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

Recent blogs

Celebrating 20 Years of Camp Diva Leadership Academy

By Ashley Ray | May 31, 2024

Camp Diva Leadership Academy is marking its 20th anniversary this summer! In over two decades of serving Black girls, we have learned a lot. We’ve learned how to listen, how to create safe and brave spaces, and how to support, play, and have a good ole time to celebrate Black girls as they transition into…

Read More...

All the New Netflix Movies You Can Watch This Summer: Daughters Added to Netflix August 14th

By Girls For A Change | May 16, 2024

“Summertime: The living is easy, school’s (almost) out, and the days are growing longer and hotter — which means there’s plenty of space for cool nights spent on the couch. Curl up with family, pals, or a really big bowl of popcorn, and queue up your next Netflix obsession. From blistering action movies and raucous…

Read More...
Angela Patton, Kerry Washington, and Natalie Rae posing for photo.

‘Daughters’ Documentary Scores Netflix Deal

By Girls For A Change | March 22, 2024

“…Daughters cleaned up at the Sundance Film Festival. With the “Audience Award in Documentary Competition,” plus the overall “Festival Favorite” award in pocket and the glowing articles from movie reviewers at Essence, Variety and the BBC, the studios came calling. Netflix beat them all, and now, Patton is rubbing shoulders with A-listers like Kerry Washington,…

Read More...
Natalie Rae and Angela Patton hold their Sundance Film Festival Award for 'Daughters' documentary

‘Daughters’ Documentary Receives Sundance Awards, Positive Reviews, Accolades

By Girls For A Change | February 8, 2024

Incarcerated fathers and daughters reunite at a daddy-daughter dance in Sundance documentary Excerpt From AP News: PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Angela Patton has devoted her career to listening to the needs of young girls. Over a decade ago, the CEO of the nonprofit Girls For A Change and founder of Camp Diva Leadership Academy helped start a program…

Read More...