Interview with Rhynda Stephens, Business Relations Manager
Mission
Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold.
What does your company do?
For 66 years, Girls Inc. of Santa Fe has inspired girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold. We provide girls throughout Santa Fe with life-changing experiences and real solutions to the unique issues girls face. Girls Inc. gives girls the tools and support they need to succeed, including trained professionals who mentor and guide them in a safe, girls-only environment; peers who share their drive and aspirations; and research-based programming. At Girls Inc., girls learn to set and achieve goals, boldly confront challenges, resist peer pressure, and see college as attainable. Our programming focuses on healthy living (Strong); academic enrichment and support (Smart); and life skills and independence (Bold).
What makes your company or organization unique?
Girls Inc. of Santa Fe is an affiliate of the national nonprofit youth organization, Girls Incorporated, dedicated to providing vital, innovative educational program to girls ages 5-18, particularly those who are underserved, face multiple intersectional challenges, or at risk of making unhealthy choices. Out programs are researched based, evaluated nationally for effectiveness, and are implemented by trained, enthusiastic, and sensitive staff.
Girls are strong, smart, and bold and we equip them with the tools to remain so in the face of societal pressure to conform to ever-evolving gender stereotypes. We respect and celebrate diversity of ideas and cultures, advocate for girls in the community, and provide opportunities to all girls regardless of culture, race, disability, or socioeconomic status.
The Santa Fe affiliate was also the first in the nation to develop a transgender program.
Is your business growing and do you plan to hire in the next 6 months?
Absolutely! Along with, possibly, another admin position, we are always looking for qualified facilitators.
How long has your company been in New Mexico?
66 years
What’s one goal you have for the next 12 months?
Aside from the programs we offer at our facility after school, summer and spring break, we currently have 20 programs in 10 public schools. SFPS wants us in all schools. So our goal is to expand into more schools. We were also in 4 pueblos and the Indian School pre-pandemic. We are back in one pueblo as well as the Indian School. Our goal is to get back into those underserved communities.
Describe where you see technology in the year 2030.
Hopefully, we will see more women than men in tech fields with smart tech and AI being prevelant.
Why do you choose to do business in New Mexico?
The youth in NM are generally underserved. 87% come from low income homes and 3/5 report abuse in the home before they turn 18.
What’s your favorite thing about being a member of NMTC?
The ability to network with other strong women.
Connect with Girls Inc.
Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
If you are a current NMTC member and you’d like to be featured in a Member Monday highlight, please click here & fill out this form
For more information about membership with the NMTC, contact info@nmtechcouncil.org
