Courageous, talented girls changing our world.
Empowering Girls.
Developing Leaders. Transforming Communities.
Global Girls uses arts education, leadership development, and international travel experiences to build creative, confident, and culturally connected leaders.
GG, at a Glance.
For over 25 years, Global Girls has been a leading presence on Chicago’s South Side, developing generations of girls into confident leaders, creators, and professionals. As an alumna-led leadership development institution, Global Girls has served more than 20,000 participants through a proven program continuum spanning ages 6-24.
Through the arts, leadership training, workforce development, and global exchange, Global Girls is shaping a pipeline of young women prepared to lead in their communities and beyond.
Our Programs
Global Girls’ programs are designed to meet participants at different stages of development, while maintaining a consistent focus on leadership, creativity, and long-term growth.
Girls Grow is the entry point to the Global Girls continuum, introducing younger participants to leadership development through arts-based learning and cultural exploration. Through dance, creative expression, and group activities, girls build confidence, develop communication skills, and begin to understand themselves as leaders within a supportive community.
This stage lays the foundation for continued growth, helping participants develop the skills and self-awareness needed to move into more advanced leadership and workforce experiences.
Girl^Up builds on the foundation established in Girls Grow by providing participants with structured leadership development and workforce readiness experiences. Through workshops, mentorship, and real-world skill-building—including communication, financial literacy, and professional preparation- participants gain the tools needed to navigate academic and career pathways.
Programs are aligned with citywide workforce initiatives, including partnerships with After School Matters and One Summer Chicago, ensuring participants are prepared for both immediate opportunities and long-term success.
Arts Across Oceans expands participants’ perspectives through cultural exchange, international engagement, and advanced creative exploration. This program provides opportunities for girls to connect with global communities, deepen their cultural awareness, and apply their leadership skills in new and dynamic environments.
As part of the Global Girls continuum, Arts Across Oceans reinforces the organization’s commitment to preparing participants to lead not only locally, but within a broader global context.
Partners in building the next generation of leaders.
Our partners are essential collaborators in the Global Girls ecosystem, supporting access to arts, leadership development, and culturally connected learning that equips girls to lead with empathy, imagination, and impact.
and many more! Thank you!
Big Ideas,
Real Impact.
Hear from our Executive Director and Global Girls Alum, Christina Rice