WriteGirl Celebrating 25 Years: Amplifying Voices, Inspiring Futures

For 25 years, WriteGirl has been a powerful force for creativity, mentorship, and youth empowerment—helping more than 1,000 teens and young adults each year find and use their voice. Founded in 2001 by Keren Taylor, the organization began with a simple but bold idea: bring together women writers and teen girls in Los Angeles to build community through storytelling. What started as a small gathering in Koreatown has grown into a nationally recognized creative writing and mentoring program—one that continues to center the voices of underrepresented and vulnerable youth.

Over the past quarter century, WriteGirl’s impact has been both expansive and deeply personal. Hundreds of writers have stepped forward as mentors. Thousands of teen girls and gender-expansive teens have walked through its doors—many becoming the first in their families to attend college. Along the way, WriteGirl has published 38 anthologies featuring more than a thousand original works by teen writers, hosted countless workshops across genres, and even earned national recognition, including honors at the White House. Among its many success stories is WriteGirl alum Amanda Gorman, featured inaugural poet at the Biden-Harris inauguration in 2021, who would go on to become a globally celebrated poet and voice for a generation.

“When I gathered 13 women writers together back in 2001 in a community center in Koreatown, I had no idea what this venture would become. There were just 30 girls in our first season, and I never would have imagined that thousands more would come through our doors, graduate from college, and become confident and bold leaders in their fields. And I certainly never could have foreseen that one of our girls would be the poet at a presidential inauguration and that the whole world would hear her voice!”

Keren Taylor, Executive Director, WriteGirl

Yet at its core, WriteGirl’s model remains unchanged: one-on-one mentorship paired with a vibrant, creative community. From its earliest journaling workshops to today’s robust programming, the organization has remained rooted in the belief that when young people are given the tools, support, and space to express themselves, they can transform not only their own lives but also the world around them.

“We are very glad for all the ways that Community Partners has supported our journey. We regularly take advantage of resources, tools, and up-to-date legal guidelines that Community Partners offers, and we are a stronger organization because of that,” said Taylor. “Especially given the tumultuous times we are living through, having a team of support is not just helpful, it is essential. Thank you to Community Partners’ staff for your responsiveness and wealth of knowledge – we appreciate you!”

As WriteGirl celebrates this milestone anniversary, its mission feels as urgent as ever. In a time when young people continue to navigate uncertainty and seek connection, the need for safe, empowering creative spaces persists. Looking ahead, WriteGirl is focused on expanding access—opening the door to thousands more teens ready to write, speak, and lead boldly.

 Learn more about WriteGirl