On Saturday, January 26, 2019, Girl Up and WWE held a Sports for a Purpose forum bringing together youth in the greater Phoenix, AZ area to come up with action items to address gender equity in sports. The event brought together over 50 youth from the Girl Up Arizona Coalition, local Boys and & Girls Club, Grand Canyon University and more.
2018-2019 Teen Advisor Ali Cohen participated in a panel and shared the ways girls and boys can take action to close the gender equity gap in sports. Below is a quote on her experience:
“As I walked into the Sports for a Purpose forum, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I had hoped the panel would ignite a conversation on gender equality in sports, but I was especially blown away by our ability to come up with meaningful solutions in just three hours.
I learned so much from my fellow panelists whose life experience and success in sports taught me about perseverance and the evolution of sports.
More than anything else, I learned from the bright, inspiring attendees who allowed themselves to be vulnerable and shared their stories on gender inequality. The workshop session coupled with the panelists produced meaningful solutions that I know will aid Girl Up’s efforts for years to come. I’m so grateful to the WWE event for initiating this important conversation and giving me this incredible opportunity to share my story.”
Teen Advisor Ali was part of a panel along with:
- Nia Jax, WWE Superstar
- Kofi Kingston, WWE Superstar
- Nona Lee, EVP and Chief Legal Officer, Arizona Diamondbacks
- Jody Jackson, Arizona Sports Reporter, Fox Sports
The panel and workshops were moderated by:
- Cathy Kelley, WWE Announcer
- Dana Warrior, WWE Ambassador
