Ignite Your Potential
Empowering Young Women to Lead
Join us in transforming communities by nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. Girls on Fire is dedicated to equipping young women with the skills and confidence needed to break barriers and inspire change.
Our Mission and Vision
Girls on Fire is committed to empowering young women by providing them with the tools and opportunities to become leaders in their communities. Our mission is to foster a safe and supportive environment where young women can develop leadership skills, gain access to mentorship, and engage in transformative experiences. We envision a world where every young woman has the confidence and capability to ignite change and inspire others.
Founded on the belief that every girl has the potential to achieve greatness, Girls on Fire is more than just a program—it's a movement. We strive to create a community where young women can thrive, breaking down barriers and building a brighter future for themselves and those around them.
Our Programs and Initiatives
Leadership Development
Our comprehensive leadership program equips young women with the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles in their communities and beyond.
Mentorship Opportunities
Connect with experienced mentors who provide guidance, support, and inspiration to help young women navigate their personal and professional journeys.
Community Engagement
Participate in community projects that foster collaboration, creativity, and a sense of responsibility, empowering young women to make a positive impact.
Hear from Our Participants
"Girls on Fire has been a life-changing experience for me. The mentorship and leadership skills I've gained have opened doors I never thought possible."
Starlet, Participant
"The community and support I found here have empowered me to pursue my dreams with confidence and resilience."
Maliyah, Participant
"Thanks to Girls on Fire, I now believe in my potential to make a difference in the world. The skills and friendships I've gained are invaluable."
Sabryna, Participant
Upcoming Events
After School Program
Our after school program is open to girls ages 8 to 18. It will be very week from Monday through Thurdsday from 4:oo pm to 9:00 pm at 1634 Paris Rd, Columbia, MO.
For more information or to enroll contact Jessica Chambers at 573-639-8606 or [email protected]. First come, first served.
November 15, 2023
FREE
Community Engagement Day
Participate in a day of service and community building activities that inspire positive change.
December 5, 2023
FREE
Mentorship Meetup
Connect with mentors and peers to share experiences and gain insights into personal development.
January 10, 2024
FREE
Empowerment Summit
Attend our annual summit to explore empowerment strategies and network with inspiring leaders.
February 20, 2024
FREE
Meet Our Founder
Jessica Chambers is more than a founder - she's a force
Jessica built Girls on Fire because she knows what it’s like to be overlooked, underestimated, and almost lost. She’s faced legal struggles. She’s buried people she loved. And still—she rose. Not to escape her past, but to build something meaningful from it. A legacy. Something that won’t disappear when she’s gone.
What drives her isn’t ego—it’s impact. She wants to see real change in real time. Not just hashtags and headlines, but community-level healing. And she’s not waiting for anyone’s permission to make it happen. Whether she’s mentoring a young girl, supporting a foster parent, or sitting across from a woman who’s been told she’s “too far gone,” Jessica shows up—fully and fiercely.
She created this platform to amplify voices like hers: strong, complicated, and often ignored. Girls on Fire is an extension of her spirit—unapologetic, alive, and rooted in love and accountability. This isn’t just a nonprofit. It’s a movement wrapped in a mission.
Because Jessica doesn’t just want to make noise. She wants to make history.
And she’s just getting started.
Meet Our Board
Our dedicated team is committed to empowering young women through mentorship and leadership development.
Jessica Chambers
Executive Director / FounderJessica Chambers
Executive Director / Founder
Ava Summers
PresidentAva Summers
PresidentI am a retired banker currently serving as Regional Coordinator for Good Dads, where I support efforts to strengthen families and communities. I have been actively involved in the nonprofit sector since 1971, bringing decades of volunteer leadership and service to causes that make a lasting difference.
Reginald Leroy Simmons
Vice-PresidentReginald Leroy Simmons
Vice-PresidentReginald Leroy Simmons retired from Columbia Public Schools. Enjoys coaching Golf for Hickman High School. Husband to Galina, father to Darrielle, Alissa, Aleena, and Ailyah.
Shan Johnson
TreasurerShan Johnson
TreasurerMy name is Shan, and I am proud to serve as the Treasurer for Girls on Fire. I’m excited to contribute to an organization that empowers underprivileged girls, helping them grow into confident, strong women. Being part of this mission means a lot to me, and I look forward to making a meaningful impact.
Felecia Jackson-Qualls
Board MemberFelecia Jackson-Qualls
Board MemberRecruiter with 10 years experience with work force industry for Job Point and over 20 years of community service experiences with other organizations. I am passionate and focus on serving, encouraging and empowering my community and to whom I come in contact with . I also am a people builder and hold them to their best qualities.
Miles Gibson
SecretaryMiles Gibson
SecretaryMiles Gibson is a business strategist, real estate professional, and entrepreneur with a strong foundation in operations management, grant writing, and business development. With over ten years of experience supporting organizations and leading strategic initiatives, Miles specializes in helping businesses and nonprofits build sustainable systems, secure funding, and scale their impact.
Samantha Christian
Board MemberSamantha Christian
Board MemberAs a social worker specializing in disability services, I am committed to empowering individuals with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full self-directed lives. My work is rooted in a strength- based inclusive approach that honors each person’s needs goals and potential. Above all, I strive to be consistent, compassionate ally to those I serve.