Girls Inc. Strong, Smart & Bold Luncheon to Feature Wesleyan College President

Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell will welcome Wesleyan College President Meaghan Blight as the featured speaker for its 12th Annual Strong, Smart & Bold Celebration Luncheon on Tuesday, May 5, at the St. Luke Ministry Center.

The annual event highlights the organization’s mission to inspire girls to be “strong, smart and bold,” while bringing together community leaders, supporters and alumnae to celebrate and invest in the next generation of young women across the Chattahoochee Valley.

Blight’s participation carries historic significance. Wesleyan College, founded in 1836 in Macon, was the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women and has long been recognized for advancing women’s leadership and educational opportunity.

Girls Inc. alumna Adriana Embus will serve as mistress of ceremonies. Embus, a Yale University honor graduate, participated in Girls Inc. programs from age five through high school. She now works in Los Angeles as a member of the investments team at Include Ventures, a venture capital and private equity firm.

“The partnership between Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell and Wesleyan College represents a powerful alignment of mission,” said Danita Gibson Lloyd, chief executive officer of Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell. “Wesleyan’s historic commitment to educating and empowering women mirrors our commitment to preparing girls for college, career and leadership.”

Blight said the organization’s work reflects the values on which Wesleyan was founded.

“When women are given the opportunity to learn, lead and serve, they change communities,” Blight said. “Organizations like Girls Inc. help young women build the confidence and ambition that will shape their futures.”

The Strong, Smart & Bold Celebration Luncheon serves as Girls Inc.’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting programs that promote academic success, leadership development and college and career readiness.

During the luncheon, Girls Inc. will recognize three community leaders who exemplify the organization’s “Strong, Smart and Bold” values. A distinguished Girls Inc. alumna will also be honored for her contributions to the community. The honorees will be announced next week as part of the organization’s Women’s History Month activities.

Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell, founded in 1952, serves girls across Muscogee and Russell counties through programs focused on STEM education, literacy, leadership development, financial literacy and health and wellness. The organization has produced a number of notable alumnae, including Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas of TLC, WNBA player Makayla Timpson, Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Atia “Ink” Boggs, Truist Bank market president Crystal Shahid and Dr. Kia Chambers, former president of the Muscogee County School District Board.

Proceeds from the luncheon will help support programs designed to equip girls with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in school, leadership and future careers.

More information about Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell and the Strong, Smart & Bold Celebration Luncheon is available at www.girlsinc-columbus.org.