“They are girls just like me. They all have stories to share.”
Welcome to GirlForward Stories
The best way to understand the journeys, challenges and triumphs of GirlForward girls is from girls themselves. That's what this page is all about - stories from our GirlForward community! The opportunities you read about - from field trips during the summer to one-on-one reading help with a mentor - are made possible by your support.
Girls Like Us: Ambition
Explore what ambition means to girls who are refugees and immigrants! Our 2023 GirlForward zine is full of colorful art and captivating stories. Jump into this exciting and inspiring experience!
Girls Like Us: Strength
Our 2020 GirlForward zine is full of art and writing from girls who are refugees and immigrants living in Chicago, IL and Austin, TX. Explore what ‘strength’ means through each piece.
Girls Like Us: Power
The 2019 GirlForward zine made up of art and stories from girls in Chicago and Austin.
In the Fall of 2018, GirlForward launched our first podcast series where we hear from girls and community members about their experiences and hopes for the future. Listen here.
Girls Like Us: Dream
The 2018 volume of GirlForward’s annual zine created by girls, mentors, tutors, staff and community artists.
Girls Like Us: Uprooted
Girls Like Us: Uprooted is the first ever GirlForward zine, created by GirlForward girls. Learn about what 2017 meant to us and what it means to be "uprooted."
In sharing and exploring the story of where and who she is from, former GirlForward staff member Sanjana Kantayya talks about unification in diversity. She goes on to discuss how every community, as a "table," ought to have seats for everyone. Sanjana was born in Rockford, Illinois to two resilient immigrants from Tamil Nadu, India.
Click the image above to read Maryam and Constance’s story!
Click the image above to read Markielys and Margelys’ story!
Click the image above to read Grace’s story!
Click the image above to read Hasima’s story!
Illustrations in Girls Like Us: Vol. 1, "Gentille," "Razia," "Miriam," "Marwa & Bahja" and "My Name is Wadad" by Cori Lin.