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March is Women’s History Month — a time to celebrate the trailblazing women who have shaped history, broken barriers, and paved the way for future generations. At After School Matters, strong female leadership has been at the heart of our mission from the very beginning.
Our story began with Maggie Daley, Chicago’s former First Lady, whose visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to young people transformed a simple idea into a movement. What started as a small arts program serving 260 teens in its first summer has grown into a citywide initiative reaching nearly 19,000 teens each year. Maggie’s legacy lives on in the countless young people whose lives have been changed through After School Matters.
That legacy has continued to flourish under the guidance of Board Chair, Mellody Hobson. A trailblazer in her own right, as co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments, LLC, Mellody knows firsthand the power of opportunity — because she was once a Chicago teen herself. Her leadership and deep commitment ensure that Chicago’s teens have access to the education and career pathways that enable them to thrive.
Mellody, who has frequently been recognized by Better Magazine for her immense impact as one of the nation’s most powerful women and a top philanthropist, underscored the impact of these programs at ASM’s annual gala in September. “Teens who participate in After School Matters programs are more likely to graduate from high school and more likely to go to college. Half of our seniors, when asked what they want to do with their life, say they want a career based on the program they participated in,” Hobson said. “That shows how much After School Matters programs are influencing young people just off of exposure.”
At the helm of our organization is CEO Mary Ellen Caron, whose dedication to Chicago’s youth has been nothing short of transformational. Under her leadership, After School Matters has expanded its reach, opening three teen-centric buildings throughout the city — with a fourth currently under construction in the Cabrini neighborhood.
A lifelong advocate for young people, Mary Ellen has also served as Commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services and as the founding Principal of Frances Xavier Warde School. Her leadership continues to shape a future where every teen has the resources and support to reach their full potential.
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women who have shaped After School Matters and continue to pave the way for Chicago’s youth. Their vision, leadership, and dedication remind us that when women lead, the future shines brighter for all.
How to Help
Want to get involved or learn more? Check out After School Matters online to explore ways you can support, volunteer, or donate to help build a brighter future — one Chicago teen at a time.
