At its March 15, 2023, Board meeting, the Girls Incorporated of Greater Lowell (GIGL) board unanimously appointed Bopha Malone, a Girls Inc. alum, to lead the 107-year-old, girls-only youth-serving organization.

Malone is stepping into the role of GIGL executive director after serving as the organization’s interim executive director since September 2022.

“Bopha’s deep connection to Girls Inc. and the Greater Lowell community is unsurpassed,” said Jennifer Aradhya, president of the GIGL Board. “She demonstrated her leadership abilities as Interim Director and the Board of Directors and I are confident that as the Executive Director, Bopha will take bold new steps to advance the organization.”

Malone immigrated to the U.S. at eight and credits caring mentors for helping her get to where she is today. She joined Girls Inc. of Lynn at age 15 and worked as a Peer Leader, educating youth about racism, homophobia, and the dangers of tobacco use and gun violence, among other issues.

“As a first-generation Cambodian American, Girls Inc. played a tremendous role in my life growing up and was instrumental in helping me become the woman I am today, “said Malone. “I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to inspire the next generation of girls to be strong, smart, and bold as executive director for Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell.”

Additionally, Malone is actively involved with several nonprofit organizations. She is a trustee of Middlesex Community College, Tufts Medicine (Lowell General Hospital), International Institute of New England, Women Working Wonders, Merrimack Repertory Theatre and is a member of the Bedford, MA Rotary Club and Communities for Restorative Justice. She lives in Bedford with her husband and two children and is a member of the Bedford  Select Board.