LYNN — Growing up in a family with three generations of women, Natalie Martinez has always understood the power of young girls to be strong and feel empowered. It’s what’s led her to a career path of leading organizations that are committed to serving them and building their confidence.
As the CEO for Girls Inc. Boston and Lynn, a nonprofit serving thousands of girls in both communities through educational programming, mental health workshops, leadership development, and events, Martinez’s vision is to continue to expand the program while showing young women all that’s possible for them.
“Every time that I speak to one of these girls, and they (tell) me that they’re different, or that they see themselves, or that their future is unlocked because of one of the programs that we’ve taken them through, that is what wakes up the morning. What Girls Inc. has to offer works,” she said.
Martinez, who was born and raised in the Boston neighborhood of Mattapan and currently lives just over the bridge at Gibson Point, is also motivated by her own experiences. After her family fell on tough times, Martinez saw a shift in her own confidence in her teens. She then became a single mother in her 20s and even ended up returning to school and earned her bachelor’s degree from Lesley University. She recently got her master’s degree in public policy from Tufts University.
“My personal life is why I strive to create an environment where women and girls can see themselves, and it’s a path for their future, whether they come (from) hardships or they just need that confidence building that oftentimes we lack sometimes in our lives,” Martinez said.
After being approached by a recruiter to lead Strong Women Strong Girls, Martinez worked there for five years before an opportunity arose to join Girls Inc. two years ago. What she saw was an opportunity to continue her work for a respected organization, making a monumental impact.
“My background and my personal life is why I strive to create an environment where women and girls can see themselves, and it’s a path for their future, whether they come on hardships or they just need that confidence building that oftentimes, you know, we lack sometimes in our lives,” Martinez said.
Girl’s Inc.’s Healthy Sexuality education program was originally created because of the high pregnancy rate in teens in Lynn, Martinez explained, and now serves one in 10 under-resourced girls in Lynn. In addition to teaching them about contraception and pregnancy, the program educates them about body anatomy, healthy relationships, and making good decisions.
“We have a huge impact here in Lynn, and that’s why Girls Inc. of Lynn matters in this city more than anything,” Martinez said.
As Martinez continues to usher the program to reaching new heights, Girls Inc. recently hosted the Her Game, Her Future summit with sports industry professionals from Emmanuel College at its office on Nahant Street. The program, which was connected through a sponsorship through Coca Cola in anticipation of the World Cup coming to the state, included a clinic featuring online modules where they could learn about various careers associated with sports, from camera operations to sales, as well as guest speakers and even a soccer clinic with one of the Girls Inc. staff members.
“It is showing those that you can be involved in athletics, but you can think about a career beyond the actual sport,” Martinez said, adding: “It touched on all the strong, smart, and bold components, (and) it was a wonderful day, and the girls were super excited and really enjoyed being there.”
