Marvinetta Woodley-Penn is the founder and executive director of Global Girls, Inc., a 20-year-old female empowerment/performing arts organization. She is also a voice-over talent, writer, performer, and workshop facilitator. Ms. Penn has worked with youth for nearly 40 years – 19 years as a Chicago Public Schools English and theatre instructor. She worked abroad as a performer, and returned to youth work, and founded Global Girls. She firmly believes that all girls, given the right foundation, can grow into womanhood whole and healthy while contributing to the community. Sharing her love of international travel and girls’ empowerment, she’s taken Global Girls company members on arts exchange initiatives to Ghana, Kenya, India, and Grenada. Ms. Penn has been recognized as an outstanding leader by several organizations including the 8th Ward Democratic Organization, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Club Owners Association, and Bronzeville Children’s museum.