CME Group Foundation Funds Study on Mental Health and Well-Being of Chicago Girls, Co-Hosts “Empower Your Voice” Release Event March 18

On March 18, Sinai Urban Health Institute, in partnership with CME Group Foundation and Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation, released “EMPOWER YOUR VOICE: Research Findings on the Mental Well-being of Chicago Girls” at a special event at Malcolm X College. CME Group Foundation funded this report as part of its $2 million grantmaking initiative established in 2023 to support the mental health of girls and young women in Chicago.

The “EMPOWER YOUR VOICE” report was developed from a study of approximately 900 girls and female-identifying youth in Chicago. It provides critical insights into mental health challenges faced by young women in the city and highlights the resilience and coping mechanisms that help them navigate these challenges.

The March 18 release event brought together a wide range of city leaders, elected officials, researchers, youth advocates and service providers. Featured speakers included President & CEO of Sinai Chicago Dr. Ngozi Ezike; City Clerk of Chicago, Anna M. Valencia; Executive Vice President of Program at the Obama Foundation, Tina Tchen and Chief of College & Career Success at Chicago Public Schools, Megan Hougard. Sinai Urban Health Institute shared key findings from their research, which uncovered trends in mental health, trauma exposure and the impact of social media on adolescent girls. Additionally, a panel discussion featured youth voices as well as experts in the girls-serving sector.

This event inspired important conversations among attendees about how Chicago can leverage these findings to inspire action, advancing policies and programs that directly address girls’ unique mental health needs.

“Supporting the mental health and well-being of girls is a critical need across Chicago,” said Foundation Executive Director Eva Giglio. “We are proud to contribute to this important research that will guide how to target resources and develop programs to best serve the girls and young women in our communities.”

Full press release here.
Click here for the full report and more information.