Last October 9th and 10th, hundreds of girls between the 9th and 12th grades, gathered at the BILL building in San Jose to celebrate International Day of the Girl, an event organized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley and proudly sponsored by Comcast.
International Day of the Girl (IDG) is a globally recognized observance in October dedicated to championing the rights and empowerment of girls everywhere. To mark this inspiring event, Comcast made a total contribution of $75,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley, underscoring its commitment to programs that uplift and inspire youth throughout Santa Clara County. A big part of the contribution will support after-school STEM programs and the ongoing Lift Zone site partnership, which provides local youth access to high-speed internet, essential for learning and personal development.
Dozens of women leaders at Comcast participated in the event as mentors, providing guidance and inspiration to the young women in attendance. As part of the evening activities, the adolescents and their mentors created bracelets, worked on a vision board, heard from a panel of female experts in their field, and participated in a Q&A focused on life experiences.
This commitment reflects Comcast’s belief that investing in the next generation of female leaders is critical. “Investing in programs like International Day of the Girl provides young women with invaluable experiences that equip them to become confident future leaders and change-makers,” said Alejandra Garcia, Government Affairs Manager at Comcast California and one of the mentors in attendance.
Alejandra also shared her thoughts about the young ladies she mentored, expressing her admiration for the girls’ courage. “I was inspired by the three students at my table. Although they didn’t speak much English, they were brave enough to go on stage and present their vision boards in Spanish! Young girls must see representation in all areas of life. As a society, we need to support our youth and reassure them they can become anything they want to be in the world.”
According to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley, today’s young women face challenges unique to their generation. More than 20% report being electronically bullied, and nearly half have not spoken to an adult about their experiences. Comcast is committed to helping these girls overcome obstacles and encouraging them to be brave and bold as they look toward the future.
Vutny Un, Marketing and Sales Senior Specialist at Comcast California, and one of the mentors, described the occasion as an incredibly fulfilling experience. “By investing in the future of young women, especially from marginalized communities, I feel like I’m helping to build a more equitable society. I loved encouraging these young girls to believe in themselves and their potential. Watching their excitement as we made friendship bracelets and created vision boards was truly special.”
“For adolescent girls, especially those from underrepresented communities, envisioning a successful future can feel out of reach due to a lack of representation and guidance. Events like International Day of the Girl, with the support of mentors, provide positive role models who can open girls’ minds to new possibilities. The power of seeing women who have navigated their own paths to success can make an indelible impact on these young minds. We applaud Comcast for sponsoring IDG and their ongoing commitment to fostering the leaders of tomorrow.”
Mary Beth Gonzalez,
Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley Board President
Through its partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley and a significant donation, Comcast remains committed to supporting youth development, fostering a sense of hope, and inspiring young girls to envision bright futures.
Photos courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley
