SCHENECTADY, N.Y. [November 12, 2026]: Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region welcomed community partners, supporters, and local leaders to its Schenectady site today for a ribbon cutting celebrating its newly renovated gymnasium and announcing plans for another major facility improvement.

Facilitated by the Capital Region Chamber, the ribbon cutting marks another milestone in Girls Inc.’s ongoing investment in creating welcoming spaces for girls across the Capital Region.

The newly renovated gym provides girls with an inviting space to play, explore, connect with one another, and engage in physical activity in a nurturing environment. The project was made possible through the generous support of the Wright Family Foundation and the Susan and Bill Dake Fund at Cornell, alongside project partners BBL Construction and CSARCH, whose contributions brought the blueprints to life.

The gym renovation follows two earlier room transformations at the Schenectady site, the Teen Tech Room and Cozy Cove Room, completed through the Capital Region Chamber’s Leadership Capital Region Class of 2024. Together, these improvements reflect the lasting impact of community investment and the importance of creating spaces that directly enhance girls’ experiences at Girls Inc.

“These investments mean so much to our girls and the Schenectady community,” said Ashli Fragomeni, CEO of Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region. “Having a renovated gymnasium and an improved outdoor playground will give girls even more opportunities to be active, build friendships and spend time together in spaces designed with their growth and development specifically in mind. We’re incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul, our community partners and everyone who helped make these improvements possible. These spaces will continue to play an important role in creating the supportive environments where girls can grow into strong, smart and bold leaders.”

The organization also used today’s ribbon cutting to recognize a new award through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). Through the NY PLAYS (New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization) Initiative, Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region will undertake another major renovation at its Schenectady site: transforming its playground into an improved outdoor space for girls and the community to play, learn, and explore.

The organization was awarded $226,736 through NY PLAYS to support the playground renovation. Planning and design conversations with playground vendors are underway and renovations will begin in spring 2027, with the project to be completed by August 2027.

DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, “Governor Hochul’s NY PLAYS initiative is giving organizations like Girls Inc. the resources to create spaces that make a lasting difference for children and families. This investment will help transform an existing playground into a place where girls can stay active, build confidence and connect with one another. DASNY is proud to administer this program and support Girls Inc. as it continues to invest in the next generation of leaders here in Schenectady.”

“Girls Inc. is a vital part of the Schenectady community, making girls strong, smart and bold. This mission is in sync with Stewart’s and the Dake family’s commitment to the wellbeing of all our shops’ communities.” Susan Dake, President, Stewart’s Foundation.

“BBL Construction Services is proud to have been part of this project and to contribute to the revitalization of the Girls Inc. Schenectady location. It was exciting to work alongside the Girls Inc. team to transform the gymnasium into an updated, welcoming space that will support their programs and provide opportunities for girls to learn, grow, and stay active. Investing in community spaces like this is incredibly important, and we’re grateful to have played a role in bringing this vision to life. We look forward to seeing the impact this space will have for years to come.” Jon deForest, President, BBL Construction.

“Partnering with Girls Inc. to bring their vision to life through architectural design has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our team. We believe that creating safe, inspiring spaces for educational opportunities has the power to shape potential, and we are proud to help build an environment that empowers the next generation to be strong, smart, and bold.” Melissa Renkawitz, Managing Principal at CSArch. 

Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region extends its gratitude to the community partners, funders, project teams, and supporters whose generosity and collaboration continue to make these improvements possible.

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 evidence-based programs that support academic achievement, leadership development, healthy living, and life skills. Serving hundreds of girls annually across the Capital Region, Girls Inc. creates supportive environments where girls can grow into confident leaders who are equipped to succeed in school, their communities, and beyond.

Media Contact:
Belinda Washock | Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region
Director of Marketing & Communications | bwashock@gcr.girls-inc.org