This week we sat down, virtually, with Beacon Icon Award winner, Natasha Andrews, of Girls Inc. PA NJ, for a conversation about her journey, women in leadership and National Women’s History month. The network of local Girls Inc. nonprofit organizations serves girls ages 5-18 at more than 1,500 sites in 350 cities across the United States and Canada. Their evidence-based programming is delivered by trained professionals who focus on the development of the whole girl, supporting, mentoring, and guiding girls in an affirming, pro-girl environment. The goal of Girls Inc. is to help girls learn to value their whole selves, discover and develop their inherent strengths, and receive the support they need to navigate the challenges they face.

1. Please describe your business and personal journey to date? 

   “Trial by fire!”, those were the 3 words Natasha used to sum up her journey. Natasha has been with Girls Inc. for 22 years and has worked in every role in the organization except CFO and janitor. She said this diversity of experience helped her understand how to develop and provide programs for young girls. Her career started as a social worker/case manager and it was the “best thing but traumatizing”.  A New York native who came to Philly to attend Temple University, she did not know the geography, demographics or diversity of the city and region. As a social worker, she was sent to all areas of Philly and was given an on-the-job education about the economics and racial demographics and even tension, divide and segregation. She also better understood how many children experience a high level of trauma in the city. These experiences helped her learn how to deal with people on individual level and with the micro and macro organizations that impact them. Natasha said, “I learned how to meet people where they are at, put my bias to the side, be an advocate for people and always lead with empathy”. This tenet has become part of her delivery model and her success with roles as after school and parenting coordinator, interim Executive Director and her current role, Director of Programs. Natasha continued by saying “Things work better when I have buy in from people around me. And when I have someone who is coachable to support the initiative. Remember, not all people have the language to ask for help or coaching. We need to listen.”

2. What advice would you give women who are trying to advance in business?

   Natasha told me her 4 step process and advice:

   1. Assess the world/industry you are in.
   2. ID your strengths and weaknesses in that environment.
   3. Ask for coaching and feedback.
   4. Be responsible for your learning.
3. How can women push for change at the executive level? How have you done this?

   “We find ourselves in a climate of asking, ‘who has a seat at the table?’”, Natasha said. “It is better to propose to change the table setting and expand the table.  The ideology that there is only room for one makes it become a rat race and a competition. To really succeed we need to change the landscape.”

4. What is a project you have worked on that you are especially proud of?

   Natasha is most proud of her internship program.  It was created out of necessity and is now one of the coveted models of Girls Inc nationwide.  When she and the organization found themselves in tough financial times, she became the interim Executive Director and  pledged “that the doors will not close – the girls will continue to benefit from our program”.  Natasha asked herself and her small team, “What do you do with no staff and 1,500 girls in the program?”  The answer was and has continued to be to capitalize on connections and leverage relationships.  Through Temple University, 14 years ago, she was able to secure 3 interns; today there are 60 plus interns each year!  The people receive college credit and end up being volunteers.  In fact, 100% of the professional staff at Girl’s Inc started in the program as interns!

5. At the end of the day, what do you hope your legacy will be?

   Natasha believes that her legacy is that she did her part to equip the next generation.  She said “It is my responsibility to pass ‘golden nuggets’ of information to the next generation.  When people say, ‘Oh, you are one of Natasha’s girls then you are ok’, then I know I have done my part in the world.”

6. In honor of Women’s History Month, what woman in history (living or dead) would you love to have tea with?

Natasha said, “I would want a tea party!!”.  She would invite Maya Angelou and Belle Hooks – women who understand the experiences of women and are unapologetic about describing and discussing the world of women of color.  The first time she read a book by them she was impressed by how articulate and bold they are and how they understand the power of words.  The other tea party participant would be Ellen DeGeneres.  Natasha loves the underdog, the people who deal with adversity and barriers, who could be hurt but not are never out of the fight.  Natasha continued “I like people who illuminate the room – differently!  These are the people I am drawn to.  The girls I worked with, my staff, myself – please bet against us!  Marching to the beat of a drum but that is not my drummer – it is yours!”

Natasha has been successful, with all these programs and the increasing number of girls served with impact, all while dealing with a severe eye disease.  In a very matter of a fact way, Natasha said, “If I am navigating the world with the worst eye site then I don’t want to hear excuses. I have an irregularly shaped cornea and my eyes went bad fast.  As of Feb 25^th, I had a corneal transplant and things are, literally, looking much brighter for me!”  Natasha passionately said, ”There is nothing you cannot do if you are determined.  And if I give up then what is the message I am sending to others!”

Natasha is certainly an exciting interview and has led a fascinating and impactful life.  She is an example of a great leader and one with a vision for the future that is positive and productive.

Thank you Natasha!

For more information on Girls Inc. reach out to Natasha or go to www.girlsincpa-nj.org.