LYNN — The 38th annual celebration hosted by Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn brought together community leaders, students, alumni, and supporters in a packed room filled with energy, reflection, and purpose.
Held in Danvers, the event highlighted not only the organization’s long-standing impact but also the powerful voices of young women whose lives have been shaped by its programs.
From the moment attendees arrived, the atmosphere reflected what the master of ceremonies, Emmy Award-winning anchor Latoyia Edwards, described as a space people return to year after year because of its sense of connection and impact.
“There’s a waiting list, always, because everybody loves Girls Inc… because they do so much,” she said.
The luncheon blended humor, storytelling, and emotional testimony. Edwards engaged the audience directly, moving through the room, greeting longtime supporters and first-time attendees alike.
“The best thing about this event is having it here in this room… we jam in here every year,” she said, capturing the spirit of the community that defines the luncheon.
A central focus of the event was the voices of Girls Inc. participants and alumni, whose stories illustrated the organization’s mission to inspire girls to be “strong, smart, and bold.”
Alumna Haja Fatoumata Ba, returned as a featured speaker, and described her journey as a “true, full circle moment.” Reflecting on her time in the program, she emphasized the importance of mentorship and safe spaces.
“Girls Inc. gave me something different. It gave me space to be seen, heard, and held,” Ba said. Recounting a painful childhood experience involving bullying tied to her identity, she shared how a mentor’s response shaped her understanding of empathy and advocacy.
“She didn’t dismiss them or minimize them. She met them with empathy. And in that moment, I began to understand the connection between empathy and advocacy.” Ba added.
Her story highlighted a recurring theme throughout the luncheon: the role of Girls Inc. not just as an after-school program, but as a formative environment where girls develop confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging.
CEO Natalie Martinez spoke candidly about the current landscape facing young people.
“Our young people are carrying a lot… more pressure, more noise, more anxiety,” she said.
Yet she emphasized that the girls in the program are not waiting for change but they are already leading.
“They’re stepping up. They are making smart choices, planning for their future. They’re leading right now.” Martinez stated.
Martinez challenged attendees to consider their role in shaping that future. “The question is, are we building a society that is ready for them?” she asked.
Rejecting the idea that current challenges are insurmountable, she added, “I don’t believe the future is decided… the future is not fixed. It’s built.”
That message resonated through a series of student speeches that drew standing ovations. Amelia Stank, a senior and student leader from Lynn Classical High School, credited Girls Inc. with helping her discover her voice and passion for advocacy.
“Strong girls are advocates, even when it is difficult,” she stated, pointing to her work in education equity and mental health.
Adriana Soares from Lynn English High School shared her transformation from a quiet student to an outspoken leader.
“Girls Inc. encouraged me to try new things. Now I know I can do anything I put my mind to,” she said, emphasizing the importance of community support in her growth.
Lati Isabo Rivera, a senior at St. Mary’s High School, spoke about her family’s influence and her ambitions in science and public service.
“Every goal I chase… carries a piece of her courage,” she said of her mother, drawing a direct line between personal resilience and opportunity.
The luncheon also honored and awarded this year’s Strong, Smart, and Bold Award to Allison Feaster, whose keynote remarks tied her own journey to the mission of Girls Inc.
As a former professional athlete and executive of the Boston Celtics, she reflected on navigating male-dominated spaces and building confidence over time.
“I walked with a newfound confidence that I belonged,” she said.
Feaster spoke directly to the girls in the audience, reinforcing a message of shared identity and possibility.
“I am you, and you are me,” she said. “Everything I am… I’ve done it for you.” She emphasized that success is not about perfection but persistence: “Bold doesn’t mean you’re never afraid. It means you look fear in the face and say, ‘I got this.’”
A major component of the event was a live fundraising effort aimed at expanding programs and reaching more girls. Attendees were encouraged to contribute at various levels, supporting initiatives ranging from STEM education to college readiness.
Organizers set an ambitious goal of $225,000, emphasizing that continued growth depends on community investment, and met that goal by the end of the event.
“None of this happens by accident,” Edwards told the audience. “It happens because people choose to show up.”
That message was clear. Through personal stories, leadership insights, and collective action, the event highlighted both the impact of Girls Inc. and the ongoing need for support.
As Martinez summarized, the organization is not just preparing girls for the future; it is helping them shape it.
