WHO ARE WE
Black Girls Leadership Academy (BGLA) was founded by Black women leaders from various states and professional backgrounds, who all shared a common goal: to empower young Black girls and women. We began crafting our vision for Black Girls Leadership Academy back in 2020, as we recognized that Black people, particularly young Black girls, were left vulnerable to educational inequities, mental and emotional distress, and economic instabilities following this new COVID -19 reality.
While COVID-19 shed a light on the racial inequities already plaguing our society, there was less attention to how this crisis exposed the long-term marginalization of Black girls. We knew that if we did not act urgently to bridge the gap, we would deprive Black girls of the chance to live out their fullest potential.
We will fill this gap by building the self-confidence and leadership skills of Black girls by investing in their intellectual potential, broadening their cultural horizons, and helping them to empower themselves and others. We value the opportunity to enrich the lives of young girls and women aged 11 to 24 years old through mentorship, arts, education, cultural exploration, and community service.
MISSION & VISION
Black Girls Leadership Academy seeks to build the self-confidence and leadership skills of Black girls by investing in their intellectual potential, broadening their cultural horizons, and helping them to empower themselves and others. We value the opportunity to enrich the lives of young girls and women aged 11 to 24 years old through mentorship, arts, education, cultural exploration, and community service.
We are a viable resource to the leadership of young Black girls and women, with a special interest and focus on their personal development, cultural identity, and global character.
Where do
we have an
opportunity
to impact?
While COVID-19 shed a light on the racial inequities already plaguing our society, there was less attention to how this crisis exposed the long-term marginalization of Black girls.
Economic Wage Gap
Health Disparities
Education Gap
Black women are paid an average of
63¢
for each dollar paid to a white male counterpart for equal work.
Black women experience depression and anxiety similar to other women. Yet only
50%
of them are likely to seek mental health care compared to other women.
Black women continue to pursue higher education at increasing rates, yet they are
5x
more likely to receive an out-of-school suspension compared to their female counterparts.
How are we
addressing this?
BGLA will fill this gap by:
1. Equipping members with workforce development opportunities and leadership training
2. Enhancing their knowledge and access to health and wellness resources and experts
3. Exposing them to opportunities to engage in cultural learning while gaining access to a professional network of women across our nation
FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY.
