Girls Inc. Ripple Effect: Building Confidence and Community Connection

State Senator Robyn Kennedy Reflects on Her Girls Club Experience

By-Hank Stolz
Photo- Girls Inc

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Worcester, MA- This episode of the Girls, Inc. podcast looks at the long-term impact of Girls Inc. programming on the lives of those who have been touched by Girls Inc through their programs and summer camp.

State Senator Robyn Kennedy, a former Girls Club participant, and Natalia Ocala, a recent high school graduate and current Girls Inc. Eureka program member talk about their experiences with Host Hank Stolz and then speak with each other.

Senator Kennedy reflects on how her experiences at the Girls Club—now Girls Inc.—in Worcester shaped her confidence, relationship-building skills, and commitment to community service, ultimately leading to her career in public service and advocacy for underinvested communities. Natalia shares how the Eureka program’s mentorship, STEM opportunities, and supportive community helped her develop self-awareness and prepare for college. Both speakers emphasize the critical role of gender-specific programming, trusted mentors, and exposure to diverse neighborhoods in helping young women navigate adolescence, build self-esteem, and develop the tools needed for long-term success.

The conversation demonstrates how Girls Inc.’s investment in youth creates ripple effects that extend across decades and generations, fostering civic engagement and community leadership.

Girls Inc. Leader Judi Kirk on Mentorship, STEM Access, and Why the Work for Girls Is Never Done

“Once I teach something to somebody, I hope that they take that information and do something with it and teach it to somebody else.”

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Girls Inc

Worcester, MA- On this podcast of Girls, Inc, Judi Kirk, a veteran youth development professional, spoke with Radio Worcester and answered questions from Girls, Inc. members Natalia Okala and Caleigh Welch. Kirk discussed her extensive career, which began at Girls Inc. in Delaware and continued in Worcester with organizations including the Girl Scout Council along with Girls Inc. The conversation centered on the lessons Girls, Inc, teaches and how they stay with you for a lifetime. As Kirk says, “It’s like dominoes. Once I teach something to somebody, I hope that they take that information and do something with it and teach it to somebody else.”

We asked if young girls were actually surpassing boys now when it came to STEM related subjects. Judi responded, “I think that that’s a false reaction. I think that basically what’s happened is girls are starting to catch up. They’re starting to understand that they can and are able to do these kinds of programs. And much of it is because of access that organizations like Girls Inc. are providing.”

Kirk emphasized that the skills taught at Girls Inc. are for all girls, not just those considered “at-risk,” and she shared personal stories about the importance of mentorship, the power of youth voice, and the lifelong “sisterhood” created by the organization “I think the thing that bothers me the most over my years of being involved with Girls Inc is that they have so many great programs that would be great for all girls. I think sometimes it gets misidentified as an organization that’s for girls that are of low income or high risk or all those kind of keywords, stereotypical words that people use.”

She concluded by stating that the fight for girls’ rights and opportunities is a continuous effort. “The work is never done… The problems just get different. So, there’s always going to be the need for somebody to stand up and fight for the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for youth, particularly girls.”

Girls Inc. of Worcester Launches Podcast Celebrating 110 Years of Empowering Girls

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Girls Inc

Worcester, MA- In this inaugural podcast for Girls Inc. of Worcester, CEO Tiffany Lillie and eighth-grade participant Caleigh Welch. Lillie provided an overview of the organization, which is celebrating its 110th year, highlighting its mission to help girls become “strong, smart, and bold” through programs focused on career leadership, STEM, and identity development, “Our goal is to always ensure that girls are feeling strong, smart, and bold, but I think getting that feedback from them is important.”  Lillie said, “I want to believe that we are just getting started in so many ways because the world is changing so fast. And I think our girls and our students, and our participants need a place that is going to grow with them just as fast.” She also shared her personal journey from being a participant to becoming the CEO. Caleigh Welch then posed several questions to the CEO about potential improvements, the organization’s approach to bullying, and the definition of leadership. In the second half, Caleigh spoke with host Hank Stolz about her own experiences, particularly with the Eureka program, a STEM-focused initiative that helps girls explore college and career options, which has fueled her ambition to become a lawyer or detective. “Girls Inc is a place for all girls to go and have fun with friends and people they don’t know and get to know people.” said Caleigh.