Elevating Leadership: Accelerating Action for Women and Girls

At Varsity Brands, we believe leadership isn’t just about who holds a title – it’s about who steps up, who lifts others and who drives meaningful change. Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who do exactly that – on our teams, in our communities and the next generation of girls who will shape the future.

This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, is a powerful reminder that progress doesn’t happen on its own. We must be intentional, persistent and urgent in breaking down barriers. Consider this: At the current rate, it will take until 2158—five generations from now—for women to reach full parity with men, according to the World Economic Forum. That’s unacceptable. It’s a stark reality that should push all of us to act with greater speed and purpose.

That’s why Varsity Brands is committed to being a part of the solution – not just by elevating women in our own workforce, but by investing in the future of young female athletes and leaders.

This commitment extends across all the sports and activities we serve—including cheerleading, which has long been a powerful platform for young women to build confidence, strength and leadership skills. Cheerleaders exemplify teamwork, athleticism and an unmatched dedication to their craft. As the global leader in cheer, Varsity Spirit has played a critical role in elevating the activity, advocating for greater recognition, and ensuring that cheerleaders have the same opportunities for competition and personal growth as athletes in any other sport.

Beyond cheer, we continue to champion young women through efforts to make activities more accessible and inclusive, including programs like SURGE, which equips coaches with training and resources to help their female athletes develop confidence, leadership, and resilience. Whether their path leads to elite competition, the boardroom, or leadership roles in their communities, we are committed to ensuring they have the support to get there.

We see proof of this impact every day. Throughout March, BSN SPORTS is sharing an Instagram video series featuring female BSN leaders reflecting on the advice they would give their younger selves as athletes. Their insights are powerful, inspiring, and a testament to the role sports play in shaping confidence, resilience, and leadership.

But here’s the reality: progress requires action, not just celebration. If we want a future where leadership is truly inclusive – where opportunities are dictated by talent and drive – then we must continue challenging outdated norms, creating access, and accelerating change.

To the women of Varsity Brands and the girls we support through our programs: thank you for your passion, leadership, and commitment to making a difference. Let’s keep pushing forward—so that every girl has the chance to be in the game, for good.