Many Student Leaders. One Common Goal.
“You are the author of your own life story. Always remember that behavior is just communication. We can control ourselves, but not the words and actions of others. Leading with heart is all the power you need to change the world! ”
- Elizabeth, Chicas for Change Alumna & Supporter
Students Are Our Leaders.
At Chicas for Change, we believe that all students have the potential to transform our world. That’s why we work with 7-12 grade students of all identities foster allyship and advocacy against gender injustice.
Each chapter of Chicas for Change is led by students, for students. Young leaders are given the resources to ensure that each member of their chapter is included, welcomed, and empowered. The students are at the core of Chicas for Change.
Schools Are Our Home.
Education is power. That’s why Chicas for Change works with schools excited to unite their students, build peer-to-peer support systems, and recognize that all learners can be change-makers.
Chicas for Change vows to support advisors and school administrators through every step of starting a chapter. Given annual curriculums, tailored resources, and meeting guides, we are confident that any advisor passionate about leading a powerful student-led group will have the knowledge and encouragement to do so.
Together, We Create Change.
From organizing breast cancer awareness days to attending women’s sports games to installing menstrual products in middle and high school bathrooms, members of Chicas for Change are always making a difference. Given encouragement, courage, and passion, Chicas for Change members will grow into advocates for gender equity and social justice.
A Welcome Letter
Dear Past, Present, or Prospective Chicas for Change Community Member,
I remember seventh grade like it was yesterday. From my first friend group to my first period; my first crush to my first encounter with sexism, seventh grade was a year of transformation. Seventh grade wasn’t easy. I lost friends, felt confused about my feelings, struggled to know my changing body, and always felt worried about fitting in. However, I was surrounded by teachers who believed in me, a family that supported me, and a school that made me feel like I belonged.
I didn’t realize how much my community mattered—until it suddenly slipped away.
I was a sophomore in high school when the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close. My classes became virtual, teachers were overwhelmed, friends felt far, and I started spending a lot of time alone. I lost the confidence to share my thoughts. I stopped raising my hand. I couldn’t speak up. I didn’t feel like myself anymore.
The summer before junior year, I spoke with my friends about how disconnected and discouraged we felt. We missed having a space to be seen, heard, and empowered. Hearing their stories gave me a spark of passion… just enough to start a small school club called Chicas for Change.
What I imagined as a small gathering of a few like-minded students quickly blossomed into something much bigger. Within months, Chicas for Change had over 70 members from grades 7–12. We gathered weekly to talk about gender equity, share our stories, and learn from each other. Students led presentations on the issues they cared about most. Our school walls and bathroom mirrors were soon covered in empowering and encouraging handwritten messages. Chicas for Change became more than a club.
We became a movement rooted in joy, unity, and growth.
Ever since graduating from Sandwich Middle High School in 2022, I’ve been determined to share Chicas for Change with other schools. All young women and gender minorities deserve to have a space that amplifies their confidence and fuels their dreams. Furthermore, every ally deserves a place to stand alongside their peers and challenge injustice. Chicas for Change welcomes students of all identities and strives to show compassion and solidarity to everyone.
Even though the pandemic may feel far behind us, the issues that sparked Chicas for Change are still present. Around the world, women and girls continue to face systemic inequality. Our media, politics, and culture still send the message that women are less than their male peers—less capable, less powerful, less intelligent, less worthy.
Yet none of these messages are true.
Chicas for Change and its vibrant members taught me how to speak out against injustice, love myself and my body, and lead with courage and compassion. The organization truly changed my life and continues to shape the woman I am today. I sincerely hope that Chicas for Change can give you the gifts of resiliency, friendship, leadership, and strength, just as it gives me.
With much love,
Cora Palomar-Nelson
Founder & President of Chicas for Change
P.S. Below are photos of the women who made this all possible. Whether we are still close friends or have drifted apart with time, each and every one of them is the reason Chicas for Change exists. I cannot thank them enough for their kindness, friendship, and endless laughter.
