Hedley May Expands Partnership with Girls Inc. of New York City with $100,000 Donation
Hedley May, a leading executive search firm specializing in critical corporate functional roles, has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering future women leaders by making a generous $100,000 donation to Girls Inc. of New York City. This donation will directly support the organization’s Personal Branding Program, a key component of Project Accelerate—an initiative designed to place young women in influential leadership roles across various industries.
The partnership between Hedley May and Girls Inc. of New York City is built on a shared mission of fostering leadership, ambition, and confidence among young women and gender-expansive youth. For more than five years, Hedley May has collaborated with the organization through volunteering, mentorship, and sponsorship efforts. This latest contribution marks a significant milestone in their relationship, further strengthening their mutual commitment to expanding leadership opportunities for young women.
Investing in the Future of Leadership
As an executive search firm, Hedley May understands the importance of developing a strong leadership pipeline. The firm’s co-founder, Laura McPhail, emphasized the necessity of creating an environment where young women are prepared to take on influential positions.
“Nurturing the next generation of talent isn’t just important—it’s essential,” McPhail stated. “As we work to place the right executives in key leadership positions, we recognize the invaluable foundation Girls Inc. of New York City is building for future women leaders and are proud to support their specialized programming.”
Representation in leadership remains a critical issue in the corporate world. Despite progress, women—especially women from underrepresented communities—continue to face barriers when climbing the corporate ladder. Hedley May’s continued investment in Girls Inc. of New York City aligns with its broader mission to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership positions.
The Personal Branding Program: A Pathway to Leadership
Girls Inc. of New York City’s Personal Branding Program plays a pivotal role in helping young women and gender-expansive youth develop essential leadership skills. The program provides participants with access to:
- Mentorship: Pairing participants with experienced professionals who offer guidance and career insights.
- Internship Opportunities: Connecting young women with real-world professional experiences to enhance their career prospects.
- Professional Development Workshops: Covering topics such as public speaking, networking, and financial literacy.
- Networking Opportunities: Creating avenues for young women to engage with industry leaders and peers to build their professional circles.
- Educational Resources: Providing access to learning materials and workshops that help participants cultivate confidence and self-awareness.
Through this program, young women gain the tools to articulate their personal narratives, build strong professional relationships, and confidently navigate both the job market and leadership roles. These skills are essential in ensuring that they not only secure positions in competitive industries but also thrive in them.
The Lasting Impact of the Partnership
Lily Chang, Chief Strategy Officer at Girls Inc. of New York City, expressed gratitude for Hedley May’s ongoing support and highlighted the transformative impact of the donation.
“We are thrilled to expand the reach and impact of our programs,” said Chang. “With Hedley May’s continued support and generous donation, we can strengthen our initiatives and create even more opportunities for young people to achieve lasting success—not just for themselves, but also for their families, neighborhoods, and communities.”
By fostering leadership skills and confidence at an early stage, the Personal Branding Program equips young women with the necessary tools to overcome systemic barriers. These efforts Partnership contribute to a more inclusive and representative workforce, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is more diverse, dynamic, and well-prepared.
A Commitment to Gender Equity in Leadership
Hedley May’s partnership with Girls Inc. of New York City is part of a broader movement to address gender inequity in professional spaces. Research consistently highlights the underrepresentation of women in executive roles, particularly in industries such as finance, technology, and corporate Partnership governance. By supporting leadership development initiatives, Hedley May is actively working to bridge this gap and create a more equitable future.
The firm’s commitment to corporate social responsibility extends beyond financial contributions. Employees at Hedley May actively participate in mentorship Partnership programs, career development workshops, and other initiatives aimed at preparing young women for leadership roles. This hands-on approach ensures that their partnership with Girls Inc. of New York City goes beyond funding, making a direct and tangible impact on the lives of young participants.
