Live from the ZGiRLS Gala | Confidence You Can Feel | EASTSIDE ELEVATED

Live from the ZGiRLS Gala | Confidence you can Feel

I was given the opportunity to interview from the red carpet at Meyenbauer Center last Friday evening in Bellevue. We were thrilled to be part of the annual ZGiRLS Gala, an inspiring evening dedicated to showcasing how confidence can change lives. The event brings together professional athletes, community leaders, and passionate supporters, all united in a shared mission to empower the next generation of young women.

Live from the ZGiRLS Gala | Confidence You Can Feel | EASTSIDE ELEVATED

The Mission of ZGiRLS

We had the pleasure of speaking with Jilyne Jarvis, a distinguished leader and co-founder of ZGiRLS, recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as one of their "40 Under 40." Jilyne shared insights about ZGiRLS, a confidence-building program designed specifically for middle school girls and taught by professional female athletes. The program aims to help girls believe in themselves, appreciate their worth, and recognize their potential.

The four critical confidence skills that participants will learn throughout the program are:

1. Developing a Growth Mindset: Encouraging participants to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth.

2. Building Self-Worth from Within: Fostering self-love and acceptance.

3. Taking on Challenges & Learning from Failure: Instilling resilience and the importance of learning from setbacks.

4. Advocating for Themselves: Teaching effective communication skills so that girls can express their needs and desires clearly.

Tonight’s event is dedicated to celebrating these incredible girls. With 77% of participants on scholarship, the gala is instrumental in ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent young girls from accessing this transformative programming.

Personal Stories: Insights from Panelists

We also had the privilege of hearing from former professional female athletes and gala panelists Kim Hill and Alice Merriweather, both of whom resonated with the ZGiRLS mission through their personal experiences.

Alice shared her journey of overcoming adversity during her athletic career, emphasizing the invaluable lessons learned about patience and identity. She expressed her admiration for ZGiRLS, highlighting how it provides young girls with critical lessons at a formative time in their lives—lessons she wished she had received much earlier.

Kim offered profound advice for parents, suggesting they shift from being coaches to cheerleaders for their daughters. She acknowledged that many parents inadvertently place pressure on their daughters to succeed, while what they truly need is assurance of love and support. Alice encouraged parents to be curious about their daughters’ passions, fostering a supportive environment without intruding on their independence.

A Night of Community and Support

As the evening continues, excitement builds around the silent auction, filled with a variety of enticing items. This community-driven event embodies the spirit of coming together to support ZGiRLS and their mission to empower girls to thrive without limitations.

For parents of middle school girls, spring registration for the program is now open—a fantastic opportunity for daughters to participate in a program that encourages self-growth and confidence.

As we wrap up this inspiring night at the ZGiRLS Gala, it is clear that together, we can help pave the way for the next generation of confident, empowered young women. Join us in supporting this remarkable organization and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to pursue her dreams unapologetically.