Women Leaders Highlight the Power of Opportunity at Girls Inc. of Los Angeles Leadership Breakfast

Sometimes it takes just one person to see potential in a girl before she sees it in herself.

That message emerged at the Girls Inc. of Los Angeles Women’s Leadership Breakfast, where leaders from entertainment, sports, business and behavioral science shared how mentorship, opportunity and having someone believe in them helped shape their paths.

First Entertainment Credit Union sponsored the event, continuing its support of organizations and initiatives that strengthen communities and help create opportunities for the people within them.

“Opportunity becomes much more powerful when young people can see a path forward and have people encouraging them along the way,” said Heather Lewis, Senior Vice President and Chief Growth and Experience Officer for First Entertainment. “Girls Inc. of Los Angeles is creating those pathways for young women, and we’re proud to stand behind that work.”

During the conversation, the panel reflected on the difference one supporter can make.

“When we were starting Summer Fridays we went to our very first meeting at the Sephora headquarters,” said co-founder Lauren Ireland of the skincare and beauty brand. “At this point we were working on our brand for a year and didn’t know if we could launch with a big retailer. On the spot, the head merchant of skincare said ‘yes.’ We had many people beforehand questioning what we were creating. It takes that one person and a little bit of luck.”

“How many of us have been made to feel small at any point of our lives by someone?” asked behavioral scientist and bestselling author Dr. Deepika Chopra. “But then, many of us has had someone see something in us that we didn’t even see. A girl needs one person to believe in them and see something in them. We all have the ability to do that.”

Those stories reflect why First Entertainment supports Girls Inc. of Los Angeles, helping create more opportunities for young people to find encouragement, build connections and imagine what could come next.

“Girls Inc provided a space where [I] could learn, grow and be [myself],” said Blended Berries Tea Founder and Girls Inc. alum Lisa Berry. “It really played a huge role in my development.”

For First Entertainment, collaborating with organizations that make a lasting impact is what makes investing in our communities and the next generation so meaningful.