Girls For A Change | Preparing Black girls for the world, and the world for Black girls

Who We Are

Girls For A Change (GFAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization aimed at empowering self-identifying Black girls in Central Virginia to visualize their bright futures and potential through discovery, development, innovation, and social change in their communities. Our mission is to prepare Black girls for the world and the world for Black girls.

"We are Black girls. We are powerful.
We are amazing."

-Naomi Vickers

Girl Ambassador Participant

2024 Annual Report

Our Values

Our core values, fundamental to the empowerment and development of Black girls, are as follows:

Empowering Bold Visions and Playfulness
Uncompromising Integrity and Excellence
Systematic and Community-Centric Approach
Co-creation and Participation
Challenging the Status Quo
Two-Fold Mission of Preparation and Advocacy

Read our full Values statement

girlsforachange

Preparing Black girls for the world and the world for Black girls.

Calling all Black-women owned business owners 📣

Calling all Black-women owned business owners 📣! We have limited FREE spaces for vendors at this year's Black Girl Showcase. As vendor, not only do you have the opportunity to showcase your products, but two vendors will be selected by our Immersion Lab youth and Nikki Porcher, founder of @BuyfromaBlackWoman, to win an annual membership ($175 value ) to the Buy from a Black Woman Directory!

Vendors ages 16+ are invited to apply! Scan the QR code for application.

The @DaughtersDocumentary team really showed up fo

The @DaughtersDocumentary team really showed up for participants during our Creative Industry Tour! We toured @Netflix, had a career panel at @ObjectandAnimal, met with Producers @Mindy_Goldberg of @Epoch, @SamBisbee of @ParkPictures, and @KathrynEverett, and saw Gypsy, the Broadway play produced by EP @KerryWashington!

These experiences really helped broaden the possibilities for careers in creative industries like film and musicals. We're so grateful for everyone who took the time to share their experiences and advice.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Girl Action Team

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Girl Action Team screened the movie Frida at Commonhouse to learn more about the upcoming exhibit at VMFA and the true life of artist Frida Kahlo. They also participated in a virtual Q&A with Director Carla Gutierrez, who shared how she pieced together Frida’s own words to tell her powerful story. @vmfamuseum

As costs continue to rise, the need for affordable

As costs continue to rise, the need for affordable, full-day summer programming continues to rise for families. Camp Diva Leadership Academy has an array of benefits, and your support can help a girl make the most of them. Give the gift of a worry-free summer, filled with life-changing experiences.

"During spring break, I had the incredible opportu

"During spring break, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Creative Industry Camp. One of the most impactful experiences I had was visiting the Brownstone Harlem Houses. We toured the buildings and brainstormed how they could be utilized by Girls For A Change interns during the summer. I was fortunate to hear from the remarkable Ms. Cunningham, the owner of the two buildings. She shared captivating stories and invaluable wisdom that left a lasting impression on me. I was deeply moved, even to tears, as I listened to her speak. Her words resonated with power and purpose, and I am so grateful for the chance to meet her. Thank you, Ms. Cunningham, for sharing your knowledge with us." - Nadia Fraser, Peer Advisor and Girl Ambassador Participant

"I’ve learned many new things, met loads of new

"I’ve learned many new things, met loads of new people, and had scads of new experiences during our Creative Industries Trip. However, the most impactful undertaking during the trip would be our time viewing Gypsy on Broadway. I was apprehensive about seeing the show, going in with the notion that Broadway shows and musicals were for theater kids and geeks. But I was pleasantly surprised once the show was finished. I was awestruck seeing so many skilled performers, amazing costume design, and an all-Black cast on Broadway. After the show, we even got to talk to some of the performers, Shanel Bailey and Jordan Tyson. Overall, my first Broadway experience was thrilling, and I’m glad I got to share it with my peers during our Creative Industries Trip." - Meghan McGee, Peer Advisor and Girl Ambassador participant

Participants had an amazing time at Gypsy on Broadway! We want to thank @SimpsonStreetImpact for providing this incredible experience to not only see the play but also meet some of the cast members and crew.

It's crunch time! Showcasing for the Girl Ambassad

It's crunch time! Showcasing for the Girl Ambassador Program Shark Tank projects is soon. Participants have spent time finalizing their prototypes and presentations.

A special thanks to @NappyNerd for stopping by with junk glasses! What a great way to decompress from planning and get the creative juices flowing!

