Glens Falls, NY [October 18, 2024] — Today,  Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region, in
collaboration with local partners, hosted its first-ever Girls in STEAM Day in the Glens Falls
area. This full-day event, running from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, introduced 50 seventh and
eighth-grade girls from Glens Falls Middle School to the exciting world of STEAM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) through hands-on activities, workshops, and inspiring
conversations.

The event was sponsored by Glens Falls National Bank and presented in collaboration with The
Hyde Collection, The Glens Falls YMCA, and the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce,
along with other community organizations. Girls Inc. is committed to ensuring that all girls have
access to resources that empower them to make informed decisions about their futures, and
today’s event marked a significant step in expanding its mission into the North Country.
“Grades 7 and 8 are a developmentally rich time to spark girls’ curiosity and interest in science
and the arts,” said Dr. Krislynn Dengler, Superintendent of Schools. “It’s a very valuable
experience for them to be able to make ‘real-world’ career connections to the engineering, math,
and technological concepts we teach in our classrooms each day. We are grateful for Girls Inc.’s
leadership in bringing these STEAM experiences to 50 of our Glens Falls Middle School
students.”

The day will begin at the Glens Falls YMCA, where girls will participate in STEM activities
facilitated by a variety of local experts, including representatives from NAWIC (National
Association of Women in Construction), National Grid, Kadijah Johnson (OkayLet’sTalk), and
the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation).

After lunch, the girls will shift their focus to the arts during the afternoon session at The Hyde
Collection. This portion of the day will include engaging presentations and workshops led by
JMZ Architects, dancers, musicians, and other artists from the region, introducing the girls to the
creative side of STEAM.

“We are always hoping that girls walk away feeling empowered to be themselves and that they
discover something they are passionate about,” said Ashli Fragomeni, CEO of Girls Inc. of the
Greater Capital Region. “This event is geared toward reaffirming their interest in STEAM fields
and also offers mentorship and support to help them explore future career possibilities.”

The event also serves as a valuable networking opportunity for the girls, connecting them with
successful women professionals from across the region. Dave DeMarco, president and CEO of
Arrow Financial Corporation, shared his thoughts on the importance of the event: “With the
mission of inspiring girls to push boundaries and reach their full potential, we are so pleased to
present the first Girls in STEAM Day event in Glens Falls. We hope the networking and
mentorship that starts today will benefit these girls for years to come as they pursue their
studies and careers.”

By providing hands-on STEAM experiences and connecting the girls with mentors, Girls Inc.
aims to inspire the new generation of leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering,
arts, and mathematics.

About Girls Inc.
Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region provides life-changing programs and experiences that
inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Through mentorship, academic enrichment, and
leadership development, Girls Inc. equips girls with the tools and confidence to overcome
challenges and realize their full potential.

Press Contact: Belinda Washock
Email: bwashock@gcr.girls-inc.org