EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GIRLS
To Take charge of their narratives & mental well-being
Nearly 1 in 4 Girls
report symptoms of
DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY
Source: Are the Girls Well? Coalition on Urban Girls
Distinctively Me
Distinctively Me is a vital pipeline to mental wellness support for Black girls in grades 6–12. We create safe spaces rooted in empowerment through group mentorship, sisterhood, creativity, vocal expression, and leadership development—where girls are seen, heard, and supported. Our programs nurture positive mindsets, enabling participants to navigate life’s challenges with resilience. Through access to meaningful resources and opportunities, we help girls reframe negative thinking, shift harmful behaviors, and cultivate a strong sense of self—laying the foundation for lasting mental well-being and personal growth.
Our Mission
Distinctively Me (DM) is a 501©3 nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the social emotional and cultural development of adolescent black girls in underserved communities around the Chicagoland area.
Our mission is to create a culture of care where the mental well-being and narratives of adolescent Black girls, in 6th-12th grades, are nurtured through safe spaces that promote healing, a stronger sense of self, and healthy development—empowering them to thrive now and into the future.
What do we do?
We are aware that a healthy mindset is beneficial to favorable growth and development and a crucial aspect of overall well-being. We provide evidence-based best practices rooted in culturally responsive teaching and strength-based practices. We bring together girls from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment of peer support where they can share their lived experiences and knowledge to uplift and empower each other.
We also know that representation is imperative to helping Black girls see their worth, envision their future, and feel a sense of belonging in spaces where they have historically been overlooked. That’s why we prioritize leaders and mentors who reflect their identities, understand their experiences, and are committed to nurturing their growth.
Why we do it!
Black adolescent girls face a unique set of challenges — from racial and gender-based inequity to limited access to culturally competent supportive services. Their voices are often silenced in school settings, their emotional struggles misunderstood, and their unique gifts downplayed by stereotypes. As a result, many experience low self-worth, anxiety, and depression and go without the support they need to thrive.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where affordable, high-quality mental health support is easily accessible in Black communities, delivered by culturally responsive facilitators and clinicians.
Our Pillars
MENTAL WELLBEING
We are committed to doing the inner work that leads us on our journey towards healthy emotional growth and self love.
CREATIVE SELF EXPRESSION
We empower ourselves by using our voices and various forms of art to express our thoughts and share the stories of ourselves and our peers.
INTEGRITY
We aim to walk in honesty and accountability with the purpose of doing the right thing every time.
SISTERHOOD
We know there is power in unity and sisterhood, therefore we strive to continuously support, uplift, and celebrate each other.
Community Service
We are committed to pouring love and hope back into the lives of our community members, especially girls like us.
Our Partners