Join us for the next Remarkable Women’s Luncheon

Join us for the next Remarkable Women’s Luncheon on May 15th, featuring GFAC CEO, Sistah Angela Patton! This powerful gathering brings together women who are leading, building, and making an impact in their industries and communities. Come for the inspiration, connections, and meaningful conversations.
Sales end on May 1st!

Do you know a young leader aged 14-18 who is eager

Do you know a young leader aged 14-18 who is eager to create change? The Center for Rising Generations’ Rising Generations Summit is a powerful opportunity for youth to build the connections
and gain the tools they need to take on the issues that matter most to them. What to know?

📍 Washington, D.C.
📅 June 7, 2025
⏰ Apply by April 18: https://heyor.ca/WAEg7Y
Share this opportunity or send it directly to a young person in your network!

@AspenRisingGen #RisingGenerationsSummit #AspenRisingGen #YouthLeadership #CivicEngagement

The Young Director Award podcast is a no-holds-bar

The Young Director Award podcast is a no-holds-barred deep dive into all things filmmaking. Daughters Co-Directors Angela Patton and Natalie Rae were invited to speak about Daughters' success and impact across the country. Check it out wherever you stream your podcasts.

People are connecting with Daughters Documentary o

People are connecting with Daughters Documentary on a global scale. From individuals who have been incarcerated and separated from family to children who grew up with the pain of having an incarcerated parent to people who have strained familial relationships. This love story is one that anyone can connect with but that also calls for action.

If you're ready to continue these conversations within your community, host your own Impact Screening. Click the link in our bio to learn how.

This feature of Peer Advisor and Girl Ambassador p

This feature of Peer Advisor and Girl Ambassador participant Asani Ka-Re by an elementary school student is why sisterhood across grades is important. She was selected to be highlighted for Women's History Month by GFAC participant London, who clearly looks up to Asani and all of her accomplishments. How sweet. 💗

Our latest Impact Screening brought us to New Jers

Our latest Impact Screening brought us to New Jersey, where Delta Dialogues and Far Brook School convened the community to watch and then discuss the impact incarceration has on families and communities.

Sistah Angela was joined by Marta Esquilin, Associate Dean of the Honors Living Learning Community at Rutgers Newark, for a post-screening discussion that garnered great audience questions and insights.

We love that this film is being shared within communities and educational institutions! Learn more about hosting your own Impact Screening at the link in our bio.

Going from middle school to high school can be cha

Going from middle school to high school can be challenging for both parents and students. At Camp Diva Leadership Academy, we offer a program specifically for girls making this transition to help them lean into the uncomfortable and grow through change. Learn more about Mission in Bloom and all the benefits Camp Diva has to offer at an upcoming info session. Scan the QR code to register.

Sistah Angela was honored with a Women of Excellen

Sistah Angela was honored with a Women of Excellence "Agents of Change Award" by the Metro Richmond Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College (NAASC). She brought along a GFAC Alumnae Ca'Miyah King, who is currently a sophomore at Spelman.

"The event was nice and I felt the community around me. A lot of people there weren't even Spelman alumnae, but supporters, and it showed the true net of love the Spelman experience provides." - Ca'Miyah King

As a small business owner, imagine having a mentor

As a small business owner, imagine having a mentor to guide you from the very beginning. As a Girl Ambassador Program Hiring Partner, you can provide this resource to budding Black girls ready to enter the workforce.

Learn more at one of our upcoming info sessions. Check the link in our bio.

Our garden is almost ready for Spring, thanks to t

Our garden is almost ready for Spring, thanks to these volunteers from ValleyStar Credit Union and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and other community members.

Want to help us get ready for Summer programs? We're in need of mulch, soil, and compost. Contact us to make arrangements to drop off your donation or make a donation to support us at girlsforachange.org.

Our Girl Action Team participants are developing t

Our Girl Action Team participants are developing their sewing skills and learning how they translate into forms of art. So far, they've learned basic stitches and have begun their very own projects.

Immersion Lab participants are hard at work refini

Immersion Lab participants are hard at work refining their pitch ideas and defining their small business goals. Stay tuned to see how it all comes together at the start of summer!

Our Girl Action Team at @vmfamuseum is learning a

Our Girl Action Team at @vmfamuseum is learning a lot about the societal lens and creating personal narratives that reflect who we are. This project, driven and inspired by the newest Frida Kahlo exhibit, guides our participants in introspective thought to give them the tools to show the world their ideas on how they want to be perceived and understood.

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