A Letter from the SWSG Board of Directors
Dear friends of Strong Women Strong Girls,
We are writing to inform you of a leadership change at Strong Women, Strong Girls (SWSG). After more than five remarkable years at the helm, our CEO Natalie Martinez, is moving on from our organization to pursue a new opportunity in the women and girl mentorship sector.
Natalie has made a tremendous impact on SWSG. Under her leadership, we have expanded beyond the neighborhoods of Boston and Pittsburgh, achieved significant milestones, and made impactful strides toward our mission. Her vision, commitment, and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in our current and future success.
During this transitional period, SWSG’s staff Directors’ Team will work together to lead the organization forward on an interim basis under the oversight of our esteemed Board Chairperson, Aleya Jennings, along with the board’s Executive Committee and the board at large. Recent shifts to a national staffing structure position us well, and our leadership team, listed below, will utilize their combined 12 years of SWSG experience to continue managing the work of our National, Boston, and Pittsburgh offices and ensure the seamless delivery of our programs along with the support of our full staff team.
SWSG Staff Leadership: Kimmi Baston, National Director of Operations; Shanice Douglas, Managing Director of Boston; Marissa Escajeda, Managing Director of Pittsburgh; Theresa Fortillus, National Director of Programs; and Wade Johnson, Director of Strategic Growth.
SWSG Board Executive Committee: Aleya Jennings, Chair; Meredith Klein, Vice Chair; Lindsay Andrews, Treasurer; Tamaira Ridgely, Clerk.
Together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission and in service of women and girls. Your support is vital as we move into a new chapter for SWSG, and we look forward to all that we will achieve together in 2024 and beyond.
In strength,
SWSG Board of Directors