Empowering 12 Young Women from Watsonville & Pajaro Valley High Schools Through Flag Football, Leadership & Career Readiness

We are raising funds to empower 12 outstanding young women from Watsonville High School and Pajaro Valley High School to participate in a year-round flag football and mentorship program designed to build leadership, persistence, confidence, and career readiness.

These student-athletes will learn far more than how to compete on the field — they will gain the skills to compete in life. Through weekly practices, games, and mentoring sessions led by community professionals, they’ll develop teamwork, communication, resilience, and a sense of their true value and potential.

Mentors from our community are volunteering their time to teach these young women how to lead with purpose and how to step boldly into roles of influence — both in their schools and in their future careers.

Why This Program Matters

Latinas represent the majority in our local community yet remain severely underrepresented in leadership roles across the nation:

Latinos make up nearly 19% of the U.S. labor force, but hold only about 5% of executive positions.

Latinas account for less than 1% of C-suite executives, despite being among the fastest-growing groups in higher education.

In Santa Cruz County, Watsonville’s youth — largely Latinx — face systemic barriers to opportunity that programs like this directly address.

Sports and mentorship together form one of the most effective combinations for developing future leaders. Through this initiative, we’re giving these young women not just a uniform and a playbook — but a platform for leadership and self-belief.

How the Funds Will Be Used

All donations will go toward:

League registration fees and game expenses

Uniforms, equipment, and safe transportation for games

Leadership and career-readiness workshops

Guest speakers and networking opportunities

Basic program logistics to ensure no girl is left out due to financial hardship

Our Vision

Our vision is simple: to level the playing field.

When young women from our Latinx community gain confidence, mentorship, and representation in leadership, they change the trajectory not only of their own lives — but of entire communities.

This is about more than flag football. It’s about empowerment, equity, and opportunity.

Every dollar helps us ensure that all 12 girls can participate fully — regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign to help spread the word.

Thank you for believing in these future leaders of Watsonville and Pajaro Valley. Together, we can give them a season — and a future — to remember.

Let's Love like Jesus!