Chica Project Celebrates 10 Years with New Leadership, New Look

On June 26, 2011, 10 girls met in a car. They could’ve never imagined where chica project would be 3650+ days later. Founded 10 years ago by Nurys Camargo with an initial cohort of 10 Latinas, they have grown their programs to reach over 3,000 Latinx, Black, Asian-American, and Women of Color. An organization led and run entirely by Women of Color serving Women of Color, chica project’s track record and outcomes are clear, and the potential for growth is exponential. Today, chica project’s mission to close the opportunity divide for Latinas and other Women of Color could not be more relevant.

Since June 2011, chica project has delivered a strength-based youth leadership program rooted in cultural competency and the celebration of culture. In its 10th year, the organization can boast about its resounding success rates:

99% of chica project participants graduate from high school and enroll in college.

As a 10th birthday gift to themselves, chica project changed its look, launched a new website and social media presence, freed their logo outside the circle they had been secure in, and unveiled bold colors that represent their energy, enthusiasm and attitude. Their new branding and website designed by DoodleDo is youthful yet sophisticated, punchy and powerful. Awash with confident inner knowledge that what they are doing is vital to families and communities who have been for so long left behind with limited access to education, financial stability, social capital and political power. chica project is here to change all that.

One girl, one teen, one young woman at a time, chica project removes the barriers to entry that keep Latinas and Black women down.

Strong new leadership from dynamic-duo

Executive Director Zaida Ismatul Oliva and Board Chair Karla Aguilar assure continued success. They have the capacity to translate the mission and vision into reality—a world with doors wide open for young Women of Color

Zaida is a Guatemalan woman with an indigenous last name, and a first name of Arabic origin. A bi-cultural, proud immigrant, first in family, English-language learner, dual citizen - now with a Master’s of Education in Higher Education Leadership—leading chica project into its next decade and into a future young Women of Color nationwide can boldly step into, empowered with skills, networks, self-confidence and JOY.

Karla brings empathy for the immigrant experience to her role, as she has overcome challenges growing up with her undocumented status up until high school. As Director of Family Engagement at the West End House Karla helps provide outcomes-driven programs to youth and their families in the most under-resourced communities of Boston. Since 1906 West End House has empowered thousands of youth to succeed in school, discover their artistic passions, adopt healthy lifestyles and become community leaders.

Supported by an esteemed group of board members including Latinx and Black women leaders in business and academia, and recognized by former First Lady Michelle Obama, chica project is ready for the next 20 years.

About chica project

Since June 2011, chica project has delivered a strength-based youth leadership program rooted in cultural competency and the celebration of culture. In its 10th year, the organization can boast about its resounding success rates—99% of participants graduate high school and enroll in college.