LYNN — “Girls have the right to express themselves with originality, enthusiasm. Girls have the right to take risks, and try freely and to take pride in success. Girls have the right to accept and appreciate their bodies. Girls have the right to have confidence in themselves and be safe in the world. Girls have the right to prepare for interesting work and economic independence. We are Girls Inc. and we have rights!” Said the Girls Inc. chorus.

There was nothing but tears of joy and a room full of red clothing Thursday afternoon as more than 500 people came together to support Girls Inc. at its 36th annual celebration.

The celebration marked not only the end of an era, but the beginning of a new one, as Executive Director Deb Ansourlian passed the baton to new CEO of Girls Inc., Natalie Martinez.

Latoyia Edwards,  NBC10 Boston Anchor, said she emcees 40 events per year, and every year, this one is her favorite.

“What I know is that Girls Inc. of Lynn has been showing up for our girls, raising the best women year after year, so let’s give it up for Girls Inc.” Edwards said. 

Girls Inc. Class of 2018 Alumna Aryana Richardson spoke first, thanking the organization for making her feel safe and valued since she joined at the age of 11.

“It’s extremely important to have safe spaces and people who make you feel comfortable when you’re young. I was lucky to have a safe space at home with my family,” Richardson said.

She said that as a young black girl, as she grew up, the spaces surrounding her felt more and more unsafe and uncomfortable.

“That’s why when I went to Girls Inc. and I found this community of supportive staff and friends who made me feel safe, heard, and valued, I knew I had to stay,” Richardson said. “Girls Inc. gave me the space to nurture my confidence to be courageous, use my voice, and be a leader.”

Martinez graced the stage, thanking the entire family at Girls Inc. for being so welcoming and supportive of her since she took over. 

“In a world where gender inequities persist, where opportunities are not always equal, and where biases are often what dictates your path; the importance of Girls Inc. cannot be overstated,” Martinez said. “The work of our organization is challenging and yet, it’s also very rewarding.”

She said she’s incredibly honored to take over for Ansourlian, and was thankful for the guidance from her and the other women at Girls Inc.

Ansourlian told the crowd that she’s excited for the future ahead, and is incredibly thankful for the last 12 years at the organization.

“Girls Inc. will continue to thrive and impact countless lives. The organization has exciting possibilities ahead, and I can’t wait to see those possibilities unfold under your guidance and leadership Natalie (Martinez). I’m glad you’re here,” Ansourlian said.

The Girls Inc. Chorus then gathered onstage and all 16 of them, conducted by Linda Hall, sang two songs inspired by the tenacity of girls and womanhood. Lyrics included were: “give us hope,” “my voice is calling,” “I won’t give up,” and “try everything.”

Edwards then introduced one of the Girl Hero Scholarship winners Fadilat Amisu, senior at Lynn English High School (LEHS). 

Amisu is on the track and cross country teams, on the inclusivity panel; is part of the environmental club, student government, National Honors Society, the Black Student Union, and is the co-founder and vice-president of the LEHS newsletter.

Amisu moved to the U.S. from Nigeria at 11-years-old. She said that she became insecure about her accent and would get asked questions about where she came from such as “Did you live in a hut? Did you have a pet tiger?” 

“All of this made me feel like a nobody, when I knew I was a somebody,” Amisu said, to much applause. “During all this, Girls Inc. came through for me. … Girls Inc. was the place that I found belonging among people from diverse cultures who shared similar (experiences) as me.”

Amisu is going to UMass Amherst this fall to study civil engineering.

The next speaker and Girl Hero Scholarship winner was Esther Agbedun. Agbedun is a senior at KIPP Academy, vice-president of the National Honors Society, student ambassador, soccer team captain, and founder of the engineering club.

Agbedun immigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria in 2016, and joined Girls Inc. in sixth grade.

“In my head, I was nervous about my Nigerian accent and that people would think I was different. But I found myself in a safe and supportive environment, where my accent didn’t matter and I was encouraged to speak,” Agbedun said about joining the organization.

Agbedun is going to Centre College in Kentucky this fall to study mechanical engineering as a policy scholar.

The final Girl Hero Scholarship winner was Noelia Tavarez Sanchez. Sanchez is a senior at Lynn Classical High School, a member of the yearbook club, has been involved with community mural painting, and works two internships when not in school.

“Before I came to Girls Inc. I did not speak unless I was spoken to. I didn’t know what aspirations I had for myself. I didn’t know the importance of building relationships. I didn’t know that there was more to life than just good grades and following the rules,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez is considering UMass Lowell and Wentworth Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

This year’s 2024 Strong, Smart, and Bold Honoree was PwC, financial planner services in Boston.

In part of the Scholars Program created by long-time Girls Inc. supporter Lucile Miller Wright, seven girls were also awarded with National Scholars.

Senior scholars were Fadilat Amisu, Zainab Lawal, DeeDee Okusanya, and Noelia Tavarez Sanchez.

Middle school scholars were Jasmine Bonilla, Adriana Martinez, and Yarielys Patricio-Santo.