Dear SWSG friends,
I am writing with some important (and exciting!) news that we want our SWSG community to be a part of.
During this anniversary year, we have undergone leadership and organizational changes, some expected, some unplanned. Our Board of Directors and leadership team have worked closely to develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy that ensures the operational, financial, and programming sustainability of SWSG.
And, through our dialogues with each other and others, a unique opportunity presented itself: An alignment with a like-minded organization in the girls mentoring space, Girls Inc. Girls Inc., is a national organization that provides mentoring and leadership programming to girls of all ages. With program affiliates in more than 75 cities in the U.S. and Canada, their reach is broad as well as deep in their local communities.
With this alignment, SWSG Boston will become part of Girls Inc. of Greater Lynn and Boston and SWSG Pittsburgh will officially become a new affiliate, Girls Inc. of Greater Pittsburgh.
What does this mean for our community? While our name will soon change, our work will remain the same. We will run our weekly afterschool programs for our girl mentees, our staff will remain in position, and we will continue to prioritize the needs of our college mentors with support, training, Strong Leader mentorship, and networking opportunities. Plus, we’ll have access to more resources, growth, and continuity opportunities to serve girls as they grow through middle and high school in our communities.
We know this is significant news for you to learn, and that you may have questions. We welcome the Boston community to reach out directly to Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn for more information about local impact, nmartinez@girlsinclynn.org. With questions about Girls Inc. of Greater Pittsburgh, please contact mescajeda@swsg.org.
This decision does not come easily or lightly, and reflects our unwavering commitment and evolving journey to always do our best work in service of our girls. And, we’re eager to share these next steps and opportunities together with you!
Warm regards,
Marissa Escajeda
Chief Executive Officer
Strong Women, Strong Girls/Girls Inc. of Greater Pittsburgh