FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Liz Velez
Email: evelez@girlsinc.org

NEW YORK, NY– Oct. 23, 2024 – Girls Inc., the pre-eminent  girls’ leadership organization inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold, is thrilled to announce its expansion into Pittsburgh and Boston via a merger with Strong Women Strong Girls (SWSG), a girl serving organization dedicated to supporting the next generation of women leaders through innovative, multigenerational mentoring programs.

Founded in 2000, as a student organization at Harvard University, SWSG set out to champion the aspirations and potential of girls from under-resourced communities through innovative mentorship experiences grounded in the lessons of strong female role models. 

The integration of SWSG into the Girls Inc. Network is an ideal and strategic effort to bring together the strengths of two outstanding organizations. The Girls Inc. Network will benefit from SWSG’s established partnerships with prominent colleges and universities, gaining access to a community  of 40 school partners and 300 college student mentors who will provide one-on-one support to the 700 additional girls now served under the Girls Inc. banner across each of the cities. The move will expand opportunities for girls in both communities by leveraging Girls Inc.’s 160-year history of expertise and the strength of its National network of 75 Affiliates across the United States and Canada. By joining the Girls Inc. Network, these cities will have access to a robust framework of research-based programming proven to support girls’ development into healthy, educated, and independent adults. 

“Girls Inc. remains committed to ensuring that all girls have access to our transformative Girls Inc. Experience – safe spaces, mentors, and programming –which is proven to lead to positive outcomes in their lives,” said Girls Inc. President & CEO Dr. Stephanie J. Hull. “Girls Inc. and Strong Women Strong Girls both believe in the power and potential of all girls. We look forward to building on the strong community partnerships that SWSG has established in Pittsburgh and Boston to provide even more girls with the opportunities and experiences that will help them succeed and thrive.” 

“We are delighted to bring the successful program built by Strong Women, Strong Girls Boston under Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn’s umbrella”, said Siobhan Kelly, Board Chair, Girls Inc. Boston and Lynn. “Our ability to deliver life-changing programs which serve the whole girl – from grade school through middle and high school and initial entry into the workforce – impacts thousands each year. With our experienced leadership team, talented staff, and devoted volunteers, this alignment deepens our impact in the Boston community as we continue to inspire the next generation of girls to be strong, smart, and bold on their journey to adulthood.”

“We are thrilled to join the Girls Inc. Network and expand our girl-serving work in Greater Pittsburgh and Boston,” said Aleya Crable Jennings, Board Chair, Girls Inc. of Greater Pittsburgh. “With this partnership, we are deepening SWSG’s mission of serving girls through our innovative mentorship model while increasing our advocacy and commitment to our elementary school program participants, college women, professional mentors, and the local community. This exciting moment for our organization strengthens our work and equips us to serve more girls to reach their full potential, starting with girls as young as age 5. We are looking forward to a bright future together with Girls Inc.”

For more information on Girls Inc. of Greater Pittsburgh contact information@girlsincpgh.org. For more information on Girls Inc. of Boston/Lynn please contact the Affiliate CEO Natalie Martinez at NMartinez@girlsinclynn.org. 

About Girls Inc.

About Girls Inc. Girls Inc. is a network of local organizations that works with schools and in communities across the United States and Canada. Through direct service and advocacy Girls Inc. equips girls -particularly girls from low-income communities and girls of color – with the knowledge and skills to effect positive changes in their lives and to become leaders who will change the world. Professionally trained staff and volunteers provide mentorship, safe spaces, and programming that address the unique challenges girls face and are proven to help girls succeed. Together with partners and supporters, Girls Inc. is building the new generation of leaders.