M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment™ fosters a safe space for girls who may be impacted by the growing pains of bullying, aggression and volience that largely affects impoverished and low income communities.
WHO ARE WE
Founded in 2014 with just five girls, Manage Emotions Avoid Negativity Girls Inc., affectionately known as M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment™, is a charitable, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the Chicagoland area.
As the only Chicago-based girls’ mentoring program exclusively designed to tackle bullying through education, advocacy, and skill-building, M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment provides year-round programming that combines mentorship, leadership development, mental health awareness, and community engagement. We address critical topics such as self-confidence, social-emotional learning, and conflict resolution, preparing girls to become resilient leaders in their schools and communities.
Recognized nationally for our impact, M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment was named a 2022 CHAMPION by the Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center (PNBPC) and received the 2023 Unity Award for promoting bullying prevention across the community. Additionally, our Girls’ Health Matters Initiative was officially recognized by the Governor of Illinois. Since our inception, more than 2,000 girls have benefited from MGE’s transformative programs, with many alumnae becoming peer mentors, college graduates, and advocates for change.
Our mission is to empower girls ages 8 to 18 to prioritize their mental health, avoid negativity, build self-confidence, and pursue their goals through perseverance, courage, and creativity.
Mission
Vision
To create a safe, supportive space for young ladies dealing with bullying, aggression, harassment, violence, abuse, mental health challenges, and related issues while empowering them to prioritize their well-being and become advocates for change in their communities.
M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment™ fosters a safe space for girls who may be impacted by the growing pains of bullying, aggression and crime that largely affects impoverished and low income communities.
M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment™ fosters a safe space for girls who may be impacted by the growing pains of bullying, aggression and crime that largely affects impoverished and low income communities.
Our Core Values
Motivate
Inspire girls to make positive life choices that align with their goals and values, fostering resilience and growth.
Empower
Encourage girls to take action, find their voice, and advocate for themselves and others in their communities.
Affirm
Celebrate each girl's unique individuality and strengths, promoting self-acceptance and authenticity.
Nurture
Build confidence and self-esteem by creating supportive environments and offering tools for emotional well-being and personal development.
Our work has been recognized by esteemed organizations, including funding from the Oprah Winfrey Foundation and The Girls Opportunity Alliance through the Obama Foundation. We are also proud of our initiatives, such as the Girls Health Matters program, which led to the proclamation of April 5th as Girls Health Matters Day by Illinois Governor, J.B Pritzker and the establishment of M.E.A.N Girls Day on June 1 through a proclamation from the Village of South Holland.
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