our impact
3000+
chicas served since Chica Project was born
170
workshops facilitated to empower girls
105
zip codes reached
99%
of our chicas graduate high school & enroll in college
250
mentors matched
70+
funding & community partners
who we are
founded by Nurys Camargo
The original chica, the original mentor, whose origin story is as impressive as the non-profit she created.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Miami by a Dominican mother who worked at K-Mart and a Venezuelan-Colombian father who was imprisoned when she was a teen, Camargo worked on campaigns for John Kerry, Barack Obama and Deval Patrick. As an executive at AT&T, she searched in vain for organizations that would give her the opportunity to give back, eventually starting her own mentoring program targeting Latina women like herself.
Recently appointed as Commissioner for the MA Cannabis Control Commission, Nurys brings to that role her commitment to finding pathways for equity and empowerment for people of color.
"When a dynamic leader like Nurys decides to share that dynamism, it's a great thing on its own merits," said then-governor Patrick who called her a force of nature. “And as a model, it's powerful."
led by Karla Aguilar
Our board chair, Karla, has always been dedicated to helping youth—particularly those who need the help most—get guidance, resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.
Born in Guatemala, a land of rich Mayan history, twenty-five languages and beautiful cultural Huipil fashions, Karla brings empathy for the immigrant experience to the role. In fact, when musing about where Chica Project might be a decade from now, she exclaimed… internationally known! In Guatemala!”
As Director of Family Engagement at the West End House she helps provide outcomes-driven programs to more than 1,700 youth in the most under-resourced communities of Boston. Karla herself is an alumna of West End House, having started there at age 6. She garnished all the power and potential sprouted there and built a career always helping uplift youth and families: as a Foster Care Case Manager, as a College & Career Development Coach, as a Development Manager, at West End House … and now volunteering to lead our dream.
"I am committed to Chica Project because it is my obligation to show up for our young women just like other women showed up and stayed for me in my life.”
Photo: Courtesy of Barack Obama Presidential Library.
recognized at the highest levels
Honored as a worthy organization by the Michelle Obama Foundation with an invitation to her Becoming tour during her stop in Boston.
In the Oct. 26 press release from Live Nation, Michelle Obama said of the free tickets, "It was important to me that all sorts of people could come to the tour events, not just those with means ... particularly young people striving to be their best. I want them to see themselves in my story—to see the value in the fullness of their lives and to imagine who they might become in the years ahead."
