Fast and Female 2020 Impact Report

It’s hard to find the words to describe 2020. We know the devastating impacts that the pandemic has had on girls and women. We also see the hope and possibilities – the confidence, holistic health benefits and future leadership skills- that come when girls can celebrate their bodies through sports and movement.

With these new challenges in 2020, we arrived at a crossroads; cancel our in-person events and regroup later in the year, or pivot. For our internal staff, this was a no-brainer. Together, and with the incredible support of our REAL (Relatable, Empowered, Active Leaders) Role Models, Board of Directors, dedicated funders, sister organizations, and participants – we pivoted 4 events into the virtual space.

2020 was a year that taught us how resilient we are as an organization. It also informed our work ahead in 2021 and beyond. While we all long for in-person girls’ programming and events, we know that a hybrid model that includes virtual programming will be part of our future. It can be more inclusive, especially for girls who live in remote communities, or regions where we haven’t had local events. 

We know that inclusion, equity and representation must be at the heart of our work ahead. We are creating safe and fun in-person and virtual spaces so that more girls can feel welcome and comfortable participating in the physical activities they love. And one critical barrier that we began removing in 2020 and will continue to do so, is to eliminate financial barriers to our programs so that girls can participate in our programming and events regardless of their families’ financial means. 

We are so proud of the impact that we’ve been able to make in collaboration with our community partners. And we are so excited about the future of Fast and Female and the girls and women that we serve. Thank you for your continued support. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Shanaaz Gookol,

Fast and Female Chief Executive Officer