Friday, March 21, 2025

5:30 p.m. - Check-in & Cocktail Hour

7:00 p.m. - Dinner & Program

Attire - Semi-Formal

Meydenbauer Center:

4th Floor - 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004

Paid parking is available in the Meydenbauer Center garage.

Please note that the ZGiRLS Gala is for guests 21+

Empowering Girls with Confidence They Can Feel.

This night is all about experiencing how confidence can change lives. Together, we’ll raise vital funds for ZGiRLS Confidence Programs, helping girls break through barriers and live without limits.

Enjoy an inspiring evening with community leaders, professional athletes, and passionate supporters, all united in making a difference. You'll hear firsthand how our programs are transforming lives and see the direct impact of your support.

Your support ensures that our mental health programming remains free and accessible, empowering girls nationwide to build resilience, trust, and strength.

MEET THE ATHLETE PANEL: STORIES OF STRENGTH & RESILIENCE

  • COURTNEY THOMPSON

    Gala Moderator & & Two-Time Olympic Medalist, Head of Pro Integration, and Co-Director of Youth Coach Development at LOVB

    Courtney Thompson is a two-time Olympian, Olympic medalist, and leader in athlete development. A proud Washington native, she led UW Volleyball to a National Championship in 2005 before earning Silver at the 2012 London Olympics, Gold at the 2014 World Championships, and Bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

    After retiring, Courtney became a mindset coach, helping athletes and professionals develop mental resilience. Now, as Head of Pro Integration and Co-Director of Youth Coach Development at LOVB, she mentors pro players and youth coaches, empowering them to lead with confidence and courage.

    Courtney’s passion for connection, resilience, and growth fuels everything she does. She is dedicated to empowering the next generation to lead with confidence, courage, and determination—both in sports and in life.

  • TYRA GITTENS

    Gala Speaker & Trinidad and Tobago Olympian and Professional Track and Field Athlete

    Tyra Gittens is an Olympian and professional track and field athlete, representing Trinidad and Tobago on the global stage, solidifying her reputation as one of the most versatile and dynamic athletes in track and field. A three-time NCAA Champion and 18-time NCAA Division I All-American, Tyra dominated the heptathlon and long jump, showcasing her world-class talent.

    But her journey has been anything but linear. Tyra has faced setback after setback—from injuries to a difficult suspension and, most recently, falling short of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Yet, she remains committed to her path, redefining success on her own terms.

    With a relentless growth mindset, she continues to push her limits, proving that confidence isn’t about having a perfect journey—it’s about resilience, perseverance, and showing up even in the face of uncertainty.

  • ALICE MERRYWEATHER

    Gala Speaker & U.S. Olympic Skier

    Alice Merryweather is a U.S. Olympian and former World Cup alpine skier, known for her resilience and excellence on the slopes. She spent nine years on the U.S. Ski Team, competed at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and became a Junior World Downhill Champion.

    Now retired, Alice is a passionate advocate for mental health and personal growth, courageously sharing her journey of recovering from an eating disorder, overcoming injuries, and redefining her relationship with perfectionism. She inspires others to embrace challenges with resilience and self-compassion.

    Her story is a powerful reminder that confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and showing up for yourself every day.

A GLIMPSE INTO THE ZGiRLS GALA…

ZGiRLS creates a world where all girls and women live with ZERO SELF-LIMITATIONS.