Founded in 1989 in the East Lake Meadows housing complex, Cool Girls, Inc. is dedicated to empowering young girls through life skills education. The organization started with a handful of girls who dubbed themselves "The Cool Girls of East Lake" and their legacy continues today. Ebony Brown, the Director of Volunteer Service and Outreach for Cool Girls, emphasized the organization's mission: “We’re here to serve our girls.”
Today, Cool Girls serves more than 260 young women in DeKalb County and Atlanta public schools, providing life skills lessons in personal empowerment, conflict resolution, leadership, and social media responsibility. Powered with the help of volunteers, the young women engage in activities that encourage self-expression such as creating “unique me” lanterns, exposure to STEM activities, and field trips to Atlanta institutions like the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and the Georgia Aquarium.
The organization begins working with girls in third grade through high school. "We focus on hands-on activities," Brown notes, referencing their “pink empowerment boxes,” which include journals for reflection and activities like gratitude jars.
Cool Girls also fosters long-term relationships through its mentoring program, Cool Sisters, which connects the girls with mentors for support that can last throughout their school years. “Seeing them grow up and thrive is incredibly rewarding,” Brown reflects.
To support this impactful work, Cool Girls is always in need of volunteers, donations, and interns. Interested individuals can visit thecoolgirls.org to learn more about how to get involved. "I would like to see us continue to go deeper and be able to provide girls with all the resources they need," said Brown.