About YWLS

The Young Women’s Leadership Society (YWLS) is a nonprofit organization that empowers Black and Latinx girls to lead with confidence, creativity, and purpose. Through year-round programming, YWLS provides mentorship, leadership development, STEM and innovation experiences, and college and career readiness opportunities that help young women discover who they are and all they can become.

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YWLS creates culturally affirming spaces where girls explore identity, build sisterhood, and gain the skills and networks needed to thrive beyond high school. From hands-on workshops and industry site visits to community events and exposure experiences, participants learn to lead, innovate, and dream beyond the boundaries of what they’ve known or seen.

 

At its core, YWLS exists to nurture self-belief, expand access, and prepare the next generation of leaders who will transform their communities and reshape the future of leadership in Chicago and beyond.