Future Leaders: A Game-Changing Experience for Girls
- Girls Inc. of Alameda County
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Future Leaders is a unique opportunity that connects our youth with top women professionals in sports, business and entertainment, providing career insights, skill-building, and invaluable mentorship. For seven years in a row, this dynamic experience has been powered by a one-of-a-kind partnership with Rakuten and the Golden State Warriors!
Each Girls Inc. participant was paired with a mentor from Rakuten and a mentor from the Warriors, who guided them throughout the experience. After getting more acquainted with their mentors, the girls gathered for a powerful, all-women panel led by the incredible Zena Keita, on-air personality and podcast host. The panel featured Ay’Anna Moody, Executive Director for the Warriors Community Foundation, Lauren N. Peebles, Senior Counsel at the University of California, and Angela Tsay, CEO and Creative Director of Oaklandish. Their stories showed our girls that women who look like them thrive in leadership roles across industries.
The panel inspired thought-provoking discussions, and when it was time for Q&A, our girls embraced the challenge, stepping up to share their own perspectives and questions—a big moment of positive risk-taking and leadership in action!
“I learned how to overcome obstacles as a woman in the workplace, and I learned to always follow your dreams,” commented Girls Inc. of Alameda County participant, Wanye.
The afternoon featured a sunny terrace lunch, followed by a surprise shopping spree at Nordstrom. With guidance from their mentors, they explored styles that balanced confidence, professionalism, and self-expression—many stepping outside their fashion comfort zones in the best way possible!
The next day, our Future Leaders crossed the Bay Bridge to the Chase Center, dressed for success in their new business attire. First stop: professional headshots—perfect for college applications and future careers—followed by some fun group photos with friends. Then, it was time to dive into career shadowing, getting a behind-the-scenes look at game day operations, from guest services to ticketing to VIP fan experiences.
Just before tip-off, Girls Inc. of Alameda County was given a special shoutout, and our girls took center court to be honored as the next generation of leaders!
As the grand finale, the girls took in the Warriors vs. Pistons game from the Rakuten suite, but not before a huge moment of recognition.
Participant Allison summed up her experience in stating, “It’s been very inspirational and like it helps me build a foundation for me in the future and seek a future I haven’t thought about before.”
This year, the excitement doesn’t stop here! For the first time, Future Leaders is expanding beyond the two-day experience to include mentorship touchpoints and career-building opportunities throughout the year. This means our girls will continue learning from and connecting with their mentors, gaining even more insight, guidance, and inspiration as they prepare for their futures.
A massive thank you to Rakuten, the Golden State Warriors, and everyone who made this experience possible. For seven years, Future Leaders has been opening doors, building confidence, and shaping bright futures—and with this exciting new expansion, we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Invest in her future—help provide mentorship, career opportunities, and the confidence to lead!
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