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 (Ages 6-12)
Girls Grow is the entry point to the Global Girls continuum. Through dance, creative expression, and group activities, girls build confidence, develop communication skills, and begin to understand themselves as leaders within a supportive community.
Girl^ Up (Ages 13-24)
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, participants gain the tools needed to navigate academic and career pathways.
Global Girls delivers programming through:
School-based partnerships (OST and in-school)
Family engagement opportunities
After-school and summer programming
Mentorship experiences
Girls Go (Ages 13+)
Girls Go is a fellowship experience that expands participants’ perspectives through cultural exchange, international engagement, and advanced creative exploration. This program provides opportunities for girls to travel, connect with global communities, deepen their cultural awareness, and apply their leadership skills in new and dynamic environments.
Performance and showcase opportunities
Community-based workshops
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