Girls Inc. Announces New Board Members

October 19, 2022 – Sarasota

Girls Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to their board: Debbie LaPinska, Clolita Vitale and Sonia Figaredo-Alberts.

Debbie LaPinska is the Chief Human Resources Officer for PGT Innovations. Debbie has extensive non-profit board experience where she served in leadership roles as Governance Chair and Chair of the Board. She is excited about sharing her experience and professional expertise to support the mission of Girls Inc. In addition to providing strategic direction for HR-related activities across PGT Innovations’ enterprise, Debbie also serves as a Board Member of PGTI’s “Leading Ladies” group, which focuses on guiding, encouraging, and celebrating the women of PGTI as they grow in leadership roles. Debbie’s passion for mentoring young girls and women makes her an outstanding asset to Girls Inc.

Clolita Vitale is a retired corporate attorney with Exelon Corporation with an expertise in contracting and supply chain. Following her passion as a former professional dancer and dance instructor, Clolita is an active board member of the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School. Her commitment to mentoring girls and women is evident through her volunteer work mentoring women at New College and the Sarasota Women’s Resource Center. Clolita has volunteered with Girls Inc. for many years reading to girls and is interested in supporting the organization in new ways while continuing to mentor and empower girls. 

Sonia Figaredo-Alberts is the Executive Director of Exceptional Education for Sarasota County Schools and is responsible for multiple departments providing direct support to schools for at-risk populations. Sonia has created many successful partnerships between Sarasota County Schools and area businesses, human service providers and state agencies.  Sonia is deeply committed to improving the lives of children in our community and is focused on the well-being of all students. 

President and CEO Angie Stringer says, “We are honored to welcome Debbie, Clolita and Sonia to the Girls Inc. Board of Directors.  This dynamic group of individuals is passionate about serving girls in our community, and we are looking forward to their leadership and service.”

The officers of the 2022/2023 Girls Inc. Board of Directors are Christopher Pinckney, Chair; Judy Love, Vice-Chair; Alicia Larkins, Treasurer; and Jim Rolfes, Secretary. Other board members are, LaShawn Frost, Jennifer Horiuchi, Kay Mathers, Melanie Singletary, Danny Watts, and Angie Stringer (President & CEO).

Girls Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Girls Inc. fulfills its mission of empowering girls ages five and up to be self-confident, responsible, and well-rounded individuals by delivering research-based, age-appropriate, after-school and summer educational and sports programs designed specifically for girls.  Our organization equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers and grow into healthy, educated, and independent adults. For more information, please visit www.GirlsIncSRQ.org.