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To learn more about Girls Inc. of Chattanooga or to donate to the nonprofit visit www.girlsincofchatt.org.
For nearly a decade as president and CEO of Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, Bea Lurie inspired girls to be strong, smart and bold.
Stepping down from the position Friday, Lurie said she isn't sure what's next, but she wants to continue working in ways that move the city forward.
"I teach girls to be bold, and now I am doing it myself," Lurie said Thursday morning from the nonprofit organization's office in Highland Park. She's eager herself to see what the next stage of her professional career brings.
When Lurie took the position at Girls Inc. in 2007 she made inspiring and preparing girls to attend college a priority. And during the past eight school years, 100 percent of the seniors participating in the organization's programming enrolled in college.
"Almost without exception, they finish college in four years," said Lurie. "And they are going on to master's degrees or professional positions."
Hamilton County Schools is struggling to prepare students for college and careers, and data show more than 60 percent of its recent graduates fail to earn any post-secondary certificate or degree within six years.
Lurie credits Girls Inc.'s success in readying girls for college to the support, preparation and expectations the nonprofit offers, many coming from single-parent families that live in poverty.
Girls in the program take courses on women's history and leadership, and they work on projects that better the community. Workplace development training starts as early as age 6, Lurie said, when the girls aren't even aware what they're learning.
Public speaking practice also helps girls learn be strong, independent leaders.
"We don't ever want our girls to think they don't have a voice or a place at the table," Lurie said.
She credits all of Girls Inc.'s accomplishments during her tenure to the hard work of her highly qualified staff.
That includes tripling the number of girls in the program each year and bolstering the organization's reputation across the country. In 2016 Girls Inc. of Chattanooga was named one of the national affiliates of the year, and in 2014 Lurie was named to Girls Inc.'s national board.
Gina Dhanani, chairwoman of the Girls Inc. of Chattanooga board, said Lurie's leadership has made the nonprofit a respected force for girls in the community.
"[Lurie] has been instrumental in strengthening the professionalism of our staff, the quality and effectiveness of our programs, especially their measurable outcomes, and substantially increased the number of girls served and funds raised," Dhanani said in a statement. "She leaves the organization well positioned for its continued success in the future."
Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke also applauded Lurie's effective leadership and service.
"Bea Lurie's passion and focus has been a driving force in changing the lives of girls and women in our community," Berke said in a statement.
Coppinger said of all the nonprofit agencies serving the community, "Girls Inc. stands out as one that has delivered real results to improve the lives of young people."
Girls Inc. of Chattanooga has served more than 27,000 girls since it was founded in 1961, and one of the highlights of the job for Lurie has been keeping up with the program's alumnae and seeing all they accomplish.
Lurie plans to continue donating, supporting and volunteering with Girls Inc., and said she is excited for the nonprofit to continue thriving under new leadership.
"This organization is in phenomenal shape," Lurie said. "I wouldn't leave otherwise."
Contact staff writer Kendi A. Rainwater at krainwater@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592. Follow on Twitter @kendi_and.