About Us

Play Like a Girl!® is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded on the belief that girls given the opportunity to play on a team become women with the confidence to stand on their own.

We envision a world where every girl reaches her full

potential.

We envision a world where every girl reaches her full potential.

Our Mission

To accomplish this vision, we are on a mission to level the playing field for girls by leveraging the skills gained from sport to help propel young women into competitive, male-dominated careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Our Values

Play Like a Girl is a company of people engaged in the eradication of gender inequality, seeking to pursue a diverse and inclusive world, and committed to creating meaningful impact for our participants, our team members, and our communities.

The Challenge

STEM careers offer a promising future. In 2020, STEM occupations paid more than double that of non-STEM occupations, and those jobs are expected to grow rapidly through 2030. Yet women are vastly underrepresented in the field, making up only 28% of the STEM workforce. Experts report that part of the reason girls’ interest in STEM can wane is a lack of exposure to role models who share similar identities or backgrounds with students.

Our Solution

Play Like a Girl harnesses the collective power of women volunteers and male allies to unite around gender inequality and the critical role they play in inspiring the next generation of women leaders.

Our Solution

Play Like a Girl harnesses the collective power of women volunteers and male allies to unite around gender inequality and the critical role they play in inspiring the next generation of women leaders.

Our Programs

Our programs, which primarily live in a hybrid space, elevate women who are natural role models and leaders in their communities through partnerships with companies working to advance diversity, equity and inclusion across all industries and sectors.

A cohort-style mentoring program organized into three tracks with distinct grade-level experiences delivered over the course of six 90-minute small- and large-group sessions.

Inspire Her

A six-week intensive specially designed to build confidence and leadership skills among 8th grade girls who are paralyzed by the fear of failure.

HELP HER LEAD

A company-sponsored competition for teams of girls who develop and pitch STEM-driven solutions to real-world problems impacting women with the help of industry mentors.

Let her learn

Our Impact

We help women from all walks of life understand the importance of being good role models and mentors to the next generation, give girls the opportunity to see themselves in these inspiring women, and help them map their path to a rewarding career in STEM.

4,284

women have joined the Play Like a Girl Community as role models and mentors

4,077

girls and women have attended a live in-person or virtual Play Like a Girl learning event

87%

of girls in our community report that they intend to pursue a career in STEM

1,439

individual donors across the world have financially supported our mission this year

In Good Company

Our partnerships are as unique as the companies in our community. With three different giving levels and endless ways to contribute, it’s never been easier to make generosity on‑brand.

We’re an Open Book

We know it’s important to you that your donation is being used effectively. It’s important to us, too. That’s why we work hard to receive the highest grade available for accountability and transparency.

Review Our Financials
501(c)(3) Determination Letter
Our Team

Facing a problem as big as gender inequality in sport and STEM requires an incredible team. We’re grateful to have some of the most innovative and committed leaders guiding our organization.

Our Team

Facing a problem as big as gender inequality in sport and STEM requires an incredible team. We’re grateful to have some of the most innovative and committed leaders guiding our organization.

FOUNDER

Kimberly Clay, PhD, MPH, MSW

Dr. Kimberly Clay is the founder and CEO of Play Like a Girl, which she originally founded as Sisterbration in 2004. She is responsible for setting the overall direction and strategy for the organization. Dr. Kim has been recognized with the 2023 Remarkable Women Award, the Tennessee Titans Playmakers Award and Xavier University of Louisiana’s 40 Under 40 Award.

Hear Dr. Kim's StoryBook Dr. Kim

Board of Directors

Whitnie Carter Riden, Esq.

Managing Attorney
The Riden Law Firm
LinkedIn

Whitnie Carter Riden, Managing Attorney for Riden Law Firm, is on the Advisory Board for Play Like a Girl. To continue to advocate in the sports industry and bridge the gap between the sports world and the law, Whitnie also serves as an Associate Athletic Director of Compliance for an NCAA Division II institution. This allows her to continue gaining the knowledge and expertise to advocate for clients in the sports world, whether for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), endorsement deals, or protecting their brand to ensure they are protected.

Dr. Hamaria Crockett-Simpson

Vice President of Leadership and Organizational Development
Pax8
LinkedIn

Dr. Hamaria Crockett-Simpson is Vice President of Leadership and Organizational Development at Pax8, a cloud distribution technology company, where she combines her 20 years of expertise in learning and development with a passion for technology and social impact. Her dedication to helping women of all ages discover their authentic selves has been the cornerstone of her professional career and community service for decades. Dr. Crockett-Simpson has supported Play Like a Girl as a volunteer, mentor, donor and program facilitator since 2011. She brings unstoppable drive to her new role on the Board of Directors, helping to advance our mission to level the playing field for girls. Dr. Crockett-Simpson earned a doctoral degree in public leadership with a specialization in industrial organizational psychology. She also holds a master’s degree in human services.

Sophie Gage

Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs
NFL Players Association
LinkedIn

Sophie Gage is the Vice President for NFL Players Inc., managing complex corporate transactions, licensing agreements, and a strategic investment portfolio worth $250M. She has played a key role in negotiating major deals with partners like the NFL, OneTeam Partners, Electronic Arts, Fanatics, Dapper Labs, and DraftKings. Sophie also oversees business development and strategic growth initiatives for the NFL Players Association. With a background representing federal workers in employment matters, she holds a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Catholic University of America.

