Chizi's iFLY Youth Fundraiser

My Why:

To change you the world, you have to see the world! I believe that so much of our learning and understanding of the world and of ourselves happens outside of the classroom, and that exposure is a great teacher. Meeting new people, seeing new places, and being put in new situations challenges us and helps us grow - it also makes us more empathetic and compassionate for others. However, many people don't have the opportunity to see the world beyond their block, their city, or their country. That's why iFLY Youth's mission to develop middle school girls of color into global leaders through international travel and community building resonated so strongly with me and I joined the board. As we kick-off this year's Give 8/28 campaign, I encourage you to donate and share the opportunity with someone. Reasons to donate:

• You've traveled and know the learning, confidence, and healing it can bring
• You want to invest in our future and know that investments in our youth are key
• You wan to pay it forward, because someone provided you with a life-changing experience
• You want to change the world and know that often happens in small actions
• You don't want Tik Tok to be the only influence on our young people
• You want to do something positive today

iFLY Youth Mission:

iFLY Youth’s mission is to develop middle school girls of color into global leaders through international travel and community building. Our North Star is that every Black and Brown girl will have a passport that opens up a world of possibilities, increasing their exposure to better life choices, opportunities and, therefore, better life outcomes and stronger communities.

Our Camp iFLY Program is a three-week summer camp held in Washington, DC, followed by a one-week trip overseas.  We prioritize girls who normally wouldn't have the opportunity to travel due to financial restraints. Since 2017, we have given 52 girls from the Greater Washington Area the chance to explore and learn through travel to countries like Costa Rica and Colombia. In 2025, we are excited to take 20 girls to visit the beautiful country of Panama. 

For more information about our work, please visit our website at www.ifly-youth.org, follow us on social media @iflyyouth and check out our 2023 Annual Report.