More than 150 middle and high school girls from Indiana gathered Friday at The AMP at 16 Tech for empowerment, inspiration and real-world career exposure.
The event, titled “I Can Be That” Girls Empowerment: Sports Edition, was hosted by the 16 Tech Community Corporation in partnership with the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee. The goal? To empower young women, particularly those from underserved communities to build confidence, resilience and leadership through sports that shatter stereotypes and ignite bold visions for their futures.
Girls from Indianapolis Public Schools, charter schools and township districts engaged in hands-on learning activities, dynamic college and resource connections and empowering panels alongside some of Indiana’s most influential women in sports, business and civic leadership.
Students participated in immersive experiential learning sessions aimed at building confidence and introducing them to high-demand careers they may not have previously considered.
“The I Can Be That initiative was designed to expand access to advanced industries for students who are too overlooked. Our goal is to help all students see themselves in spaces they may have never imagined,” said Tracey Jackson, vice president of workforce development and community impact at 16 Tech.
“This is about expanding their vision,” said Holli Harrington, senior director of strategic alliance at the Indianapolis International Airport and a key organizer of the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee’s Women and Girls Engagement Series. “We want these girls to walk away knowing they belong in every room — and can lead in those rooms.”
The lineup of powerhouse mentors included:
- Dr. Allison Barber, CEO of To The Hoops Strategies and former president and COO of the Indiana Fever
- Dr. Carolene Mays, president and CEO of Building Leaders and Legacies
- Jennifer Magley, chief brand officer for The Basketball League
- Ebony Armstrong, associate vice president with the Indiana Fever
- Toyinda L. Smith, founder of The Coaching Seat
Participants heard stories of leadership, resilience and triumph while learning about sports management, marketing, branding, coaching and entrepreneurship career paths.
“This was more than just a panel or a photo op,” one IPS student who attended said. “I left with confidence — and with names and advice I’ll never forget.”
Organizers say this is just the beginning. The event is part of a broader commitment by the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee to engage women and girls in meaningful, transformational ways ahead of the highly anticipated game weekend next summer in Indianapolis.
The “I Can Be That” series will continue with additional industry-focused opportunities in the coming months to inspire the next generation of leaders in Indiana and beyond.
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