Albany, NY [April 9, 2026]: Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region will host its annual Strong, Smart, and Bold Awards, with a refreshed event experience in a new location while continuing its tradition of celebrating the community leaders, partners, and supporters who are driving meaningful impact for girls across the Capital Region.

This year’s event will honor Bank of America with the Impact Award and Carrie Harring as Woman of the Year. The evening will also feature keynote remarks from the Eureka! Girl of the Year, Shreya Sharath, a Girls Inc. National Scholar and youth leader whose voice continues to inspire girls across the Capital Region.

Impact Award: Bank of America

Girls Inc. is proud to recognize Bank of America for its longstanding partnership and commitment to the organization’s mission. Through ongoing support and community-driven initiatives, including efforts like their annual coat drive, Bank of America has played a key role in ensuring girls across the Capital Region have access to essential resources and enriching experiences.“For more than two decades, our partnership with Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region has been rooted in the belief that entire communities thrive when girls have the support they need to succeed,” said David Cornell, President, Bank of America Capital Region-Hudson Valley. “Nonprofits like Girls Inc. deliver meaningful impact for youth in our region, and we look forward to working together to help the next generation of leaders grow with confidence.”

Woman of the Year: Carrie Harring

Carrie began her journey with Girls Inc. as a mentor, driven by a desire to give back to the next generation of girls. She now serves in a leadership role with the Council of Women for Girls, helping expand mentorship opportunities and expose girls 

to new pathways and careers. Carrie also leads the Teen Advocacy Council, empowering young women to engage in advocacy, civic leadership, and policy development. In her professional role as a lobbyist, she represents Girls Inc. before New York State government, ensuring the organization’s voice and impact are heard at the highest levels.

“I am who I am today because of the strong, incredible women who believed in me, poured their love into me, and allowed me the freedom to find my own path. Through Girls Inc. I have the privilege of carrying that legacy forward and helping the next generation grow into confident, powerful women. It’s more than a passion, it’s our responsibility.” 

Keynote Speaker: Shreya Sharath

Shreya Sharath is a powerful leader at Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region and is a Girls Inc. National Scholar. As a nonprofit founder, published author, and national ambassador, Shreya represents the determination, intelligence, and boldness that Girls Inc. strives to cultivate in every girl. Her perspective will help anchor the evening in the real impact of investing in girls.

“This year’s Strong, Smart, and Bold Awards reflects both where we’ve been and where we’re going,” said Ashli Fragomeni, CEO of Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region. “As we gather in a new space with a fresh vision for this event, we are proud to celebrate leaders like Carrie and partners like Bank of America, while also uplifting the voices of young leaders like Shreya who represent our future.”

Events like the Strong, Smart, and Bold Awards support Girls Inc. programming, serving more than 500 girls annually across Albany, Troy, Schenectady, and Poughkeepsie at no cost to participants. Register for the event today.

About Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region

Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through direct service and advocacy. By creating a pro-girl environment and delivering research-based programming, Girls Inc. equips girls with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed.

Media Contact: Belinda Washock | Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region

Director of Marketing & Communications | bwashock@gcr.girls-inc.org