Latisha Krupincza proudly embodies what it means to be a Girls Inc. alumna who has carried the smart, strong, and bold mindset with her for decades. Latisha’s journey with Girls Inc. began in first grade and continued throughout high school, where she later returned to pay her Girls Inc. Experience forward as a counselor. 

As a wife, mother, and successful professional, Latisha credits Girls Inc. in helping her embrace new challenges, step out of her comfort zone, and become a leader in her own life. Join us as we celebrate Latisha’s achievements, explore the role Girls Inc. has played in her personal and professional development, and hear her heartfelt advice for the new generation of strong, smart, and bold leaders.

What are you up to now?

Hello! I am Latisha and I am originally from Lynn, Massachusetts. I currently live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after attending Temple University. I’ve grown up to become a woman of faith, a wife, and mom of three beautiful blessings, two girls and a boy. 

I started my career at TJX Companies in their Fashion Merchandise Training Program in Massachusetts. After 2.5 years, I decided to move back to Philadelphia and started a role as an Assistant Buyer at Forman Mills Clothing stores. I did that for 5 years and then transitioned to a new industry and field. I worked as a Project Manager at Comcast (Xfinity) on their Human Resources team. Today I’ve chosen to stay home with my family and invest my energy into them.

What is your favorite Girls Inc. memory?

I have so many great memories! I made a lot of wonderful friends, some of whom I am still connected to now. I enjoyed singing in the choir at the annual luncheons and really loved projects involving building. I recently came across a treasure chest that I built over 25 years ago as a pre-teen and was so proud of the work I did crafting the handmade chest from our wood building class. I am also proud to have received an award at the annual luncheon in 2004. I also got to meet Hilary Clinton at a Girls Inc. event in Washington D.C., where I used my confidence building skills I learned from Girls Inc. to approach her at the event and ask her for a picture. 

What would you like to tell the supporters of Girls Inc.?

Now that I am a mom of two little girls, and a wife, I look back on the impact that Girls Inc. had in shaping me into the woman I am today. I was stretched, challenged, and taken out of my comfort zone in positive ways. I had so many great experiences that enabled me to learn, grow, and become more confident as a girl, and now as a woman. 

What advice would you give to girls knowing what you know now?

Appreciate the time you have there, make friends, build relationships, and give yourself the space to grow and try new experiences. Once you leave, stay connected and give back to other young girls. In addition to staying connected to Girls Inc.,  I am now a mentor and Big Sister to a young woman through the Big Brother/Sister program. I strongly believe that it is important to give back and do what you can for your community. 

How did Girls Inc. help you grow as a ‘leader’ in your own life?

I am more confident and open to new experiences. I look back on the many activities and experiences I tried because of the opportunities Girls Inc. gave me, such as STEM, singing, building, carpentry, swimming, arts and crafts, public speaking, and many more. I believed in myself to make bold decisions and take risks. Not everything turns out the way I expect it to, but it’s important to try. 

Can you share reflections on how you may have experienced a degree of economic or social mobility in your life — and how you think Girls Inc. played a part in that for you?

In regards to social mobility, Girls Inc. helped prepare me to step out of my comfort zone and apply to out-of-state colleges. I met and connected with several Girls Inc. alumnae who had traveled and/or moved out of state. By sharing their experiences it helped me feel more confident in moving to a new city and making new friends. Following high school I moved to Philadelphia to attend Temple University. I love my hometown, but I am now a transplant in a new city. I have been in Philadelphia for over 15 years now and although it is much different from home- the culture, size, diverse demographics, and green space- it has been a beautiful experience. 

Are there aspects of the Girls Inc. Experience that really helped you grow as a storyteller or as a person who knows the power of honing stories to make change?

Yes, we all have a story to tell. Now that I am in my 30s, I have really been embracing my gift of storytelling through the many blessings and experiences I have had in my life. I am much more comfortable sharing my story and speaking publicly. I remember participating in numerous plays and performances at Girls Inc. and at my church, and now I see how those stepping stones helped me build more confidence in public speaking and social settings. 

Is there anything further you’d share around pro-girl spaces / environments or being part of a community?

It’s important to have pro-girl spaces that allow girls to grow and thrive amongst other girls their age. There’s a time for mixed gender activities and spaces, but it’s important to have spaces for girls to be girls. I remember learning about periods and puberty and feeling comfortable having the space to learn and talk with other girls experiencing that.  I have two daughters and a son. We do a lot of family activities together, but I also like to do individual activities with my girls  to teach them how to be young ladies and my husband likes to do individual activities with our son where he can learn more about being a young man. I believe that it’s important to have both spaces. 

Check out Latisha’s Youtube Shorts talking about her Girls Inc. Experience here!