About HOTGIRLS

HOTGIRLS is a small, volunteer-led, grassroots 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to improve the health and lives of black young women and girls by providing culturally relevant and age appropriate, girl-centered information and programming, inspired by hip hop and youth culture.

HOTGIRLS was originally founded by Dr. Carla Stokes on November 21, 2001 while she was enrolled as a doctoral student at the University of Michigan. A hip hop generation scholar-activist, Dr. Carla thought of the acronym "Helping Our Teen Girls In Real Life Situations" (HOTGIRLS)® while listening to the rap song, "I Need a Hot Girl" (1999) by the Hot Boys. Click here for more information about our name.

What Are We Working On?

• Building on our pioneering hip hop media literacy and youth media production work, we are working on several cutting-edge projects, including a national campaign to challenge the way black girls view themselves and the way they are perceived and treated by their peers and society.
• HOTGIRLS plans to expand our Board of Directors and Advisory Committee in 2008
• The Young Women's Leadership Council is working with FIREGRL Club participants to develop GetYourGameRight.com, a web site that will advocate for the respectful treatment of black women and girls and raise awareness about gender-based violence
• In 2008, HOTGIRLS will re-launch the new and improved FIREGRL.com, which will provide a safe space for girls to speak out, give advice, receive support, and discuss issues of concern via online discussion forums and other interactive online community features