Empowering Girls in Sports: A Look Back at "An EPIC Discussion

Image courtesy of Empty Space Studios

By Xitlally Velasco

On Sept. 20, more than 150 attendees gathered at EPIC for Girls’ “An EPIC Discussion: Championing Equity and Elevating Women in Sports,” a powerful event that highlighted the importance of supporting young girls in their sports endeavors. The event featured an inspiring panel of female sports trailblazers who shared personal stories and strategies to help unlock equity in sports, particularly for girls from underserved communities.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Empty Space Studios for capturing the magic of the day with their incredible photos.

The panel included Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson, CEO and founder of America’s Big Sisters Foundation; Reshanda Gray, WNBA player and founder/CEO of No Gray Areas; and Markeshia A. Grant, M. Ed, founder/CEO of Savvy Skills LLC. Each speaker brought valuable insights, addressing the barriers that young girls face in sports and sharing how communities can work together to break those barriers down.

Reshanda Gray reminded the audience that sports not only teach life skills but also open new doors. When speaking with our Girl Talk interns, she emphasized the importance of embracing individuality in sports, saying, “You can play a masculine sport and still be feminine.”

Markeshia Grant delivered a powerful message, stating, "Invest in girls, invest in women because we are the future." She spoke passionately about the need to grow and evolve opportunities for women in sports, underscoring the role of mindset in overcoming obstacles.

Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson highlighted the significance of unity among girls in sports, stressing that “An EPIC Discussion” was more than a conversation—it was about fostering future leaders.

The event left a lasting impact on attendees. Girl Talk intern Promise Lloyd spoke with Westside High School students Auzlyn Anderson, 16, and Sanai Foster, 17, who reflected on the importance of representation. “They are real-life examples of what I could be,” Sanai said. “It’s just really helpful to see how high my roof is.”

Let's continue to uplift and invest in the future of girls in sports, creating lasting change and opportunity for the next generation.

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