Mind the Gap: A Look Back at 2025 and What’s Next for Girls Talk in Los Angeles

In collaboration with the Jenesse Center, Girls Talk Organisation proudly hosted Mind the Gap: Mental Wellness & Violence Awareness Forum on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in South Los Angeles. The forum marked a defining moment for Girls Talk, our first in-person community event in Los Angeles since officially expanding to the United States on May 5, 2025, following years of grassroots work with girls and young women in The Gambia.

Mind the Gap served as both a reflection of the work Girls Talk has built globally and a bold step forward in our commitment to supporting Black and Brown girls and young women in Los Angeles through healing-centered, culturally responsive programming.

Attendees at the Mind the Gap event in LA listen attentively to a presentation.

Building Healing-Centered Community in Partnership

Hosted at the West Adams–Leimert Park Family Source Center, the forum brought together approximately 40 participants, including girls and young women, facilitators, organisers, and community partners. Designed as a trauma-informed and survivor-centered space, the event focused on mental wellness, resilience, and violence prevention.

Our partnership with Jenesse Center, one of the nation’s leading domestic violence intervention and prevention organisations, was central to the forum’s success. Their leadership ensured participants had direct access to trusted advocates, therapists, and long-term support pathways, reinforcing a wraparound model of care rooted in safety, dignity, and community trust.

A Day Rooted in Healing, Voice, and Connection

A group of attendees collaborates closely during a grounding exercise, fostering connection and focus.

The forum opened with a guided grounding and trust-building meditation, setting the tone for a brave and supportive space. Participants then gathered for a powerful main stage conversation, “Unpacking the Stigma of Trauma & Survival,” led by Dana Mason, Holistic Practitioner and Music Industry Veteran. The discussion explored mental health after trauma, intergenerational healing, internalized shame, and the importance of speaking out—centering lived experience and youth voice throughout.

Participants engage with resource fair partners at their booth, discussing information and browsing materials.

The day continued with a community lunch and resource fair, connecting participants to local organisations offering mental health and survivor-support services. Partners included WriteGirl, Roots of South LA, Black Women for Wellness, and Black Girls Mental Health Collective, strengthening local care networks and ensuring participants left with tangible tools and referrals.

Creative Healing That Resonated

One of the most impactful components of Mind the Gap was the healing circles and breakout sessions, which emphasized creative and practical approaches to wellness. Sessions included vision boarding, guided journaling for emotional clarity, and anxiety-management toolkits. These spaces allowed participants to reflect, express themselves, and build coping skills in ways that felt accessible and affirming.

Participants engage in a group discussion during the anxiety toolkit breakout session, sharing experiences and strategies in a supportive setting.

Post-event surveys reflected the forum’s strong impact:

• Most participants rated the event “Excellent

• The majority reported feeling safe, supported, and comfortable participating

• Many shared they felt more hopeful, more informed, and more connected

• Creative workshops were consistently named as the most meaningful part of the day

• Several participants indicated they were more likely to seek mental health or community support following the forum

Looking Ahead: Growing Our Presence in Los Angeles

Mind the Gap was not only a successful convening, it was the beginning of Girls Talk Organisation’s Los Angeles chapter in action. In 2026 and beyond, Girls Talk plans to host both virtual and in-person events across Los Angeles, expanding access to mental wellness education, healing spaces, leadership development, and community dialogue for girls and young women. These efforts are part of our broader strategy to build local visibility, deepen partnerships, and sustain long-term impact in the city.

We are actively open to partnering with schools, community organisations, wellness practitioners, funders, and advocates who share our commitment to girl-centered, healing-justice work.

Partner With Us

To explore partnership opportunities, collaborations, or upcoming programming, reach us at:

Girls Talk Organisation – Los Angeles Chapter

Email: programs@girlstalkorganisation.org

Website: www.girlstalkorganisation.org

Social Media: @girlstalkorg

Stay tuned to our social media channels for announcements about upcoming virtual and in-person events in Los Angeles as we continue building spaces where girls and young women can heal, lead, and thrive.