The Cinnamongirl Difference

Our Approach

Here's what makes Cinnamongirl different: we don't just build leaders. We build girls who know themselves so deeply that they can lead anywhere without losing themselves.

Most leadership programs teach skills—public speaking, networking, resume building. But we believe something more fundamental has to happen first: a girl has to belong to herself before she can transform any space she enters.

So we start with social-emotional learning. We create space for girls to process what it actually feels like to be "the only one." To name the microaggressions they couldn't quite articulate. To discover that the exhaustion they feel isn't weakness—it's the emotional labor of navigating spaces that weren't designed for them.

Then, once girls understand their experiences and have language for their feelings, we move into leadership development. But not the kind that asks them to lead like everyone else. We teach them to discover their unique leadership style through the Enneagram and strengths work. We show them that their cultural identity isn't something to navigate around—it's their superpower.

But the secret ingredient is the sisterhood itself. When a girl walks into Cinnamongirl, she's entering a room full of others who just get it. Who understand without explanation. Who've made the same impossible calculations about whether to speak up or stay quiet, whether to celebrate their achievement or downplay it so others feel comfortable.

In that room, for the first time, she doesn't have to choose between excellence and authenticity. She gets to be both. Fully, unapologetically, powerfully.

That's our approach. Belonging first. Leadership second. Transformation inevitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Cinnamongirl Inc. serves ambitious, creative, and brilliant youth of all backgrounds, with a focused mission of empowering girls of color. Our programs welcome any gender-expansive youth who identifies as Black, Indigenous, Latina/e, Asian, Arab, Pacific Islander, and/or other people of color ages 8–18. We provide a refuge where participants are heard, seen, protected, and safe to cultivate their greatness. Through our programs, we empower our Cinnamongirls to build unshakeable confidence, pursue their dreams fearlessly, and become visionary leaders and changemakers in their communities and beyond.

    We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all participants can thrive, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or socioeconomic background. While our programming is specifically designed to address the unique challenges and experiences faced by girls of color, we welcome all who connect with our mission and believe in the power of sisterhood to transform lives.

  • To get your daughter involved, simply fill out our interest form. Each June and July, we host recruitment events where you can learn more about Cinnamongirl and how your daughter can join the next program year, which begins in August and runs through June.

  • To support our work and invest in the future of our girls, we charge a program fee of $450. However, we offer scholarships and financial assistance to ensure that no girl is turned away due to financial constraints.

    If you would like to support our mission and contribute to our scholarship fund, you can make a donation here.

  • Our programming runs concurrently with the school year, with 2-hour bi-monthly meetings on weekends. Outside of our meetings, each Cinnamongirl will also meet with her Little and/or Big Sister monthly and work with her coach on her capstone project from November - May (2 hours/month).

  • Living in the Bay Area is not a requirement, but it is strongly encouraged as the majority of our programming is held in person. If you live outside of the Bay Area and you are interested in enrolling your daughter in Cinnamongirl, reach out to inspired@cinnamongirl.org, so we can work together to give your daughter the best Cinnamongirl experience.

  • There are many ways to be a part of Cinnamongirl, whether or not you have a Cinnamongirl of your own. Click here to learn more about getting involved as a donor, volunteer, or partner.

If you have a question about Cinnamongirl that was not answered, please reach out inspired@cinnamongirl.org and someone from our program team will reach out to you.