Moving Toward a Healthier Me in 2023

Curating events focused on minority girls' advancement is nothing new for M.E.A.N Girls Empowerment. We aimed to reach over 100 minority girls throughout Chicagoland at our 2nd Girls Health Summit. However, collaborating with over fifteen vendors and navigating nine speakers, thirty-five volunteers, and over 130 attendees was a first for MGE staff. The objective of this summit is to provide girls in underserved areas in Chicago with a safe space to learn and discuss various topics surrounding their mental, physical, and sexual health, among other health-related issues.

 

The day was divided into conversations between elementary and high school girls. Our tweens participated in an exciting PEP Rally hosted by the Northwestern Fellows and the Period Education Project. The Gainer Kollection hosted a lip gloss workshop entitled Shine Up. The girls learned the importance of watching what they put on their skin and bodies. Not to be outdone, our teens received a Glow Workshop from B. Corrine Beauty Experience. In addition, they received a captivating presentation, including case studies on Human Trafficking by Dr. Kisa Roberts-Tabb. The highlight of the day included a lunch panel of subject matter experts in mental health (Latasha Brown), health/nutrition (Jada Samuels), sexual health (Dr. Hareder McDowell), online safety (Da'Jonese Turner), and anti-bullying (Shatina Edwards).

 

Throughout the day, DJ 3Snapz kept our girls motivated with TikTok dances. We had a great time with our host Lil Tiff from Power 92 who kept the girls engaged with raffle prizes and Q&As. Attendees gained age-appropriate health knowledge from various vendors representing mental health awareness, nutrition, health services, health internships, and general health services. Thanks goes to, Aetna, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Be Well Chicago | City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Department of Public Health, Chicago Fire Department, Chicago State University, Christian Community Health Center, Cook County Department of Public Health, Illinois Secretary of State - Organ/Tissue Donor, Jada Juice, TCA Health, Inc., Illinois Poison Center, American Diabetes Association, NAMI, and the University of Chicago (sponsor).

 

This was many attendees' first time engaging with MGE, and we hope it won't be the last. 

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