Game-Changing Lessons with Valkyries Players Kate Martin and Kaitlyn Chen

We were thrilled to welcome Kate Martin and Kaitlyn Chen of the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries to our downtown Oakland headquarters for a special afternoon with our girls.

From a hands-on nutritious cooking activity with middle schoolers to an open and inspiring Q&A with middle and high school students, Kate and Kaitlyn shared powerful insights on confidence, resilience, and what it takes to succeed—on and off the court.

The visit kicked off with a hands-on nutritious cooking activity alongside our middle school participants, creating space to talk about wellness, balance, and the importance of fueling your body. For many of our girls, it was a unique opportunity to connect healthy habits with performance, whether in sports, school, or everyday life.

Following the activity, Kate and Kaitlyn joined our middle and high school students for an open-format conversation and Q&A. They shared candid reflections from their journeys as professional athletes, offering insight into the mindset, discipline, and support systems that have shaped their success.

Throughout the conversation, several key themes emerged that resonated deeply with our girls:

• Practice positive self-talk. The way you speak to yourself matters.

• Be a great teammate. Support others, even when things aren’t going your way.

• Asking for help is a strength. Growth doesn’t happen alone.

• Visualize your goals. See yourself succeeding and work toward it.

• Learn from your mistakes. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

• Find what brings you joy. Passion fuels persistence.

• Take care of your body. What you put in matters.

• Preparation is key. Confidence comes from putting in the work.

Kate emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even in difficult moments, and showing up as a supportive teammate no matter the circumstances. Kaitlyn spoke about staying grounded, taking care of her body, and trusting the preparation that allows her to perform at her highest level.

When girls have the opportunity to engage directly with women leaders—especially in spaces like professional sports—they gain tangible tools, invaluable insights, and a deeper belief in their own potential.

We are grateful to the Golden State Valkyries for investing in our girls and helping bring these meaningful experiences to life.