Our Focus on Girls Equity in Sports

About Girls Empowerment Day

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles hosted our 4th Annual Girls Empowerment Day with partners LA28, LAUSD East, LA84, Ready, Set, Gold, AEG Sports, the LA Clippers, the LA Kings, and many others at Dignity Health Sports Park on Friday, March 7, 2025, the eve of International Women’s Day.

As a cornerstone event of our Girls Equity in Sports initiative, Girls Empowerment Day is designed to inspire, activate, and empower young women. Middle and high school girls had the opportunity to engage in sports, connect with inspiring female leaders and athletes, and walk away with a stronger sense of belonging and self-belief. This year, we welcomed over 4,000 girls to Girls Empowerment Day! This event is free to female students from our partner middle and high schools.

Our Focus on Girls Equity in Sports

Research shows that middle school is a critical time when girls’ participation in sports declines sharply, often leading to mental health challenges and the development of unhealthy habits as they transition into adulthood.

This is why our focus is on teenage girls. Women’s sports are on the rise! In 2024, women’s sports have gained well-deserved recognition from the public and major brands alike. Deloitte projects that women’s elite sports will generate over $1 billion in revenue in 2024—a 300% increase compared to industry expectations in 2021.

Empowering girls to participate in the sports industry has never been more critical. By leveraging the transformative power of sports to address social determinants of health, we are shaping the next generation of female leaders to Be Well, Do Good, and Lead Change in their communities.

From Cradle to Community Well-Being

Girls Empowerment Day is one of the largest Girls Equity in Sports convenings for middle and high school students in Los Angeles. Aligned with the YMCA’s Cradle to Community Well-Being Youth Development strategy, this initiative helps youth achieve their best outcomes through programs, services, partnerships, and advocacy. Now in its fourth year, Girls Empowerment Day is a pivotal milestone on every child’s path to well-being. The goals of Girls Empowerment Day:

• Empower girls and young women to explore future college or career opportunities in the sports industry, including (but not limited to) athletics, sports medicine, administration, advocacy, training, media, and more.
• Inspire participants to envision their future and expand their horizons by engaging with Olympic and Paralympic athletes, professional sports organizations, and trailblazing women in sports.
• Address social determinants of health—belonging, educational equity, health equity, economic stability, and civic engagement—through fun, interactive activities that empower girls to drive change in their communities.
• Connect participants to their local YMCA through early access to Get Summer (a free teen membership), which includes access to YMCA centers throughout the Region and youth sports programs and leagues.
• Expose participants to a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, flag football, hockey, rugby, tennis, softball, track & field, volleyball, cycling, and more. Reconnect sports partners with participants after the event for sustained engagement and support.
• Promote well-being by inspiring girls to Be Well, Do Good, and Lead Change in their communities.