Girls Inc. of Greater Miami Hits a Home Run at Women Empowerment Night

By Carol Lorenzo, Strategic Growth Manager at Girls Inc. of Greater Miami

Girls Inc. of Greater Miami celebrated the start of the 2025–2026 school year with a grand slam, on and off the field, during Women Empowerment Night at loanDepot Park, where the Miami Marlins took on the Blue Jays on August 22.

A Grand Slam Start to the School Year

Thirteen girls from our after-school programs across five Title I school sites, including HIVE Prep, Beacon College Prep, KIPP Miami, Santa Clara Elementary, and Pine Lake Elementary, took to the field as the Marlins came out and gave them a lucky high five to start the game. 

For many of these young leaders—most of whom participated in our free summer camp and have been actively involved in programs like STEM (Algo-Rhythms), life skills, ArtSpark (art and fashion), and our Homework Club—this night was a powerful reminder of the impact they’re making and the future they’re building.

Powerhouse Panel of Changemakers

The pre-game empowerment panel energized the crowd. Moderated by Kelly Saco of FanDuel Sports Network, and featured an outstanding lineup of local changemakers:

• Brittnie Bassant, CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce (2023 Game Changer).
• Chelsea Wilkerson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida (2024 Game Changer).
•  Marisa Batista, Senior Director of Partnership Marketing for the Miami Marlins.
• Jessica Crosson, the Marlins Manager of Group Sales and Services.

These trailblazers were joined in celebration by an incredible lineup of honorees: Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office; Christine King, Chairwoman of the City of Miami Commission and District 5 Commissioner; Jeanette M. Nuñez, President of Florida International University (FIU); Madeline Pumariega, President of Miami Dade College (MDC); Leslie Miller Saiontz, Founder and President of Achieve Miami; Maribel Perez Wadsworth, President and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; and Ana VeigaMilton, President of the Jose Milton Foundation.

Young Leaders Take the Field

The evening was also filled with music and sisterhood as the Girls Choir of Girl Power Rocks,  opened the game with a moving performance.

As Virginia Akar, Founder and Executive Director, put it: “This night at the ballpark was a stage for our girls to know they are in charge of their present and futures, and we are here for them along the way.”

Girls Inc. of Greater Miami continues to create positive spaces where girls keep retooling themselves to tap into their multiple strengths and be strong, smart, and bold. Through being active members of the Girls Inc. of Greater Miami, girls are gaining the tools to become school-ready and also world-ready.

Part of the proceeds from ticket purchases were donated back to local women’s empowerment groups. Gates opened at 5 p.m., with the pre-game panel starting shortly after. Guests were encouraged to arrive early to redeem their Women Empowerment Night packs before the panel began.

Stay Connected and Join the Movement

Don’t miss a moment! Stay connected to the programs and progress driving our mission at Girls Inc. of Greater Miami. Be part of the movement and get the latest on Girls Inc. events and opportunities to empower girls in Greater Miami. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay inspired and engaged!

A Movement Fueled by Gratitude

Special Thanks: A heartfelt thank you to the entire Marlins team and staff who never left our girls’ side throughout the event. Your partnership is truly invaluable.

• To our dedicated Girls Inc. facilitators, volunteers, donors, partners, and sponsors, thank you for making magic every day.
• To Sarah Melissa Maldonado, our incredible Program Director: Thank you for leading with heart and brilliance.
• To Marlena Candelario Romero: Thank you for always going the extra mile to ensure the girls have a champion by their side.
• And to our fearless Founder and CEO, Virginia Akar. This movement is possible because of your vision, grit, and commitment to every girl’s potential.