Our Mission
At Black Girls Govern, we are dedicated to cultivating the civic leadership, confidence, and voices of Black girls. We create transformative learning experiences that invite young Black girls to explore government, policy, and social justice while seeing themselves reflected in positions of power and influence.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Black girls are not only informed and engaged but actively shaping the systems that impact their communities. From student government to Capitol Hill, we aim to build a pipeline of civically literate, purpose-driven Black girls who lead with power, pride, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
Our Founder
Harlie Williams is the founder of Black Girls Govern and a student at Harvard University studying Government. Her work focuses on racial and gender justice, healthcare equity, and civil rights advocacy. Driven by her passion for public service and a commitment to social justice, Harlie launched Black Girls Govern to build the bridges she wished had existed growing up — spaces where Black girls can see themselves represented, find mentorship, and develop their leadership skills. Through Black Girls Govern, Harlie aims to empower Black girls to become confident, informed, and impactful civic leaders.
What We Do
Through transformative learning experiences, mentorship, and active civic participation, we nurture the next generation of Black girl leaders. Our programs foster confidence, voice, and leadership skills to inspire lasting change.
Our Values
Our core values are rooted in the acronym G.O.V.E.R.N., which reflects our commitment to the empowerment of Black girls through civic leadership. Growth means nurturing the leadership skills and civic understanding that will equip Black girls to lead with confidence and clarity. Ownership emphasizes the importance of claiming agency over their voices, stories, and futures. We value Voice, ensuring that Black girls are heard, seen, and respected in every space they enter. Through Engagement, we encourage active participation in democracy and community-building. Representation is vital—we believe Black girls should see power as something achievable and rightfully theirs. Finally, Network speaks to the strength of sisterhood, fostering solidarity, support, and collective leadership among Black girls.
Who We Serve
We serve Black girls and young Black women, ages 12 to 25, from middle school through early career professionals, nationwide.
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