Celebrating 15 Years of Empowerment.

Written By Ana Diaz

Thank you for being a part of Chica Project’s Quinceañera celebration!

Inspired. Empowered. Grateful. 

These are just a few of the words to describe how we felt last Saturday while we celebrated Chica Project’s Quinceañera at Hibernian Hall in Boston. To those of you who attended this magical event, we loved seeing you dressed up and ready to party! And to those of you who supported us from afar through our fundraiser and on social media, we truly wouldn’t be here without your commitment to our mission! Behind all the glitz and the glam is a true community we’re proud to be a part of. Thank you for celebrating this milestone with us!

Fifteen years ago, our founder, Nurys Camargo, planted more than a seed—she ignited a bold vision rooted in purpose, resilience, and love for young Women of Color. What began as her dream has flourished into a powerful, thriving garden of sisterhood, with deep roots and a lasting impact that continues to grow across generations. At Chica Project, our goal is to see every young Woman of Color thrive by building skills, connections, and confidence. It will always be our greatest joy to serve the chicas in our communities and to watch them bloom into their fullest selves. Thank you to all of the chicas, peer leaders, and mentors who have placed their trust in us to create spaces rooted in acceptance and love. You’re the reason we do what we do.

While we spent Saturday evening reminiscing about where we’ve been, we also set the spotlight on where we’re headed. Our work at Chica Project is ongoing – our leaders and team members are always thinking about the next steps and how we can serve our community more. Fifteen years is a long time, but we aren’t slowing down in our mission. 

A special shoutout must be made to our Executive Director, Zaida Ismatul Oliva. Since joining Chica Project in 2022, Zaida has poured her all into uplifting others and building spaces where Women and Girls of Color can lead confidently and unapologetically. We also want to share our gratitude for our Board Chair, Damali Vidot. As a community organizer and activist, Damali has helped hone our vision and guided us toward an even stronger mission. The dedication of our Board of Directors does not go unnoticed, and we thank them for their hard work in leading our organization. 

Chica Project only exists because of the extraordinary work of those around us. To our chicas, team members, and community partners: thank you for being a part of our familia. We aren’t just celebrating 15 years of Chica Project the entity – we are celebrating the people who make Chica Project what it is. 


We are especially honored to recognize our Godparents, whose guidance, belief, and unwavering support have helped nurture our vision and growth:

  • Phyllis Barajas, CEO and Founder Conexión Inc.

  • Jacqui Conrad, MSCM, President and Founder of delaCruz Communications

  • Robert Lewis, Jr., Nicholas President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

  • Talia Barrales, Attorney & Founder, Barrales Law

  • Wanny Muñoz, Partner, Surfside Human Capital Solutions

  • Marty Martinez, President and CEO, United Way of Massachusetts Bay

  • Ayanna Pressley, U.S. Representative for Massachusetts's 7th Congressional District

We also proudly celebrate our Court of Honor, a remarkable group of champions whose dedication and impact continue to strengthen our mission and community:

  • Davo Jefferson, Executive Director, PowerCorps Boston

  • Doug Chavez, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, The Chavez Group

  • Dr. Cynthia K. Orellana, Founding Member, Chica Project/President & CEO, Mass Mentoring Partnership

  • Gregory Wilmont, CEO & Founder, PrimePoint Health

  • Javier A. Juarez, Executive Director, Latino Equity Fund at the Boston Foundation

  • Joanna Banegas Trede, MBA, MA, Founder, Catracha Fitness

  • Johanna Maldonado, Director Inclusion, Diversity, & Engagement Stop & Shop

  • Meaghan St. Marc, Rev'd Fitness Founder + Co-CEO

  • Rossanna Contreras-Godfrey, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

  • Tito Jackson, Former Boston City Councilor and Founder & CEO Apex Noire & Apex Rooftop Bar and Lounge

  • Stephanie Monteiro-Merritt, Chief Organization Officer, The Base

  • Karla Aguilar, Operations Manager/Human Resources, Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice

  • Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston City Councilor, At-Large

  • Kate Ford, LICSW, Owner, Heartworks, LLC

  • Julia Mejia, Boston City Councilor, At-Large


Cheers to the past 15 years! We hope you continue to walk alongside us as we strive to empower young Women of Color for many more.

Ana Diaz
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