Girls Inc. adds five to its board

Girls Inc. of Long Island has added five women to its board of directors, sharing a mission to create a more equitable region for all girls.

The organization delivers research-driven curriculum in afterschool and community programs in 26 sites to equip girls with the tools to become next-generation leaders. It offers what it calls a “holistic approach to being a modern girl” that “encompasses health and wellness, college and career readiness, leadership skills, STEM education, civic engagement, and real life experiences aimed at breaking down gender barriers,” according to a news release. It also advocates for inclusion and equity to provide girls with brighter futures.

The new board members include Michelle Fernandez, head of technology content and marketing of Nokia; Donna Gayden, interim assistant controller of Empire State Development; Sharen Cox Phillips, director of Google’s Global News Partners; Nancy Richner, independent consultant in the arts; and Crishana Runge, operations and finance manager of Dove Electronic Components.

The board plays “an essential role in the success of Girls Inc. of Long Island,” Renee Flagler, executive director of the Girls Inc. said in a statement.

“These women exemplify what it means to be strong, smart and bold in their communities,” she added. “They have paved the way for the new generation of female leaders that we are building here at Girls Inc. and we are excited for them to have a hand in the future we are creating.”