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.”