Philadelphia, PA – In the op-ed, “Through education comes nation’s opportunity, security,” published in the April 1, 2012 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Girls Action Network, Inc. Founder Elisa Basnight opined that, for the sake of economic and national security, “we must ensure that America’s minority girls are provided with the education they need to become political, scientific, national security, and business leaders of the 21st century.” After observing firsthand the dearth of girls interested in so-called STEM fields – science, technology, engineering and math – Basnight founded Girls Action Network (GAN), a non-profit focused on expanding the education and career opportunities for girls and women. “Education and empowerment cannot just be a slogan for one month of one year,” Basnight writes. “It must be a commitment to ensure our country maximizes its potential and fulfills its promise to all Americans.”