Girls Inc. Board Member Evelyn Toney Shares How the Organization Changed Her Life

From Girls Club Member to Community Leader

“Girls Inc. was honestly the anchor. That’s when I realized there are people out there that do care.” — Evelyn Toney

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Girls Inc

Worcester, MA- For Evelyn Toney, Girls Inc. was never just an after-school program.

It was stability. It was encouragement. It was a place that saw potential in a young girl growing up in Worcester and gave her room to believe in herself.

Now Vice President of Business and Community Development at Bay State Bank and a current board member for Girls Inc., Toney recently reflected on that journey during an episode of the Girls Inc. podcast co-hosted by Natalia Okala, a student participant in the organization.

Toney explained that her first experience with Girls Inc., then known as Girls Club, came when she was looking for a safe environment after school while also helping care for her younger brothers.

“Girls Inc. was honestly the anchor,” Toney said. “That’s when I realized there are people out there that do care.”

A Place That Opened Its Doors

One of the memories that stayed with Toney most vividly was the way the organization welcomed not only her, but also her brothers, despite technically being a girls-focused program.

“They saw the need,” she recalled. “They saw me and my brothers and they took us in. Even though it was a girls club, they let my brothers come and I will never forget.”

The experience left a lasting impression. Activities like sewing, baking, and simply having a place to belong became foundational memories that shaped her understanding of community support and compassion.

Years later, after building a professional career at Bay State Bank, Toney found herself reconnecting with Girls Inc. in a new role — this time as a board member committed to helping guide the next generation.

Representation Matters

Throughout the conversation, Toney emphasized the importance of visibility and representation for young women growing up in Worcester.

“I want to remind people what Girls Inc is about because I’m a Girls Inc girl,” she said. “I think we need to just share our stories more.”

She spoke candidly about growing up in Plumley Village and not always seeing leadership that reflected her own experiences.

“I didn’t have much,” she said. “I could relate to the girls because I grew up in Plumley Village.”

Speaking directly to co-host Natalia Okala, Toney encouraged her to continue moving confidently toward leadership opportunities and to recognize the importance of having mentors and role models who understand those experiences firsthand.

“Where I am, I want to be sure that I hold those doors open for you to walk in with confidence,” Toney said. “At least you have somebody that looks more like you.”

Encouraging the Next Generation

Toney also encouraged young women to become involved in organizations and causes that genuinely connect with their values and interests.

Rather than focusing on limitations, she urged listeners to think expansively about what is possible.

“Listen, I never say the sky is the limit,” she said. “Reach for the stars because there shouldn’t be a limit. Keep going.”