including some who've been impacted by the criminal justice system, received an infusion of hope this week.

It's part of an effort from the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, the Bold and brave celebration of girls was intended to inspire or and empower girls with a focus on advocacy and wellness are Joanna Hernandez has this exclusive look.

>> watched >> Nearly 50 teenagers filled a room at the Chicago Cultural Center for an event focused on celebrating being a girl.

for me, the biggest thing is just for them to be it's just ignites just one little piece of passion for them to even ask themselves as to what could I do?

>> Lisa Hampton works in the Services division at the Department of Family and Support Services.

She organized the event bold brave.

>> That's funded by a grant in an effort to bring more safe spaces for young women to express themselves.

biggest thing is being able to help them understand how to be able to get connected.

I think we're very lucky to have one of the largest councils that have a very like restarted regenerated.

Interesting like women and girls.

>> Girls Ages 14 to 18 participate in various workshops throughout the day and hear from speakers like city clerk Valencia and 11th Ward Alderwoman Nicole lead who spoke about being trailblazers in their positions.

>> I myself for years all want >> My experience matters.

I had topics included owning your narrative.

>> We have to empower girls to be constable, telling own stories from out on take experience because you may be able to repeat what I say, but you can't tell it like I can sell.

counts.

High school senior Whitney Young Alex and mean was among the participants.

seems like it was some kind of confidence epidemic.

It seems like a lot of teen girls don't gain confidence into later life and it's a little too late.

>> So it's nice to see how much confidence has been pushing to our young girls that we know separate from the self esteem issues that are high school senior.

Not enrolled list says events like this.

Help her build the confidence to continue advocating for issues she supports.

I've seen a lot of women don't feel that empowerment because they're not meal.

>> because they think that voices do matter.

And if I thought that way, I wouldn't be here right now.

>> The daughter of immigrants will be attending American University in Washington, D.C., this fall to pursue a degree in political science with the goal of becoming an elected official.

One she says having mentors and supportive spaces reminds her that she belongs.

>> I feel like it's really important for everybody because honestly, your voice matters.

It's an impact.

And if we're together as a community like we can make the change.

We are the change.

>> For Chicago tonight, black join of non this.

And best of luck to those young ladies.

>> This event was part of a larger initiative supported by the girls empowerment