Girl Up program develops young female leaders, promotes diversity

CHICAGO (WLS) -- About 100 high school girls gathered in Chicago Saturday as part of a leadership development program that aims to promote gender equality.

Girl Up aims to empower young women by promoting promoting diversity, activism and leadership skills. The organization was founded by the United Nations Foundation in 2010.

Girls from seven states came together for the group's inaugural "Unite the Midwest" summit in downtown Chicago on Saturday.

ABC7's Eyewitness News Anchor Cheryl Burton was a guest speaker at the event.

Youth activists also heard from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Chicago Foundation for Women CEO Felicia Davis.