A Day of Power and Possibility: Recapping the Coalition on Urban Girls Relaunch

Rachael N. Turner
1 day ago
2 min read

On April 25, 2025, the Coalition on Urban Girls (CUG) hosted a powerful and inspiring event at the Polsky Exchange Theater in Chicago to officially relaunch its mission and unveil a major new initiative. Titled “A Unified Path Forward: Reimagining the Well-Being of Urban Girls,” the event brought together community leaders, advocates, educators, nonprofit partners, and—most importantly—urban girls themselves to share space, insight, and hope for the future.

Setting the Stage for Change

The event kicked off with check-in at 9:30 AM, buzzing with energy and anticipation. By 10:00 AM, the theater was filled with attendees ready to listen, learn, and participate in bold conversations that would shape a new narrative for urban girls in Chicago.

At the heart of the event was the unveiling of CUG’s White Paper, “Are the Girls Well?”, a comprehensive report detailing the current state of urban girls’ health, safety, education, and overall quality of life. The white paper not only presented critical data, it amplified the lived experiences of girls from across Chicago and highlighted systemic gaps that must be addressed to ensure their futures are equitable and bright.

Youth at the Center

One of the most impactful moments of the day was hearing directly from young women who participated in CUG’s pre-launch event. Their stories were powerful, raw, and illuminating, offering real-world context to the statistics and demonstrating the urgency behind the White Paper’s findings.

One former intern in particular moved the audience with her reflection on how CUG created space for her voice to be heard, her talents to be nurtured, and her experiences to help inform the work ahead. She served as a living reminder of why this work is critical and what’s possible when girls are not just served but centered in the process of change.

Community Collaboration in Action

Throughout the event, attendees engaged in action-oriented breakout sessions designed to co-create solutions and build momentum toward a Quality of Life Plan (QLP) for urban girls. These discussions gave birth to new ideas, connections, and commitments—from grassroots programming to institutional collaborations—anchored in the lived realities of the girls the work intends to serve.

CUG also introduced the formation of Communities of Practice (CoPs), inviting professionals and advocates from all sectors to join forces in shaping and implementing the QLP. This collaborative model sets the stage for long-term, sustainable progress that is both community-informed and youth-led.

An Invitation to Keep Building

As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of momentum. This wasn’t just a relaunch—it was a recommitment to doing the work in deeper, more intentional ways. It was an invitation to the broader community to join in shaping a Chicago where every urban girl is seen, supported, and celebrated.