For Patricia Charlemagne, leadership is personal.

The longtime Baldwin resident and educator has spent her career championing youth development and educational equity. Now, as the newly appointed executive director of Girls Inc. of Long Island, she’s bringing her vision home — to empower girls across Nassau and Suffolk counties to be, as the organization’s motto declares, “strong, smart, and bold.”

Girls Inc. of Long Island, an affiliate of the national nonprofit Girls Inc., announced Charlemagne’s appointment on Oct. 31. With nearly two decades of experience in education and social impact, she succeeds a line of women who have advanced the organization’s mission to inspire girls through research-based programs in academic enrichment, healthy living and life skills.

For Charlemagne, 52, the path to youth advocacy wasn’t linear. A graduate of the law school at Temple University, she began her career in Philadelphia as a law clerk and an assistant district attorney — until one morning in court reshaped her outlook.

“I was about to proceed with a hearing when the bailiff came out and said, ‘Sorry, Your Honor, we brought out the wrong person,’” Charlemagne recalled. “That’s when I realized that victims stood on both sides of the bench. I wanted to help people before they ever had an encounter with the criminal justice system.”

That moment sparked a pivot from prosecution to prevention. Charlemagne went on to lead education and youth development programs in New York, serving as associate director of Mercy College’s New Teacher Residency Program, and later as chief operating officer of a charter school in Manhattan. Before joining Girls Inc., she spent three years as president of Stoked Mentoring, a national nonprofit located in California, Illinois and New York, that connects young people to mentorship through sports such as skateboarding and snowboarding.

“My background in law allows me to think critically about structure and compliance, while my education experience helps me lead with empathy,” she said. “That balance is what drives real, sustainable impact.”

Although her career has taken her across the country, Charlemagne’s roots have remained firmly planted in Baldwin. She first moved to the community at age 11, then left for Wesleyan University, but later returned to raise her two children. Her son now attends Baldwin Middle School, and her daughter is a student at Lenox Elementary.

“I live about 10 blocks from where I grew up,” she said with a smile. “My parents still live in Baldwin. This is home. It’s a wonderful town with incredible families and community spirit.”

Charlemagne said she has long wanted to bring her work closer to home, but opportunities on Long Island in the field of youth empowerment have been limited. Now, she hopes to expand Girls Inc.’s reach across the Island — including to the Baldwin school district.

“Girls Inc. currently operates in seven districts with 28 programs,” she said. “My goal is to see us in every district across Long Island. Every girl, regardless of background, deserves access to the same opportunities for growth and leadership.”

Since stepping into her role, Charlemagne has prioritized familiarizing herself with the organization from the inside out — and creating a clear strategy for growth. Within her first 10 days, she launched a strategic planning process and embraced new tools, including artificial intelligence, with the goal of bringing those resources into the organization to streamline operations.

“I’m a big proponent of leveraging A.I.,” she said. “It helps us identify donors, improve communication, and spend less time on tedious tasks so we can focus more on the work that brings us joy — connecting with girls.”

And of bringing Girls Inc. to the Baldwin district, Charlemagne said, “It would be amazing to have a program here. Even without a formal partnership, we’re finding ways to reach girls in Baldwin and beyond through events and regional programs.”

Charlemagne credits her parents — who emigrated from Haiti and raised her in Queens before moving to Baldwin — for instilling in her a belief in education, community and opportunity.

“As I got older, I realized not every child has that access,” she said. “My parents’ example taught me the importance of making those experiences available to all kids.”

Asked what she envisions for the nonprofit under her leadership, Charlemagne said she wants the community to understand that the organization’s mission is universal.

“A healthy community requires healthy girls,” she said. “We’re not just here for poor girls or girls of one background. When every girl has the opportunity to lead, learn and thrive, our entire community benefits.”