At Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region, we believe in inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold—but that empowerment also extends to the incredible team members who dedicate their careers to making a difference. One of those inspiring individuals is Kelly Mucci, who has been with Girls Inc. for 11 years and has recently earned her LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker). We sat down with Kelly to discuss her journey, her new role, and what this milestone means for the future of our girls and their families.

Q: How did your journey with Girls Inc. begin?

Kelly: I started as an intern for Girls Inc. through a class for the Human Services program at SCCC.

Q: We joke around that you are the most decorated Girls Inc. Leadership Team member. Tell us, how many degrees/licenses have you earned since being at Girls Inc.?

Kelly: I’ve earned my Associate’s in Human Services, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (UA), my Master’s in Social Work (UA), and now my Licensed Master Social Worker (UA).

Q: Did you always have this calling to be an LMSW, or did Girls Inc. influence your journey?

Kelly: I believe I’ve had this calling for a long time, although I don’t think I’ve said from the start that ‘I’m going to get licensed for social work.’ It was more about helping kids and their families because you never know what people are going through. This evolved from my own personal experiences and struggles. I am able to relate to many types of situations, and while not all my solutions fit everyone else’s, I can at least listen, empathize, and encourage. I think my time at Girls Inc. has given me that confirmation that I am in the right field.

Q: What does your LMSW license allow you to do?

Kelly: As an LMSW, I can provide a range of services, including identifying resources, case management, and facilitating group therapy. This may look like teaching a group of our afterschool girls conflict resolution through role play.

Q: Can you tell us about your new role as Empowerment Director? What does it entail?

Kelly: This role focuses on personal growth academically, socially, and emotionally. While much of my focus is still providing programming for Eureka!, I plan to support girls, families, and staff and address needs and barriers that may impact their ability for success. Building deeper relationships with schools and other organizations will help meet these goals.

Q: What are you looking forward to doing with this license at Girls Inc.?

Kelly: I hope to empower and encourage families that may be going through a rough time. I love seeing the growth in the girls when learning how to handle themselves in all situations, seeing the smiles on their faces when they see they’ve accomplished something positive. I have seen a decline in the social and emotional wellness of kids since the COVID pandemic, and I hope to better equip them to be well-adjusted, independent young women.

Kelly’s journey is a testament to her dedication to supporting the girls of Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region and their families.  We are so proud of Kelly and can’t wait to see how she continues to inspire the new generation of leaders!