( ENSPIRE She Did That ) Jamila Trimuel and Ladies of Virtue Are Empowering the Next Generation of Black Girl Leaders
ENSPIRE Contributor: Seanna Nona
In Chicago’s South and West Sides, where opportunity can feel out of reach and systemic inequities persist, one woman is leading a quiet revolution. Jamila Trimuel, founder of Ladies of Virtue (LOV), is redefining what it means to mentor, support, and empower young Black girls in historically disinvested communities.
Founded in 2011, Ladies of Virtue is the only Black-founded organization of its kind in Chicago. It has become a trusted lifeline for girls between the ages of 9 and 18, providing not just academic support but the tools for lifelong leadership. Through high-impact mentorship, career readiness training, and mental health support, Jamila and her team are equipping the next generation of changemakers with the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
“Mentorship is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. We’re not just helping girls graduate. We’re preparing them to lead.” – Jamila Trimuel
Each girl in the program is matched with a dedicated mentor who guides her through personal development, goal-setting, and decision-making. The results speak volumes. In the most recent school year, 606 girls participated in the core program. A remarkable 99% met one or more of their goals, 100% passed their grade level, and every high school senior graduated. An impressive 94% went on to college, trade school, or the military.
But LOV’s impact goes beyond education. Girls report improved confidence, with 93% saying they feel more self-assured. Among participants aged 16 and older, 92% gained summer jobs and 98% boosted their job readiness skills. Critically, 88% reported better mental health—a testament to the holistic support LOV provides.
Jamila’s vision has drawn national recognition. She’s been honored as a Black Changemaker by PepsiCo and a Change Agent by the Obama Foundation, among other accolades. Yet, she remains focused on what matters most: her girls. “Recognition is nice, but the real success is seeing a young woman step into her power,” she says.
The organization’s name says it all—Ladies of Virtue. It’s about more than external achievement. It’s about instilling values, character, and self-worth. And it’s working. With plans to expand and serve 3,000 girls annually, Jamila’s impact is growing. LOV is developing new programs in financial literacy, college readiness, and mental health, ensuring that girls are not just prepared for the next step, but for life.
In a world where young Black girls are too often overlooked or underestimated, Ladies of Virtue offers something radical: belief. Belief in their brilliance. Belief in their resilience. And believe in their future.
Jamila Trimuel is not just changing lives—she’s building a legacy of leadership and empowerment that will resonate for generations.
For more information, visit: Ladies of Virtue
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