Blair De Haan

Blair De Haan came to Chicago in 2010 as an Americorps VISTA volunteer focusing on refugee settlement. Inspired by her efforts which started with with one teenage refugee girl, the idea for providing support for this specific population was born.

Blair was a young woman at the time and wanted to do whatever she could to ensure that other teenage girls had the support and resources that they needed to pursue their dreams. She founded Girl Forward in 2011and moved into a space in Edgewater in 2014. Girl Forward’s mission is to provide a community of support dedicated to creating and enhancing opportunities for girls who have been displaced globally by conflict and persecution. Today there are several hundred girls in the program.

Blair thinks it’s important to be involved with something you are passionate about. Sharing your skills and expertise without the expectation of anything in return can lead to a better understanding of both your neighborhood and your larger community. Inspiring and motivating others gives you a sense of purpose in this world.

Blair De Haan

“Find something that speaks to you, be generous with your time,
and go in with an open mind, ready to be challenged.”

Click here for the interview transcript and a short video.