Chicas Poderosas

In 2011, Futuro Lleno de Esperanza offered prenatal education classes to a group of young moms. During question & answer time at the conclusion of the eight-session program, an expectant mother of four asked why her body didn’t work “normally” when she was pregnant. Confused, the facilitator asked what she meant. The mom-to-be explained that she was taught menstruation was “normal,” but when she was pregnant, she didn’t menstruate. Why was she not normal? Realizing the severe lack of reproductive health education among local women, the Futuro Lleno de Esperanza team resolved to start a new program for younger girls to educate them on how their bodies work.

The program consisted of five workshops, held in a partnering public school. Seventh and eighth grade girls about learned how their bodies function, how to take care for them, and more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became evident that the program - now called Chicas Poderosas, or Powerful Girls - needed to continue, but schools were closed.

In the fall of 2020, Chicas Poderosas was re-homed at Futuro Lleno de Esperanza and took on the theme, “For girls to know WHO they are, and WHOSE they are.” Along with reproductive health workshops led by doctors and nurses, the chicas participated in leadership and team building activities. From there, Chicas Poderosas has grown to include guest session leaders from professional and technical fields ranging from dentistry to cosmetology, offering exposure to, and information on potential career opportunities. We’re working on a formal career day for this coming year, and plan to invite speakers from a wide range of fields!

The chicas also participate in empowerment programming, art instruction/projects, spend “girl time” together, and build relationships with session leaders and each other. FLE has become a safe, comfortable space for them, filled with support and encouragement. We often find the girls spending time at the school and even volunteering to help!

Every spring, the group celebrates the girls who turn 15 during that year with a quinceañera party - a special birthday celebration akin to a Sweet 16. Each 15 year old receives a professional photo shoot in a formal dress to commemorate this important milestone in a young lady’s life.

Chicas Poderosas seeks to build girls and young women up in confidence an inner strength while offering them mentorship, friendship, acceptance, and encouragement. As with all programs at Futuro, meetings are infused with plenty of fun! We’re extremely proud of our chicas, and count it a blessing to accompany them as they blossom into exceptional young women.