Sheila Gibson

Assistant Vice President, Acquisitions, New Constructions and Divestitures
HCA Information Technology Group
LinkedIn

Sheila Gibson is the Assistant VP of Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Information and Technology Services Group. She also chairs the DE&I Council. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans, a Master of Business Administration and Information Systems from Bristol University, and certification as a Project Management Professional, Sheila brings a solid academic background. As a former collegiate basketball player, including being an All-American and playing semi-pro for Athletes in Action, she combines her passion for sports with advocacy for DE&I. Sheila actively mentors and guides youth, positively impacting the community.

Amanda Gilchrist

Director, Ethics & Compliance Risk Management and ESG Reporting
CoreCivic
LinkedIn

Amanda Gilchrist is a communications and public relations leader with over 22 years of experience in government, corporate, and agency settings. Currently, she serves as the Director of Ethics and Compliance Risk Management and ESG Reporting for CoreCivic, Inc. Prior to rejoining CoreCivic, Amanda held various leadership roles in communications and reputation management, including positions at FINN Partners, Fifth Third Bank, and Metro Nashville Davidson County government. Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations from the University of Georgia. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family.

Sophia Hibbert

Student
Palisades Charter High School

Sophia Hibbert, a 16-year-old junior at Palisades Charter High School, is a dedicated varsity cheerleader, achieving top placements. She supports underfunded schools with Level Up Los Angeles and excels in advanced classes. With community service, tumbling, skiing, and work experience, Sophia’s diverse interests shine. As a YMCA summer camp counselor-in-training, she cares for children. Sophia’s adventures span the Caribbean and Europe, embodying kindness and intelligence. She is ready for new experiences with Play Like A Girl.

Amara Okoli

Director of Customer Success
Mural
LinkedIn

Amara Okoli, a dynamic tech leader and former pre-med Stanford track and field athlete, resides in San Francisco. With a belief in the power of storytelling, she joins Play Like a Girl to amplify the voices and stories of the girls they serve. As an advisory board member, Amara is dedicated to fostering a community that empowers girls in any field they choose. Leveraging her expertise in building relationships and partnerships with Fortune 100 clients, startups, higher education institutions, and healthcare organizations, she contributes to Play Like a Girl’s vision.

Caroline Quigley

Student
Palisades Charter High School

Caroline Quigley is an incoming 11th grader at Palisades Charter High School, where she is a competitive soccer player. She is currently on a club soccer team named Surf, where she travels around America, competing at a high level. She is heavily involved in cheerleading, soccer, and teen court. Some of her hobbies include knitting, snowboarding, and playing the ukulele. She is excited about this opportunity to participate in Play Like a Girl and the impact she can make.

Taren Rodabaugh

Chief Information Officer
Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
LinkedIn

Taren Rodabaugh is the Chief Information Officer at Bridgestone Americas. As a strategic CIO, she drives the transformation of enterprise systems, infrastructure, and IT operations, enabling new business models and resilience. She leads over 300 employees and contractors across North and Latin America and connects Bridgestone America’s vision with IT strategies. Previously, she held CIO roles at Harley-Davidson and led transformative programs at PwC, IBM, and Deloitte. Taren holds an undergraduate degree from Miami University and an MBA from Northwestern University. She is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, serving as the Executive Co-Sponsor of Bridgestone’s women’s employee resource group, BWIN.

Dr. Kristen Sharp

Accounting Manager
HCA Physician Services Group
LinkedIn

Dr. Kristen Sharp is the Advisory Board Chair for Play Like a Girl. As the Accounting Manager for HCA Physician Services Group in North Texas, she combines expertise with a passion for making a meaningful impact. With a Doctorate in Business Administration and a master’s degree in business administration, Dr. Sharp actively contributes to her community through professional associations and serving on committees. Recognized as one of Nashville’s “30 Under 30” professionals and an outstanding alumna, she believes in the power of mentorship and inspires others to reach their potential.

Nykaila Taylor

Sr. Project Engineer
Nike, Inc.
LinkedIn

Nykaila Taylor, a Sr. Project Engineer at Nike joins Play Like a Girl’s advisory board. Leading engineering projects, she supports Nike’s supply chain strategies. Hailing from Cincinnati, OH, Nykaila holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Ohio University. Her career spans automotive, electrical design, supply chain, and apparel manufacturing. With certifications in Six Sigma and ISO 9001:2015, she is an active member of engineering societies like SWE, NSBE, and SPE. Nykaila’s passion for diversity in STEM drives her involvement in mentorship and community organizations, including Nike’s DEI councils, The Memphis Urban League, and The Junior League of Memphis.

Kaitlin Torke Grant

Founding Member & Director of Customer Success & Experience
Gulf Partyline
LinkedIn

Kaitlin Torke Grant is an enthusiastic technology professional who most recently helped build a software startup specializing in cloud-based solutions for legislative & political professionals. Her impact focused on building a white-glove customer experience & delivering better business outcomes for her clients. Previously, her work included fundraising & development for various organizations & committees in Washington, DC. Growing up, Kaitlin played competitive tennis and strongly correlates her team & individual sports experience with learning critical life skills. She is thrilled to join an organization at the forefront of inspiring & advancing young women & girls in STEM+ careers.

Dr. Entela Xhane

Associate Professor of Mathematics
Community College of Baltimore County

Dr. Entela K. Xhane is a dynamic Associate Professor of Mathematics at the Community College of Baltimore County with eighteen (18) plus years of experience providing exemplary program management, classroom instruction, and workshop facilitation in a community college, higher education system, and high school environment. Extensive background working with diverse populations. Passionate in helping others succeed in achieving their career and educational goals. Dr. Xhane brings well-developed communication skills, experience, the ability to work with individuals and groups, prepare and deliver presentations, and advanced knowledge in SPSS, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and basic computer operations.

Opportunities

Change the game with us! Explore our openings and join the team.

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