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Our Girls Have Voices. Their Actions Matter.
Our Girls Have Voices. Their Actions Matter.
Girls Empowerment Rising To Leadership gives girls opportunities to build confidence, practice leadership, and contribute to their communities through writing, service, teamwork, and family engagement.
Recent Milestones & Support
Recent Milestones & Support
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Technology
Expanding Access to Technology
Donation confirmed August 17, 2026
Girls Empowerment Rising To Leadership is grateful to The Power Up Project for donating 10 laptops to support our girls’ learning, leadership development, research, and technology-based activities. This donation brings us closer to our goal of providing reliable technology access for every participant. We are continuing our efforts to secure additional laptops as our program grows.
Learn about The Power Up Project
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Funding
Community-Centered Wellness Microgrant
Announced October 5, 2026
R2L is proud to have been selected for first-round support through the Chicago Department of Public Health Community-Centered Wellness Microgrant Program, serving the Belmont Cragin community. This funding will help strengthen our programming and provide meaningful opportunities, resources, and experiences that support the well-being and development of the girls and families we serve.
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Recognition
Global Game Changers Recognition
Founder and Executive Director Samantha Pecunia was named the inaugural Global Game Changers Leaderboard Winner for the 2026–2027 school year, finishing September at the top of the leaderboard. The recognition reflects R2L’s continued commitment to leadership, service, character development, and helping young people understand that they can make a difference in their communities. Global Game Changers will also feature Samantha in an upcoming newsletter.
🌟 Growing Our Impact
🌟 Growing Our Impact
These milestones represent more than awards and resources—they represent new opportunities for our girls. Every laptop, grant dollar, partnership, and recognition helps Girls Empowerment Rising To Leadership continue creating a safe and empowering space where girls can rise, lead, serve, and shine.
Together we rise. Together we lead. Together we stand—UNITED!
Can You Walk a Mile in Our Shoes — Student-authored book
Compassion in Action
Our past service projects have included care packages for domestic violence support and a children’s holiday toy drive. These experiences helped girls learn how thoughtful actions can support others.
D514EC5E-650E-4E88-A9AB-5A447DBEA971 2.movCare Packages for Domestic Violence Support
Connecting Families
Our Father & Daughter Dance, Sneaker Ball, and other family gatherings have created opportunities to strengthen relationships, celebrate our girls, and make lasting memories.
What’s Ahead in 2026–2027
Throughout this program year, we will share completed service projects, earned badges, leadership accomplishments, and celebrations. Each update will highlight the work our girls are doing and what they are learning along the way.
Help Us Continue This Work
Your support helps us create meaningful opportunities for our girls. We are currently seeking:
Arts and crafts supplies for creative projects and program activities.
Three additional snack sponsors who can each provide snacks once a month for 30 girls.
Additional laptops as our program grows.
To donate supplies, become a snack sponsor, or explore a partnership, contact specunia@girlsempowermentr2l.org.
Together we rise. Together we lead. Together we stand—UNITED!
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