Chica Project

Chica Project started in June 2011, with 10 Latinas from underserved communities in Springfield, Holyoke, Lawrence, and Boston with the goal to develop a strength-based youth leadership program that was rooted in cultural competency and the celebration of Latino culture. During the conversations that took place with our young women in that first year, we realized how important the burgeoning relationships between our participants and their leaders had become. In November 2012, Chica Project created a formal group mentoring program that linked to our leadership workshops. Chica Project has now served over 700 Latinas and other Women of Color. Today, we have active participants in Boston, Lawrence and Lynn along with other young women who attend our community-based programming, now called Queens Rise. We currently serve over 120 participants and engage over 60 volunteers. All of this is done in an environment that supports and encourages a deepened understanding of our culture and identity.