DALLAS, TX-More than 50 girls from Dallas-area ILTexas schools attended a learning fair hosted by the Dallas Mavericks under their program Girls Empowered by Mavericks (GEM) at the American Airlines Center for International Women’s Day. The event is one of several the Dallas Mavericks are hosting during March which is Women’s History Month with March 8 reserved for 300 girls ages 9-16 from ILTexas, Dallas and Fort Worth ISD schools to get the opportunity to learn about financial literacy, career opportunities, and how to take care of their mental and physical health.

Officially launched in 2021, the GEM program aims to “engage, inspire and empower young females using physical activity as a backdrop for their continued development and success,” according to their website. 

^{ILTexas students at the American Airlines Center for the Dallas Mavericks GEM event. Courtesy photos.} 

Hosted by Dallas DJ Poizon Ivy, the event featured panel discussions with Mavericks assistant coach and WNBA star, Kristi Toliver, and Senior Vice President Katie Edwards to name a few. Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, who made history as the first Black female CEO in the NBA, was also in attendance, giving the girls an introduction to GEM and explained the purpose for its founding. 

Various booths were set up on the Mavericks basketball arena where girls learned how to create and practice their elevator pitches and they were also given resources on how to preserve their physical and mental well-being. 

Click through the slideshow above to see more from the event! 

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