Chicago day of the girl

Sunday, October 11, 2026

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Reva and David Logan Center for the arts, chicago, il

Chicago is a global city — and it always has been. The girl from Englewood carries Mississippi in her bones. The girl from Little Village brings Michoacán in her voice. Roseland, Pilsen, Auburn Gresham, Rogers Park — every neighborhood holds a world.

Yet this city’s badge of segregation creates cultural distance between girls who live just miles a part and never truly exchange space.

LadyPalooza changes that.

On October 11th, 400+ Black and Brown girls — with roots in Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Ghana, Jamaica, Palestine, Korea, Vietnam, Mexico, the American South, and everywhere in between — will gather at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts to create, connect, and reclaim their narratives together. No passports required. 

This is the 14th Annual Chicago Day of the Girl. And this year we go deeper than celebration. We are launching the Chicago Girls Media Accountability & Narrative Action Plan — a citywide movement positioning Black girls as the authors of their own story, in the press, on screens, and in the policy decisions that shape their lives.

Come register your school. Come sponsor the movement. Come cover it with the attention it deserves.

Children sitting on the floor in a large, ornate room with stained glass windows, raising their hands, with digital crown illustrations over their heads.

Chicago day of the girl

In 2012, the United Nations designated October 11th as International Day of the Girl. To commemorate this, GLMPI launched Chicago Day of the Girl, an event designed to connect inner-city girls in Chicago with a global community, advocating for their success despite the numerous challenges they encounter. Our commitment has earned recognition from Congressman Danny K. Davis, who acknowledged our work in the United States 114th Congress.

Since its beginning, this FREE event has reached over 1,000 girls, offering them a space to explore their cultural identities, access valuable community resources, and engage in workshops that foster self-worth and success.

past sponsors

Sista Afya logo
Black Girls Smile logo
Discover Financial Services logo
Allstate Foundation logo
The Still Searching Project logo
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois logo
American Family Insurance logo
Group of children participating in a dance class, with some wearing crown doodles overlay.

registration

Be a part of something bigger!  Whether you’re coming alone or with friends, this event is designed to uplift and ignite your potential. Secure your spot today and get ready for a day filled with impactful speakers, engaging activities, and the opportunity to connect with girls and women who are making a difference!

call for talent

A girl dj

Are you ready to showcase your talent and inspire the next generation of girls? We're looking for singers, dancers, poets, musicians, and performers of all kinds to take the stage at Chicago Day of the Girl ! This is your chance to share your art, uplift young minds, and be part of a movement dedicated to empowering and celebrating girls. If you’ve got what it takes to captivate an audience and spread a message of strength and positivity, we want to hear from you!

Speaker at a Chicago Day of the Girl event.

call for nominations

Are you or someone you know a passionate young activist making a difference in your community? We’re searching for inspiring teen girl activists to share their voices and stories during the Chicago Day of the Girl event!

Who We’re Looking For:

We are seeking teen girls (ages 13-18) who are dedicated to activism and making a positive impact in their communities. Whether you’re fighting for environmental justice, advocating for human rights, or leading a social movement, we want to hear from you!

Girl jumping rope

why attend chicago day of the girl?

Chicago Day of the Girl offers a unique opportunity for young women to be empowered, connect with their community, and explore diverse cultural identities. This event provides invaluable resources and experiences that will inspire lasting growth and success.

Media Highlights

Woman and young girl with their hand over their chests.

Girls Like Me Project, Inc.12th Annual ‘Chicago Day of the Girl’ Celebrate the Empowerment of Sisterhood at South Shore Cultural Center

Girls Like Me Project, Inc.12th Annual ‘Chicago Day of the Girl’ Brings Over 250 Girls to Celebrate the Empowerment of Sisterhood at South Shore Cultural Center (Chicago, IL) — Girls Like Me Project, Inc. is excited to celebrate their 12th Annual Chicago Day of the Girl…see more.

GLMPI girls posing for a photo with celebrity, Issa Rae

Girls Like Me Project, Inc. activates ultimate girl-empowerment experience on the 11th Annual Chicago Day of the Girl at Historic South Shore Cultural Center

City of Chicago Officially Declares Chicago Day of the Girl as GLMPI Creates and Cultivates Safe Space for Over 100 Girls…see more.

Photo captured during stage talk at the Chicago Day of the Girl event.

Over 100 Girls Invited to Celebrate Chicago Day of the Girl

Girls Like Me Project, Inc. announces the 11th Annual Chicago Day of the Girl. The annual flagship event brings together over 100 girls annually to celebrate sisterhood on the International Day of the Girl at the historic South Shore Cultural Center on October 11th from 10 AM until 3 PM. The theme for the free event is “I Belong.”…see more.

sponsor us: empower the next generation

Partner with us to not only uplift the next generation of leaders but also showcase your commitment to empowering women and girls in our community. Together, we can build a brighter future. Become a sponsor today and be part of a movement that transforms lives!

“In a world-class city like Chicago, which has been a safe harbor for many who need shelter, opportunity, and protection; too many are disenfranchised and locked out. It is time to provide space to affirm and advocate for all the girls finding their voice beyond circumstances that silence them. It is time to amplify the voices of the girls who will unite across our segregated neighborhoods and disconnected conditions to create a city that lives up to its promise.”

-La’Keisha Gray-Sewell

A woman with curly hair, wearing a floral-patterned top and earrings, has a pink crown drawn above her head on a yellow background.