Welcome to the Play Like a Girl Honors blog series, where we celebrate the inspiring leaders shaping the future for women and girls. Each year, Play Like a Girl recognizes extraordinary individuals who are breaking barriers, championing diversity, and paving the way for the next generation. Today, we shine a spotlight on our 2025 Trailblazer Honoree, Sarah Daley—a powerhouse in tech, a role model, and a relentless advocate for women and girls in STEM.

Sarah’s Story of Empowerment

For Sarah Daley, technology was always part of her world. From mastering chat rooms and dial-up internet at the age of 10, she developed a deep appreciation for problem-solving, adaptation, and innovation. When it came time to choose a career, technology was the obvious choice. Beyond the promise of growth and financial stability, Sarah knew she had what it took to thrive in a constantly evolving industry. And she has—building a career that not only advances technology but also uplifts the women entering the field after her.

Sarah uses her influence to create opportunities for women, fostering inclusive spaces and mentorship opportunities that encourage growth and leadership. She firmly believes that representation matters—visibility can inspire countless young women to pursue paths they never thought possible. Through her work, she demonstrates that with drive, determination, and a little bit of sparkle, the future is limitless.

One of Sarah’s biggest challenges has been proving that being in the room isn’t enough. She is on a bold, audacious mission to create lasting change. She wholeheartedly believes that being the only woman at the table comes with a responsibility: to ensure other women have a seat, too. Her mission has never been just to claim space but to expand it, making way for the next generation of women leaders in tech.

Advice for Women Breaking Barriers

Sarah’s advice to girls and young women striving to break barriers is simple but powerful: Believe in your ability to learn and adapt. No one knows everything from day one—it’s your willingness to grow, ask questions, and take on challenges that matters. She encourages young women to seek mentors, build strong networks, and confidently own their expertise.

She also emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks. Challenges and failures are inevitable, but they don’t define your potential—how you respond to them does. Sarah encourages young women to view obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as roadblocks. By staying curious, embracing discomfort, and pushing forward with confidence, moments of doubt can become stepping stones toward success.

Sarah presenting to an audience of her peers at the Play Like a Girl Social Impact Summit last fall.

Being Recognized at Play Like a Girl Honors

Being celebrated at Play Like a Girl Honors is deeply meaningful to Sarah. She sees this award as a celebration of not just her work, but also the mentors, friends, and community members who have supported her journey. To her, recognition is secondary to impact. She hopes this moment inspires others to take action, knowing that passion, when combined with purpose, can create real change.

In Sarah’s own words:

“Being recognized by Play Like a Girl is an incredible honor. Most of us don’t start volunteering or working in the community for recognition—we do it to make a difference.

This award isn’t just about me; it’s about the mentors, friends, family, and supporters who lifted me up, gave me confidence, and created space for me to grow and give back. Their influence shaped my journey, and now I strive to do the same for others.

If you find something you’re passionate about, give yourself permission to pursue it fully—because passion, when combined with action, creates real change.”

Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and breaking barriers. But the celebration doesn’t stop here. Up next in our Play Like a Girl Honors blog series, we highlight our 2025 NextGen Leader Honoree, Trinity Christiana—a rising star dedicated to helping individuals from underrepresented communities build their reputations and thrive in tech. Stay tuned!

Inspired by Sarah’s journey? You, too, can be part of the movement to empower the next generation of women in STEM. Whether you’re a mentor, an advocate, or simply someone who believes in creating opportunities for girls, your impact matters. 

Join us in championing diversity, breaking barriers, and ensuring that every girl has the confidence to pursue her dreams. Get involved with Play Like a Girl today—because when we lift each other up, we all rise.