Kirsten Boyd was visibly nervous before stepping up to the podium — pacing, fidgeting, trying to steady her breath. But you’d never know it by the way she delivered polished opening remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new greenhouse at Girls Inc. of Memphis Friday, March 21.
“Greetings! My name is Kirsten Nicole Boyd, and it is my pleasure to welcome you!” said Boyd, whose tiny frame carries a BIG voice. “This greenhouse is a commitment to the future of our community. This greenhouse will be around growing, experimentation with innovative farming techniques, and continuous hands-on learning opportunities for our garden clubs — not only for our girls, but for the City of Memphis.
“Today, we are bringing together the city, community partners, families and girls to work together to create a community that is stronger, smarter and bolder!” she concluded, to thunderous applause.
The 18-year-old, who has been with Girls Inc. since she was 3, credits the organization with instilling the confidence and poise that carried her through that moment — and many others.
“When they talk about girls being stronger, smarter and bolder, it’s true,” said Boyd, a high school senior preparing to attend Cornell College in Iowa, where she plans to major in anthropology. “What I did in there — the public speaking — without Girls Inc., I probably wouldn’t be able to do that on the fly.
“But because I’ve been growing up in Girls Inc., it’s been putting me in situations like that, where I’m able to speak with people and get to know them,” said the former Bold Award recipient and current Girls Inc. Girl of the Year.
Farm in Frayser grows more than just food
The ribbon-cutting marks the official relaunch of the Girls Inc. Youth Farm, now enhanced with a new, fully functional greenhouse. Located on the Patricia C. Howard (PCH) Campus in Frayser, the space is designed to serve as a hub for sustainable agriculture, food access and leadership development.
“Before the pandemic — what I like to call ‘the before times’ — our youth farm was thriving, producing 21,000 pounds of food, with 80% of it staying right here in North Memphis,” said Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green, who also serves on the local Girls Inc. Board of Directors. “This helped ensure fresh produce reached the families who needed it the most.”
Green, who represents District 2 (East Memphis), described the greenhouse not just as a new addition, but a symbol of long-term investment in the Frayser community.
“It will provide access to vegetation, fresh food and economic opportunities that will transform lives,” she said. “We are grateful that all of you see our vision — that our city will be better as we nurture this soil and our girls.”
Girls Inc. of Memphis Executive Director Sylvia Martinez celebrated both the partners and the girls who will carry the work forward.
“Your business is a place to sprout, to nurture your soul, and to grow and thrive together,” she said. “Our girls, thank you for making this possible.”
A long time coming
For Memphis Mayor Paul Young, the event was a full-circle moment. The project first came across his desk years ago when he was serving as director of Housing and Community Development. Now, as mayor, he said he was proud to see those early investments bearing fruit — literally and figuratively.
“This greenhouse and this youth farm in general is more than just a place to grow food,” Young said. “It’s a hub for youth development. It’s a place for community engagement. A place for sustainable agriculture. It’s a space where girls are going to cultivate leadership skills, learn hands-on farming techniques and build a deeper connection to this community that we love.”
He emphasized the broader vision for the city, one that involves transforming overlooked spaces into centers of opportunity.
“We’re not only increasing access to fresh produce in our city, but we’re also planting the seeds of empowerment,” he said. “We have girls that will be here who are going to learn about sustainability, entrepreneurship and the power that comes from being strong, smart and bold.”
Felicia Harris, deputy director of Housing and Community Development, also offered personal reflections on the legacy and impact of Girls Inc.
“My little girl, who is now 37, was a Girls Inc. girl,” Harris said. “I personally have seen what it means for her to be a part of Girls Inc.”
Also in attendance was Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas, who represents the Frayser area where the PCH Campus is located. A consistent advocate for equity and neighborhood reinvestment, Easter-Thomas’ presence underscored the city’s commitment to supporting programs that create lasting change in under-resourced communities.
For Kirsten Boyd, the moment was both personal and symbolic. She had come full circle — from a three-year-old attending Girls Inc. programs alongside her mother, to a poised young woman leading a major community celebration.
“I’m just proud to be a part of Girls Inc,” Boyd said. “It’s put me in situations like that where I’m able to speak with people and get to know them. Like I said, I’ve been at Girls Inc. since I was three years old. I have grown more confident.”
