This week in the Lightning 100 studio, Brother Love had the honor of speaking with Girls Write Nashville co-founder Jen Starsinic alongside board member Farrah Usmani as they reflected on the organization’s growth as Girls Write approaches its 10-year anniversary. In 2016-2017, Girls Write began as a pilot program pairing middle school students with local artist mentors and has since grown into a thriving nonprofit that serves over 300 students across Nashville.
During the conversation, Starsinic and Usmani shared some of the ways kids are able to benefit from the program. Starsinic explained how the impact goes beyond writing songs, saying Girls Write creates “a sense of belonging for students.” Usmani echoed this sentiment, stating that Girls Write provides “a safe space for them to come in and experiment.”
Next week, on Sunday, March 29, Girls Write will hold its 5th annual benefit concert at 3rd and Lindsley. This concert is one of the nonprofit’s most important fundraisers of the year and will feature a writers’ round that spotlights graduating seniors from the program. Starsinic spoke about how emotional the moment is for her, joking, “Come to the event and see me cry,” as longtime students take the stage to perform. The event will celebrate the growth of the students and provide an opportunity to support the work Girls Write does, so be sure to come out! Tickets for the event can be found here.
To listen to the full conversation, click the link below!
