NORTHBOROUGH, MA – In the true spirit of collaboration, the Female Leadership Interest Council (FLIC®) and the YMCA® of Central Massachusetts kicked off their Girls Lead Program on Tuesday, October 20, 2009, featuring MIT scientist and former Miss Massachusetts Erika Ebbel, FLIC board members, YMCA staff and middle school girls from the surrounding communities.

"We are delighted to launch this wonderful program, designed to help young girls develop leadership skills, greater confidence and an inspiration of giving back to their communities through mentorship," said Deborah Penta, FLIC® founder and CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc. "Our board members are dedicating their time to serve as mentors for middle school girls and we are all looking forward to delivering our mission of paying it forward right here in our local communities."

"Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to make a difference for these young women," said FLIC® board member Kimberly M. Harmon RN, BSN, president & CEO, Harmon Home Health, Inc. "I so enjoyed meeting them and the YMCA staff."

"I love the intention of the program; this is what I envisioned as one of FLIC's main missions, mentoring," said FLIC® board member Carol Sexton, vice president, branch manager Retail Banking Division, Sovereign Bank. "I particularly enjoyed the one-on-one time with the girls, as I found that valuable. I also believe the girls found value in that as well.  I can envision this program flourishing as we go forward."

The FLIC® and YMCA Girls Lead Program is an after school mentoring program for middle school girls in Central Massachusetts Communities. The program takes place at the YMCA’s Northborough Campus, Tuesdays at 4 p.m.  Middle school girls from various schools have an opportunity to meet a FLIC board member or a mentor, hear about her journey, and then work one-on-one with that mentor in a group setting.

"I am thrilled to be involved with, and be a witness to, the Girls Lead Program launch this week," said Diane Power, executive director of Mirick O’Connell.  "There is tremendous energy surrounding the program on behalf of the FLIC board members and the management team at the YMCA.  The room was filled with many professional women who are committed to FLIC’s mission of paying it forward."

One mother who attended the session along with her daughter said she was thrilled she attended the initial kick-off. She noted how difficult it is for young girls to gain a sense of direction – and even more so if they weren’t born in the United States. She wished this forum was available to her when she was a young female student, and noted that her life might be different today.

FLIC® is a 501 c (3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts. It offers mentoring, leadership development and confidence building to women of all ages and brings in internationally renowned "trailblazing women" to speak and inspire women in our region. For more information, visit www.femaleleaders.org.

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