Dr. Kimberly Clay, founder of Play Like A Girl, is using her passion for STEM and sports to teach young women how to become executive leaders in the corporate field.
Play Like A Girl is a charitable organization fighting to help every girl – no matter their background – reach their full potential in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) industry.
Since 2019, Play Like a Girl has partnered with the NFL to infuse the sports discipline with the skillset needed to excel in STEM.
Play Like A Girl is also bringing STEM education to the Pro Bowl, Super Bowl, and FLAG Championship games this month in an extended partnership with NFLPA and NFL FLAG.
A massive aspect of Clay’s work involves connecting middle school girls with inspiring role models and mentors to inspire them to pursue a career in STEM.
“The problem-solving skills and team-building experiences, women who have played sports are uniquely positioned to lead in the corporate space,” said Dr. Kimberly Clay, founder of Play Like A Girl, in an interview.
‘’Sport’ plays a significant role at every stage of women, from girls to C-suite executives. Women who have played sports are uniquely positioned to lead in the corporate world—especially in competitive, male-dominated fields like STEM.”
Play Like Girl’s partnerships give members the unique opportunity to connect with current and former players to teach them the critical skills needed to excel in highly competitive, male-dominated fields.
The hope is that young girls will develop a strong work ethic, a deep level of competitiveness, and an unmatched ability to bounce back from failure and setbacks.
According to Clay, these are all transferrable skills that will prove to be highly beneficial for young women breaking into competitive industries.
“Women athletes represent an often untapped leadership pipeline in the workplace. They are, by nature, high achievers, influential leaders, and team players who have tremendous value for business,” added Clay.
