What is your favorite Girls Inc. memory?
I think my favorite memory would have to be all the little moments the older girls shared in “The Teen Room”. At first, the Teen Room was a teeny tiny office that was rededicated for the middle school aged girls to get some space from the elementary school aged girls. This teeny tiny office had cushioned benches, shelves, a CD player, a little TV, and whatever trendy décor we created all over the walls. There was also a dark storage room directly behind it that connected to the staff office. This little room would be the source of dozens of burned CD listening parties, our own slightly more mature movie viewings, and endless amounts of silliness and laughter. We felt very acknowledged getting the Teen Room, and oh so grown up!

Where I am now?
You can find me at McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars! My current position is Visitor Services Coordinator. I oversee the volunteer program, the membership program, the marketing, and so much more. I truly love my job! At home, I have my two incredibly strong, smart, and bold daughters, Avery and Livy, and my wonderful husband, Billy. I also serve on the PTO board at Christa McAuliffe School.

Can you provide insights on the benefits of participating in pro-girl spaces?
Participating in a pro-girl program was incredibly beneficial to me both throughout the years I attended Girls Inc. and well beyond them. Participation means a foundation of community, integrity, confidence, respect, resiliency, motivation, and safety, all of which take on different forms as time goes on.

What would you like to tell the supporters of Girls Inc.?
KEEP GOING! Your support is vital, and likely more impactful than you realize. Girls Inc. has and continues to need your support! Advice to girls, knowing what I know now. Life is full of opportunities to learn about yourself! Reflect on your experiences often. Observe yourself and your surroundings and use your observations to learn about yourself!

How did Girls Inc. help you grow as a ‘leader’ in your own life?
My time as a “Counselor in Training” at Girls Inc. provided me with the confidence to lead throughout my life, but more so, Girls Inc. exposed me to a variety of different skills, programs, situations, and people. From wood working, to changing a tire, to LEGO League, to talent shows, to simply just reorganizing a storage space. That exposure to so much throughout my childhood showed me how leaders can not only lead but lead effectively.

Is there anything further you’d share around pro-girl spaces / environments or being part of a community?
I am truly forever a Girls Inc. girl! I remember being in 4th grade, moving to a new city with my newly single mother, opening my mailbox, and seeing a mailer for Girls Inc. November 2, 2001, was the day I enrolled which was less than a week later. As I write this, my memory is just flooded with all the girls, friends, staff, good times, not so great times, and how deeply it impacted my life to receive that mailer. I can’t imagine what would have happened without Girls Inc. in my life and I am deeply grateful for everything it gave to me!