A Family’s Story: Finding Community, Confidence, and Bigger Dreams

Sometimes, one opportunity can change the direction of a family’s story. For Angie and her three daughters, it began with the chance to try ice hockey.

At a time when much of the world felt isolated and disconnected, Angie and her daughters found community on the ice. Alongside other girls, they learned a new sport, built confidence, and experienced the joy of belonging. Angie had no idea then how important that sense of connection would become to her family.

Six Years of Growing Together

For the past six years, Play Like a Girl has been part of Angie’s family story, giving her daughters opportunities to explore new interests, meet inspiring women, and imagine what their futures could hold.

“Through the organization, my girls have had opportunities to see, learn, and experience things I never could have provided on my own.”

Those experiences were especially meaningful because they were so different from what Angie had access to growing up. No one in her family had gone to college, and she was not encouraged to dream big or set ambitious goals. She did not grow up seeing women pursue careers they loved or talk openly about what they wanted for their futures.

“I don’t remember anyone teaching me that my voice mattered or that I had inherent worth.”

When Angie became a mother, she wanted something different for her daughters. She wanted them to recognize their strengths, know their voices mattered, and believe they could dream without limits. But she also understood how difficult it can be to teach what you have never been shown yourself.

What Play Like a Girl Made Possible

Play Like a Girl helped provide the examples, experiences, and encouragement Angie wanted her daughters to have.

“They showed my daughters that they are capable, intelligent, and deserving of every opportunity. They introduced them to women who were engineers, scientists, leaders, and innovators, women who looked like success and possibility.”

Those women helped Angie’s daughters see that their futures did not have to be limited by what previous generations had experienced. They were given the space and support to dream bigger. Over time, that belief grew into confidence, leadership, and a desire to create opportunities for other girls.

Dasani was recently named Alumnae of the Year and received a scholarship at Play Like a Girl’s annual Honors Fundraiser. She and Arianna later returned as interns, helping create opportunities for other girls in the community. Amaya recently placed second in the AI Leadership Lab and earned a scholarship for her AI solution.

Their journey reflects the heart of Play Like a Girl’s work. When girls see women succeeding as engineers, scientists, innovators, and leaders, they begin to recognize those possibilities within themselves. As they grow, they become that representation for someone else.

A Mother Changed, Too

The impact did not stop with Angie’s daughters.

“What I didn’t expect was that Play Like a Girl wouldn’t just change my daughters. It would change me too.”

Today, Angie serves as Play Like a Girl’s Community Programs Liaison, helping more girls and families access the same opportunities that had such a meaningful impact on her own.

“I am forever grateful.”

Be Part of the Next Family’s Story

Families like Angie’s are why Play Like a Girl exists. By becoming a mentor or volunteer, you can help another girl build confidence, find community, and see greater possibilities for her future.

Get involved at iplaylikeagirl.org/volunteer.