We are equipping the next generation of globally minded female leaders

“GGU creates an environment where every girl who attends will go back with a brighter smile, developed vision, and with a mindset that she'll make this world better."

Vaishnavi, 16, India
GGU 2019

Are you ready to make a difference?

Empowering girls to lead

We are building an international coalition of girls prepared to drive change for themselves and their communities, whose collective actions will create a more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.
Join our global network of changemakers and unlock your potential as a leader!

Build
Confidence,
courage, and a growth mindset
Get
Equipped
with essential real-world skills
Be
Inspired
by female role models and global peers
Take
Action
on issues that matter to you

When girls lead, change follows

When teen girls step into their power, incredible things happen. They dream big, take action, and create the change they wish to see. The world needs these globally-minded leaders now more than ever.

Gender Inequality

There is not a country in the world where women and girls experience total equity and equality. We are on a mission to change that.

Global Challenges

The world faces urgent issues like climate change, violent conflict, and increasing polarization. To effectively address these challenges, we need diverse perspectives and innovative solutions that can create lasting change.

The Power of Women’s Voices

Girls' and women's voices are crucial in decision-making spaces to ensure that products, policies, and solutions reflect their needs and contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

Preparing tomorrow's leaders

Girls Gearing Up was founded by Chineme Ugbor, Christina Limbird, and Courtney Adams. Our all-female network of educators and youth workers is dedicated to preparing today’s teen girls to take the lead tomorrow. With expertise spanning schools, camps, refugee homes, after-school programs, and post-conflict communities, we prepare girls to thrive and lead n diverse environments. Learn more about our team here.

A Global Network of Leaders, Mentors, and Changemakers

Our programs thrive thanks to dedicated facilitators at our Summer Academy, inspiring female leaders who volunteer as speakers or mentors in our year-long program, and our Youth Advisory Board of GGU alumnae who provide valuable insights and help guide our mission.

ABURY x GGU:
Supporting Teen Girls

After years of cooperating to bring girls from ABURY foundation communities in Morocco to GGU Leadership Academies, in 2024 Girls Gearing Up and the ABURY Foundation formally joined forces. Together, we aim to reach more teen girls and impact more communities, enabling significant strides toward our shared goal of reaching 50,000 women and girls by 2030.

Our Programs Launch Female Leaders

Our holistic in-person and online programs unite girls worldwide while providing them with the mindset, tools, and networks they need to make a difference for themselves and the world around them.

ABURY Girls Gearing Up Academy

Our International Leadership Academy brings together aspiring teen leaders (13-17) for an intensive week of learning, inspiration, and cross-cultural friendships.

Skill-building workshops & team-building challenges

Global connections & lasting friendships

Powerful female role models from various fields

Learn more

Mentoring
Program

Our year-long mentoring program connects young women with female mentors who support them to develop their skills and achieve their goals.

Personalized coaching

Skills development

Networking & support

Learn more

Year-Round
Engagement

Girls in our international network receive ongoing support as they grow as leaders in their communities through our online and in-person programs that promote growth, learning, and connection.

Online workshops & discussions

In person special events

Learn more

Global Impact

As Girls Gearing Up alumae begin to act as leaders in their schools, introduce solutions to local issues, and inspire other youth to get involved, they not only create a cascade effect of positive change in their communities – but also change perceptions about what girls can do.

Read our 2023 Report
"The most important thing I gained is the power of sisterhood. I had never been in an environment where girls are so relentlessly supportive of each other."
Isabel, Netherlands
GGU Alumna 2023
"We may all be coming from different places, different countries ...but GGU assured us that we all can be changemakers and leaders in our communities."
Oluhle, South Africa
GGU Alumna 2022
"We as women must support one another and help each other to be the change-making leaders that we are. If you educate a woman that shall affect a whole village."
Zaithwa, Malawi
GGU Alumna 2022, 2023
"These women who have achieved so much in their respective fields were so empowering. Hearing from them not only broadened our horizons, but it also reinforced the belief that we all have the potential to rise above any obstacle and reach for our dreams."
Akanksha, India
GGU Alumna 2024

Want to collaborate?

Partner with GGU to bring our leadership programs to your school or community, or create customized plans tailored to your specific needs.

Bring GGU to your school or community

Ready to inspire change in your community? Our proven leadership curriculum for teen girls, developed by experts and tested globally by over 500 participants, equips future leaders with the tools they need—download a sample or contact us to learn more!

Collaborate on special programs

Partner with us to design tailor-made events and programs that equip girls with leadership skills and empower them to drive meaningful change. Let’s create impactful experiences together—reach out to explore the possibilities!

Get Individual teen coaching packages

Reach out to learn about individual teen coaching packages that provide personalized leadership development and guidance. We'd love to support the aspiring teen leader in your life!

Support us

Get involved with GGU and help support girls on their path to becoming empowered leaders and changemakers.