate. They then watched me go for my masters and as a result they know and understand why going to college is the key to success. Knowledge is power!"
Debbie Corona - 02/03/2009
Ben Lomond, California
"My education is the foundation of my achievements. It has given me endless opportunities, and wonderful adventures."
Patti Clute - 02/03/2009
La Quinta, CA
"Education of women is the best goal. Education
of women tends to lower family size and
increase the standard of living of families. Let's
do all that we can."
Betty Crowder - 02/02/2009
Mountain View, CA
"Education opens the world and many doors. Enlightment brings joy."
Karen - 02/02/2009
La Quinta, CA
"Education is the key! Thank you, Girlfriend Factor, for all you do to help women achieve their dreams and goals."
Jan - 02/02/2009
Indian Wells, CA
"Yes! Education made a tremendous impact in my life!! I work in an educational environment and had no intention to continue my education.
I am now at the end of an AAS and an enhanced skills certificate in trilingual interpreting. In the fall 2010 I will be enrolling in a university for a bachelors and a masters."
Rosa - 02/02/2009
San Antonio, TX
"No question about it. Education provides knowledge, discipline, and confidence. It's the key to unlock many doors in life. Kudos to the Girlfriend Factor for their work in helping women unlock the doors in their lives."
Nancy - 02/02/2009
La Quinta, CA
"Going to school while working and raising my childen, changed our entire family. My husband was very supportive and became an extremely involved dad. My three daughters had the opportunity to be a part of a family where education was valued. They also learned how families work together to help members reach a goal. Now as adults, those values are a part of their families. And yes, we all eventually have enjoyed an easier lifestyle!"
Diana Herrington, - 01/30/2009
Palm Desert, Califonria
"Education is the cornerstone of life. Without it we would not fully know our own potential."
Katie Sween - 01/30/2009
La Quinta, Ca
"HELPING WOMEN with thier education - what a powerful way to make a difference.
My education lead to my independence and self sufficiency and it feels great to be helping others on their path to self-worth and independence."
Maggie Schmidt - 01/29/2009
Palm Desert, CA
"Women helping women to reach their potential is one of the most positive and powerful ways of giving back to help other women fulfill their goals and dreams. GFF does just that. Thank You!"
Paula Paris - 01/29/2009
Palm Desert, CA
"DETERMINATION: Life has no limitations except the ones you make (Les Brown).
This is my motto, my goal, my purpose in becoming self-sufficient. My college education gave me my launch into the world of opportunity! I now want to give back so other women can be determined to acheive their goals."
Cindy Kleine - 01/29/2009
Palm Desert, CA
"I was in my 40's. I showed up at a community college with 9 units from my first try at school, and I had a dream.
I wanted a PhD.
I got one.
You can reach your dream, also- whatever it is, and being a
part of the Girlfriend Factor is a great place to begin!"
Patty Drown - 01/28/2009
Indio, CA
"Thank you for joining GFF in changing women's lives. Education allowed me to gain control of my own life when I desperately needed to, and gave me pride and self-worth."
Joan Busick - 01/28/2009
Palm Desert, CA
"I am honored to be a part of such a great group of women!"
Christine - 01/26/2009
Palm Desert, CA
