I think that everything in life happens for a reason and our lived experiences (both good, bad, and everything in between) shape the magnificent beings we were created and destined to be. Therefore, I am reluctant to say that I would change certain life events in my past. However, I do wish that I realized when I was younger that I was worthy to enter every room, sit at every table, and rest assured in the recognition that I was enough.
-Yani Mason, CEO, Girls Inc. of Chicago
About Yani Mason
Yani Mason has 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, working in a variety of roles including digital communications, social media, public relations, and fundraising. Throughout her career, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to providing opportunities that empower youth from Chicago’s South Side.
A proud product of Chicago Public Schools, Yani holds a bachelor of arts from Fisk University, a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University, and a doctorate in interdisciplinary leadership from Governors State University. She also has an Integrated Marketing Certificate from the University of Chicago Graham School.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, volunteering with the Chicago Area Fisk University Alumni Association, and serving as a Girl Scout troop leader.
Why do you work at Girls Inc. of Chicago?
I work at GIoC because I want to provide Chicago girls with the experience I truly wish I had as a girl. As a girl, I struggled with body image and not feeling confident enough to advocate for myself. I’m determined to make sure that as many girls as possible in Chicago have the Girls Inc. Experience. Our mission to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold means that we want girls to be healthy, educated, and independent. That resonates with me because people tend to tell girls and people in struggling neighborhoods what they can’t do. We empower girls to know that they can do anything.
What kind of legacy do you wish to leave behind for girls of the future?
I want the next generation of girls to not only have opportunities but feel confident that they can do and be anything.
-Yani Mason, CEO, Girls Inc. of Chicago
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
No matter where you come from, what you look like, or what you have been through, you belong in every room that you enter and every seat that you fill
What is your favorite Girls Inc. event or program?
What a tough question! I love them all but my favorite is the Bold Girls Society. The Bold Girls do a lot of cool things from skiing, snowboarding, meeting Congresswomen, creating advocacy art shows, and more. It’s heartwarming to see the girls matriculate through the program, go off to college, and start their careers. I’m really thrilled that our very first cohort of college graduates just graduated this past spring. One of our BGS alumnae will begin her career this fall at a Fortune 500 company headquartered here in Chicago.
What do you find most rewarding about Girls Inc. of Chicago?
The most rewarding part of working for GIOC is seeing the impact that we make in the lives of girls and our staff. I want to ensure that we provide an outstanding environment for our staff so they can grow and develop in their careers and serve as role models for our girls.
