About Us
Lighting the way for Chicago’s youth since 2010.
Who we are
More Than a Program. A Sisterhood. A Safe Space. A Movement.
The G.L.A.R.E. Club was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate women who recognized a growing need for meaningful after-school programming and mentorship opportunities for youth throughout Chicagoland communities.
What began as a vision to help guide young girls away from violence, hopelessness, and negative influences has evolved into a transformative organization that continues to impact lives through creativity, education, entrepreneurship, leadership, and mentorship.
Our founders understood something powerful:
When young girls are exposed to positive role models, safe environments, creative outlets, and real-life opportunities, entire communities can change.
For more than 16 years, The G.L.A.R.E. Club has partnered with schools, villages, organizations, and community leaders to provide impactful programming designed to inspire confidence, reduce violence, encourage leadership, and create brighter futures.
Today, we proudly continue that mission by serving girls ages 11–18 throughout underserved communities across the Chicagoland area.
Our board
Meet the leadership
LaToya "Toyiah Marquis" White
Founder/Executive Director
is an entrepreneur, award-winning author, actress, writer, creative visionary, educator, and community leader with a passion for empowering others through creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship.
LaToya "Toyiah Marquis" White
Founder/Executive Director
Tammarah Silmon
Founder/Director of Finance
is a dedicated wife, entrepreneur, visionary leader, and passionate advocate for empowering women through beauty, confidence, and purpose. As the founder and visionary behind So She Cosmetics
Tammarah Silmon
Founder/Director of Finance
Syria Goins
Founder/VP of Planning
is a dedicated wife, mother, licensed minister, and passionate mentor committed to serving and uplifting her community. Licensed in ministry in 2022, she has devoted herself to empowering young people
Syria Goins
Founder/VP of Planning
Reshonda C. Jacobs
Founder/Director of Communications
is a dedicated community leader with a background in housing and health services since 1998, serving and empowering communities through advocacy, support, and outreach.
Reshonda C. Jacobs
Founder/Director of Communications
Christine M. Campbell
Founder/Director of Operations
is a seasoned financial professional and community leader with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Christine M. Campbell
Founder/Director of Operations
Who we Serve
Serving Girls Ages 11–18 Across Chicagoland
Many of the youth we work with face challenges that extend far beyond the classroom — community violence, limited mentorship, financial hardship, low self-esteem, and a lack of positive after-school opportunities.
Our mission is to bridge those gaps.
We provide safe, engaging, and empowering programming that allows girls to:
Build confidence and self-worth
Develop leadership and communication skills
Explore entrepreneurship and career paths
Learn healthy coping and conflict resolution
Discover creative outlets through arts
Gain exposure to positive mentors and role models
Feel supported, encouraged, and valued
At The G.L.A.R.E. Club, we believe every girl deserves access to opportunities that help her
see beyond her current circumstances. We are committed to helping young women understand that their stories, voices, creativity,
and futures matter.