The story begins long before the Memphis chapter. It starts in 1864 when the national Girls Inc. organization was founded in the aftermath of the Civil War to serve girls navigating upheaval and uncertainty. Much later, in 1946, after visiting a Girls Club in Pennsylvania, Lucille DeVore Tucker returned to Memphis and established the city’s local affiliate.
In 1990, the name Girls Incorporated was adopted, signaling a sharpened focus on preparing girls for successful adulthood. Today, that mission continues in Memphis — shaped by generations of families who have come through its doors.
“We are serving our fourth generation of girls,” said Sylvia Martinez, president and CEO of Girls Inc. of Memphis. “We have great-aunts, grandmothers, mothers and now daughters and great-nieces coming through Girls Inc.”
That continuity extends beyond participation to philanthropy. In Memphis, families like the Buckmans reflect that legacy — where giving spans generations, from matriarch Mertie Buckman to her daughter Cathy, and now to Cathy’s daughters, who continue to support Girls Inc.
Martinez, a Girls Inc. alum, now serves as the seventh CEO in the Memphis affiliate’s history, bringing a deep awareness of the organization’s 162-year legacy.
“When I moved to Memphis, I realized I was stepping into a community with a long history and fierce leadership — women who meant business and took the role of addressing girls’ needs seriously,” she said. “That’s a big responsibility.”
Her perspective is informed by experience across the country. Before Memphis, Martinez served at Girls Inc. of Greater Los Angeles, where most participants were Latina. In Memphis, the organization serves a largely African American population.
“The cultures may be different,” she said, “but the needs are the same.”
That understanding — and the need to build trust in every community — guides her leadership.“Families need to know their children are getting the best quality programming and care.”
Over eight decades, Girls Inc. Memphis has evolved alongside society. “When we started, we were equipping the future homemakers of America,” Martinez said. “As opportunities expanded — for education and sports — we shifted.”
Today, the focus is broader, preparing girls for college, careers, entrepreneurship and skilled trades. “My priority is to ensure our girls are equipped to do as they please,” she said. “We are equipping women to blaze their own trail.”
New challenges continue to emerge. The COVID-19 pandemic created significant learning loss, prompting renewed focus on academic support and exposure to opportunities. At the same time, broader social shifts have affected participation.
Shortly after Martinez’s arrival, Latina girls made up about 7 percent of the organization’s population. In the past year, that number has declined. “Families have other priorities right now in keeping their children safe,” Martinez said, referencing concerns tied to increased immigration enforcement.
The number of girls served has also decreased in recent years. Before the pandemic, Girls Inc. Memphis served nearly 3,000 girls annually. Today, that number is about 1,500 — a deliberate decision. With a new campus, staffing shortages and shifting funding priorities, the organization scaled back to preserve quality.
“It’s easy to grow,” Martinez said. “It’s harder to sustain. We chose to be conservative so we can maintain strong programming and sustain this campus.”
That campus is named the Patricia C. Howard Campus in honor of former President and CEO Patricia C. Howard. It includes a new facility and an 8-acre youth farm in Frayser. Supported by land gifted in 2025, the farm reflects a focus on both education and community impact. “We’re addressing food deserts, teaching agriculture and giving girls access to fresh produce,” Martinez said. “It’s hands-on STEM learning.”
The campus also offers culinary classes, computer labs and workforce development programming. Girls participate during the day, while adults use the space for community learning in the afternoons.
“Our new building allows students to walk to us in a community that lacks efficient transportation,” she said.
Martinez believes young people should help shape what comes next.
“When there was discussion about expanding a landfill near our farm, I asked, ‘Why aren’t you talking to the children?’” she said. “They’re the ones who will live with these decisions.”
Her approach is rooted in long-term thinking. “We plant the seeds. We may not see the end product, but we have to nurture it.”
As the organization looks ahead, sustainability remains central — both financially and programmatically. “My vision is to build a foundation so we can be here for another 80 years,” Martinez said.
That includes keeping programs accessible while maintaining quality.“I want us to remain reachable to families who can’t afford these services while staying financially strong.”
The return on investment is clear.“For every dollar invested, we generate three dollars in impact,” she said.
Programs include paid internships for young women up to age 24, along with services for girls ages 5 to 18. Schools and community groups are invited to participate in workshops, and the farm serves as a hub for education and team-building.
Looking ahead, Martinez hopes the Girls Inc. name carries weight beyond the organization itself. “I want it to be a seal of approval,” she said. “When a girl has Girls Inc. on her resume, people know she’s ready.”
She also sees collaboration as essential to future impact.
“The greatest opportunity right now is for organizations to come together,” she said. “If we share resources and partner, we can do more.” That includes support from the corporate and civic sectors. “If we want to invest in the future of Memphis, this is how we do it — through time, talent and financial support.”
As Girls Inc. Memphis marks its 80th anniversary, Martinez is focused on what comes next — and who will shape it.
“I can’t tell you what the focus will be in 80 years,” she said. “The girls will decide.” Her hope is that more alumnae return not only as participants, but as leaders. “I’m the first alum to lead this chapter,” she said. “I hope I’m not the last.”
In that vision, Girls Inc. remains steadfast to its mission by offering a place where each generation prepares the next to be strong, smart and bold decade after decade.
To learn more about Girls Inc., including its upcoming summer offerings, visit Girls Inc. | Inspiring All Girls to be Strong, Smart & Bold.
