“Girls Inc. was always a positive and welcoming space. I felt like I could truly be myself.”

Jess first came to Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn in 2011, when she was in 6th grade. Her mom had heard about the program from a friend and thought it would be great for her daughter to attend (“Of course, she was right!” says Jess). She participated in every program she could, including Odyssey, where she did things like self-defense, STEM, mentoring, and Eureka summer programs. During high school, Jess became a tutor for middle school girls and was also a Part of the Solution peer leader. As a peer leader, she presented on behalf of POS at the Massachusetts State House for tobacco policies they wanted to pass in Lynn in front of city councilors and state senators (which she says was “exciting and nerve-wracking”). Ultimately, after three years of advocating, they raised the minimum legal sales age to 21 and received a citation from the mayor.  

Jess went on to attend Dartmouth College as a first-generation college student. She received the Girls Inc. Mathilda Scholarship and Lucille M. Wright Scholarship, which helped her “tremendously” in college and allowed her to pursue her dreams without having to worry about the financial aspects. After graduation, she moved to Houston to pursue her dream career of being a College Access and Success Advisor, which she’s been doing for the past two years. “I love what I do, and I know I wouldn’t have the confidence to do so without everything I learned from Girls Inc.,” says Jess.  

During her time at Girls Inc., Jess learned how to be outspoken and fight for what she believes in, and to take risks and try new things- all of which helped her to feel comfortable and confident enough to not only leave her home state for college but also move across the country. She believes Girls Inc. enabled her to grow as a leader and taught her always to speak up, find spaces where she feels seen, and create spaces where women’s voices are amplified. “I not only know when to step up, but I also know when to highlight others and do so in a kind and compassionate way,” she says. “Pro-girl spaces like Girls Inc. build confidence and a sense of belonging. When I started middle school, it was hard to feel like I belonged anywhere, but Girls Inc. was always a positive and welcoming space. I felt like I could truly be myself.” Jess likes to think she has created a “mini legacy” at Girls Inc., as she inspired not only her sister to attend but two cousins as well. She also wants to thank her mentors, Hai and Bridget, for “being such wonderful mentors and friends to me and teaching me to be Strong, Smart and Bold every day I was at Girls Inc. The wonderful moments and experiences I had there live in my heart forever, and I’m eternally grateful to Girls Inc. for being such a wonderful place for young girls and women!” 

When asked what being Strong, Smart, and Bold means to her, she answered, “It means being unapologetically myself, believing in my dreams, and empowering other women! I live to be Strong, Smart, and Bold daily in all my interactions.”