Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s career was full of accomplishments. Known as a feminist trailblazer, her death after a long battle with cancer has touched many people.

​"I woke up Saturday morning with a very heavy heart like I'm sure many women in America did,” said Melaney Houle, owner/founder of Lotus & Compass Inc.

​​As a business owner, Ginsburg was a role model for Houle. She paved the way for gender equality nationwide and locally, served as an inspiration for girls and young women aspiring to succeed. ​​

Dr. Yadilette Rivera-Colón, vice chair of board of directors, Girls Inc. of the Valley said, "at Girls Inc. of the Valley, many of Ruth Bader Ginsburg causes are our causes too. We work to inspire girls to be strong smart and bold."

It resonates with Houle. So in honor of Ginsburg, she decided to sell t-shirts with Ginsburg and quotes of hers on them. She raised more than $600 to donate to Girls Inc. through that fundraiser. ​​

"This is a small way for us to bring awareness to what she did for all of us but also support the next generation of empowered women," said Houle. 

​​Girls Inc. of the Valley provides mentorship and teaches women to be role models in their community. The organization said a lot of the things they instill in their girls are Ginsburg’s teachings. 

​​"There is no doubt that women in Massachusetts have benefited from Justice Ginsburg's tenacity, bravery, and it doesn't stop there," said Dr. Rivera-Colón.​​

The women want Ginsburg's name, her legacy, and what she stood for, to live on for future generations of young girls.​​​​

"It is now our job to continue that work so one day they can be the ones that are taking that seat at that table and be the ones who fight for rights," said Dr. Rivera-Colón.​​

"I have a daughter myself, she's four. I want her to know who is responsible for laying that path for her so she can grow up in a world where there are no glass ceilings and she can do whatever she wants to do and nobody can tell her no," said Houle.