Since 2013, Girls Rock MKE has, in its own words, “empowered young people and adults of underrepresented gender identities through music, creativity, friendship, and performance.” Weeklong music camps for kids age 8-17, and the adult-focused Ladies Rock MKE are just two aspects of Girls Rock MKE’s mission. That mission will continue into the foreseeable future, but beginning in 2027, it will be under a different name.
Following a year-long process, Girls Rock MKE announced a new name on Friday: Let’s Get Loud MKE. The organization will continue using Girls Rock MKE throughout 2026; the new name will go into effect January 1, 2027.
“Our mission is unchanged,” executive director Mary Joy Hickey says in an announcement. “We will continue to empower individuals of marginalized identities through music education, collaboration, creativity, and performance. This name change strengthens our ability to show up authentically and inclusively for everyone in our community.”
Why the name change? “Because we listened,” explains the Girls Rock website. And “because our values demand it.”
Campers told us they want a name that reflects all who attend. Volunteers told us the name sometimes limited how people perceived the organization. Families told us they want language that matches the inclusivity they feel inside our programs. Musicians told us that genres extend far beyond “rock.” Community partners told us a name that signals belonging increases access.
Inclusivity has always been central to our work. Our name now aligns with who we’ve been for years.
Find more information on the upcoming name change HERE. Want to donate to Girls Rock MKE / Let’s Get Loud MKE? Click HERE.
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