New signature event will celebrate community impact while supporting programs that benefit Girls Inc. members

LYNN, Mass., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn will honor a distinguished group of local leaders at the inaugural Strong. Smart. Bold. Awards, an event celebrating local leadership and highlighting Girls Inc.'s work across the region.

The awards will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Galleria, 10 St. James Street in Boston. Natalie Martinez, CEO of Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn, will host the event, bringing together Greater Boston's business, civic and philanthropic communities to recognize leaders whose accomplishments reflect the qualities Girls Inc. inspires in every girl: being strong, smart and bold.

"Boston is stronger when we lift up the women leading it today and invest in the girls who will lead it tomorrow," said Natalie Martinez, CEO of Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn. "The Strong. Smart. Bold. Awards give us a chance to celebrate the incredible women shaping our city, while shining a light on the thousands of girls we serve who represent Boston's next generation of leaders."

Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Girls Inc. participants throughout the evening, with interactive moments woven into the program to bring the organization's mission and impact to life.

Honorees

Strong Award

Elaine Stokes — Retired Executive Vice President & Portfolio Manager, Loomis, Sayles & Company

Liz Miranda — Massachusetts State Senator

Smart Award

Christina Gordon — Chair, Women's Foundation of Massachusetts

Bold Award

Ruthzee Louijeune — Boston City Councilor At-Large

With Special Recognition to the Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement

Dana Alas — Executive Director

Hali Smith — Deputy Director

Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn serves more than 3,000 youth ages 5–24 across Greater Boston and Lynn, helping them build strength, confidence, leadership and the skills to navigate their futures.

Event Detail Summary
Strong. Smart. Bold. Awards Boston
Thursday, November 5, 2026
5:30–8:30 p.m.
Galleria
10 St. James Street
Boston, MA
Hosted by: Natalie Martinez
Tickets and more information: girlsincbl.org/events

About Girls Inc.

Our mission is to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold through direct service and advocacy. Our vision is "Empowered Girls in an Equitable Society." The Girls Inc. Experience, which sets us apart from other programs, focuses on the whole girl—physical, social, emotional, and academic—and confirms that girls deserve to reach their full potential. It is characterized by six essential elements: a pro-girl environment, mentoring relationships, intentional programming, evidence-based curricula, interactive activities, and sustained exposure. Trained staff and volunteers build lasting mentoring relationships, and girls find a sisterhood of support based on mutual respect. Hands-on, evidence-based programs provide girls with the skills, attitude, and knowledge to set goals and overcome obstacles. Informed by girls and their families, Girls Inc. also works with policymakers to advocate for legislation and initiatives that increase opportunities for girls. Through our programs and advocacy, we envision a world where every girl values her whole self, discovers her inherent strengths, and achieves her goals.

Media Contact

Trisha Spillane, Girls Inc. Boston & Lynn, trisha@simplyputcommunications.net, https://www.girlsincbl.org/

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SOURCE Girls Inc. Boston & Lynn