“See a role model. Be a role model.” During Beyond Barriers: Because of Title IX, Lauren Holtkamp said, “See a role model. Be a role model.” This quote stood out to me because it shows that girls can do anything that they set their mind to. It inspires them to do what they want, even the unexpected, like being she was. My panelist Lauren Holtkamp was the third woman to become a full-time NBA official during the 2014 - 2015 season and spoke about her journey to becoming being

"Your skills now will transfer into a future career." In addition to being a former women's' basketball student-athlete, Brigid Merenda currently works as a color analyst for the University of South Florida Women’s Basketball team and is an attorney at Trenam Law. Merenda’s role as an athlete has opened new doors for her and allowed her to make an impact on others. Merenda plays a part in the YMCA’s New Tampa basketball program. She coaches a team of kids and this past year s

"Be the best and help the rest." At Beyond Barriers, there were many inspiring women. Hearing their stories was interesting and encouraging. Among these women, one stood out to me: Jane Castor. Listening to her felt more like hearing a friend speak than hearing a panelist answer questions. She carried herself in a way that seemed genuine and friendly making her story stick with me even more. Even in that brief time, she made an impact on me, one that I’m sure many others felt

Photographer: Janaya Thomas #WFFTampaBay #WFinalFour #BeyondBarriers2019 #NGWSD

"Failure is motivating" Donna Orender…powerful and influential. She is making a positive impact through her inspiring books, engaging speeches, and most of all her exemplary career in sports. Donna Orender has inspired many young girls and women through her book, WOWSDOM! The Girl’s Guide to the Positive and the Possible. This book is a collection of letters, activities, advice and so much more! Donna excelled for six years as the president of WNBA. She also served as an Exec