Black Girls Govern is working to make sure the next generation of Black girls can see themselves as leaders in government, policy and public service.
During a conversation with the Black Information Network's Vanessa Tyler at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 55th Annual Legislative Conference, founder and executive director Harlie Williams discussed the youth-led nonprofit and its mission to build a pipeline of Black girl civic leaders.
Williams founded Black Girls Govern in 2025 while studying government at Harvard University. In its first year, the organization says it has reached more than 500 Black girls and young women nationwide through civic education, leadership development and community-building programs.
The organization also launched a campus ambassador program, with 20 young women heading to colleges across the country to host civic engagement events, build community and lead advocacy projects.
Williams said Black Girls Govern aims to give young women the resources and connections they need to explore careers in public service, whether that means serving on a local school board or city council, working in civil rights law or eventually seeking federal office.
Its programming includes workshops on policy literacy, advocacy, community organizing, public speaking and professional development, along with opportunities for young women to connect with established leaders.
For Williams, the larger goal is creating a space where Black girls don't just learn about civic leadership, but can begin to imagine themselves shaping the institutions and policies that affect their communities.
Listen to the full conversation below!
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