#United States #Seattle #eBay #Girls Leadership Academy #STEAM

Empowering Tomorrow's Female Leaders with GLAM and eBay

In an inspiring initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap in leadership and technology, the Girls Leadership Academy Meetup (GLAM) recently concluded a successful online leadership camp in partnership with eBay's Seattle office. Held on October 26-27, this event featured 37 girls aged 8-12 hailing from 12 cities across three countries, showcasing an impressive participation rate for such an interactive program.

The camp's award-winning curriculum was designed to equip young girls with vital skills in business acumen, leadership, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). These fields are traditionally underrepresented by women, and GLAM's mission is to change that narrative. In fact, 34% of participants reported having little to no prior coding experience, but by the end of the program, most expressed an eagerness to continue their coding journey.

Cecilia Landeros, Director of Operations at GLAM, stated, "eBay has been a valued sponsor for several years, and this partnership with their Seattle office has opened up new opportunities, transforming lives through education and mentorship. Corporate sponsors play an essential role in providing these experiences that shape the leaders of tomorrow."

During the camp, participants learned key concepts of business planning and leadership through engaging activities. Girls created their business plans and submitted recorded pitches to a panel of judges. Top submissions were recognized with e-gift cards, rewarding their innovative ideas and hard work. These exceptional pitches are now showcased on GLAM's YouTube channel, allowing the young visionaries to share their ideas with a broader audience.

This program was made possible through the support not just from eBay, but also from iTalent Digital, who helped facilitate the event. Mentors from various influential backgrounds guided participants through sessions focused on coding, public speaking, and entrepreneurial skills. Attendees learned everything from crafting business plans to executing effective pitches, preparing them for future endeavors in leadership and technology.

Prominent figures contributed as speakers and session leaders, including:

• - Renée La Londe: CEO and Founder of iTalent Digital and GLAM
• - Xiaodi Zhang: VP of Seller Experience at eBay
• - Inna Kirkilevich: Director of Software Development at eBay
• - Michelle Warvel: VP of Product for Seller Experience at eBay
• - Ilina Singh: CEO, Author, and HarperCollins Contributor
• - Julie Cheng: Sr Director of Advertising Engineering at eBay
• - Rucha Patel: Architect Lead 2 at eBay
• - Radha: An eight-year-old participant stated, "This program is awesome! I loved the coding workshop and training to have a leader and entrepreneur mindset."

GLAM's initiative doesn't just stop at computer coding; it encompasses broader educational goals, fostering creativity and self-confidence. The program includes practical exercises in vision boarding, leadership, and teamwork, effectively preparing participants for challenges in the STEAM fields.

Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of its participants, GLAM ensures that such educational opportunities are accessible to girls from varied socioeconomic statuses. The leadership program is provided free of charge, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to empowering the next generation of women leaders.

Since its inception in 2016, GLAM has reached over 1,200 girls and collaborated with 60 mentors across 23 countries. As the organization continues to expand its reach and impact, it remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for young women aspiring to make a mark in fields where gender representation is paramount.

To engage with GLAM or to learn more about their innovative programs, individuals can explore their official website, watch their educational series on GLAMtv, read inspiring blog posts, or connect with them on social media (@GLAMReadyToLead). By supporting initiatives like this, we can all contribute to creating a future where every girl has the opportunity to lead.