Nationally recognized, multi-generational mentoring program selects leader to succeed founder
Strong Women, Strong Girls (SWSG) today announced the appointment of Haviva Kohl as President of the organization. Kohl succeeds founder Lindsay Hyde who left SWSG in 2012 to pursue a graduate degree at Harvard Business School.
Ms. Kohl brings extensive national and international leadership experience to the role. She previously served as Executive Director of Teachers Without Borders in Seattle, WA; Education Director for Miracle Corners of the World in Tanzania; and Director of Entrepreneurship Programs at the United Organizations of Williamsburg, NY, where she led strategic planning and workforce development efforts with a focus on female urban micro-entrepreneurs. She most recently served as Director of Leadership Pipeline for the New York City Department of Education, a multi-million dollar initiative to identify, support and advance leaders in the largest school system in the nation.
“I am humbled, honored and excited to be joining Strong Women, Strong Girls, and I look forward to leading the organization during its next phase of growth,” said Kohl. “SWSG has successfully built a multi-city program, experienced rapid growth and received well-deserved local and national recognition. I am excited to lead the organization to further successes, building on the strong  foundation created by founder Lindsay Hyde, the SWSG team and the dedication of hundreds of volunteers. I am confident SWSG will continue to positively impact the lives of girls and women everywhere.”
SWSG empowers women and girls at three critical life transitions: girls on the cusp of adolescence, college women preparing to enter the workforce, and professional women on the path toward leadership roles. SWSG implements an innovative after school program model that utilizes the study of contemporary and historic female role models, skill-building activities, community service projects and relationships with college women who serve as mentors to support the girls. Professional women engage as volunteer coaches to the college women, helping them further their own leadership development. In Boston, MA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Miami, FL more than 1,500 elementary girls, 375 college women from 16 colleges and universities and 100 professional women are participating in the program this year.
“SWSG is poised for its next period of growth and achievement, and we are confident Ms. Kohl is the right leader at the right time for the organization.” said SWSG Board Chair Susan Miele. “I, and the entire Board of Directors, look forward to working with Haviva. She brings a unique combination of talent, experience and personal passion for the mission.”
Ms. Kohl is a cum laude graduate of the University of Southern California and earned a Masters of Education from Lehman College and Masters of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. She will be based in the organization’s national office in Boston, MA.