Shirley’s Legacy
The Chisholm Leadership Academy is inspired by U.S. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm (NY-12) who made history when she became the first Black woman to run for Congress and the first Black candidate for a major party’s nomination for president of the United States.
She was a fervent advocate for the rights of women and immigrants, a living wage, and for programs that promoted the education and welfare of children. She was a co-founder of the Congressional Women’s Caucus and National Political Congress of Black Women.
Chisholm’s historic victories and fearless leadership blazed a trail for generations of women and girls.
“If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
Shirley Chisholm | U.S. Congresswoman
Why We Serve
Women comprise less than one-third (31%) of the Georgia General Assembly, only five women have served as justices in the 175 years since the Georgia Supreme Court was established, and no woman has ever served as governor of Georgia. In addition to the historic legal barriers preventing women of color from assuming elected office, they are less likely to have access to political training programs and to have the economic resources to successfully run for office. Additionally, they report limited exposure to role models, of the same race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background, who have served in elected office. The Chisholm Leadership Academy exists to bridge that gap.
Girls who engage in extracurricular activities and leadership training, during the middle and high school years, report higher levels of self-esteem and are more likely to pursue leadership roles and elected office in adulthood. CLA’s programs center the unique experiences and contributions of women and girls of color, aimed at combatting gender, sociocultural, and racial stereotypes, boosting self-esteem, and helping girls access and own their power. Chisholm Scholars will be galvanized and equipped to serve their local communities today and to pursue careers in public service in the future.
Our Mission
The Chisholm Leadership Academy is a Georgia 501(c)(3) organization that cultivates a pipeline of middle and high school girls of color to become catalysts for change and to be inspired for bold careers in public service.
“We have to build things that we want to see accomplished, in life and in our country, based on our own personal experiences...to make sure that others do not have to suffer the same discrimination.”
Patsy Mink | U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN
Our Vision
CLA will leverage education, mentorship, and experiential instruction to become the state’s leader in culturally responsive civic education for girls of color. CLA will elevate girls to be competent, capable, and confident leaders in public service.
Our aim is to serve 500 Chisholm Scholars by 2025.
Our Values
1.
Every girl can become a great leader.
2.
I am my sister’s keeper.
3.
Our differences are our greatest strength.
Where We Serve
The Chisholm Leadership Academy is a nonpartisan organization. Our programs support a diverse cohort of girls in grades 6-12 and are inclusive of girls with disabilities and those of varied national origin, sexual orientation and gender identity, and socioeconomic background.
Albany
Atlanta
Augusta
Columbus
Macon
Savannah
Check out our 2020 International Day of the Girl Celebration, an inspiring compilation of more than 20 messages from elected and appointed leaders and women and youth activists, including Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley and Lucy McBath, activists Cori Bush and Charitie Ropati, and Mayors Sadaf Jaffer and Aja Brown.
Check out photos and a recap from our 2019 Chisholm Leadership Academy Launch: An International Day of the Girl Celebration
“It is important for all of us to appreciate where we come from and how that history has really shaped us in ways that we might not understand.”
Sonia Sotomayor | U.S. Supreme Court Justice
