SMART Girls is the Boys & Girls Club of America’s premier girl’s leadership program. Through hands-on activities and mentoring opportunities with female leaders, participants explore personal and societal attitudes and values as they are guided through activities focused on health, fitness, self-esteem, leadership, relationships, and education. 

The Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County (the Club) SMART Girls program follows the same empowering model, with a few modifications to fit the needs of the rural community. It features local all-star guest speakers who share their stories of how values inform their choices, and share lessons learned about resiliency, persistence, and the difference between unhealthy competition and supportive female relationships.

This year’s SMART Girls program has been a little different due to COVID-19. It is now smaller, and conducted through a mix of virtual and on-sight gatherings. November’s program featured a visit by Jessica Matlock, LPEA’s first female CEO. She shared her enthusiasm and passion when speaking to the Club's SMART Girls participants. She spoke about her personal journey, being a female in a male-dominated industry.

“Ask questions. Be confident. Stay focused on ethics, the truth, and stay true to your values,” she said. “If you’re scared, you won't embrace opportunity, and then you won't be the change. Don't give up, especially when others tell you, you can't."

Kathrene Frautschy, Director of Development at the Club called Jessica a “dynamo” who made a tremendous impact on the girls. “We are so fortunate to have strong female role models like her in our own community, people who care and are making a difference through strong leadership,” she said. The participants said of Jessica: “She is a rock star!” At LPEA, we tend to agree.