Showing Up: Why Girls Need Adults to Be Present at Their Intellectual Events

There is something powerful, almost sacred, about watching a girl stand at a podium to share her ideas, her research, her voice or her creative work. These moments may seem small from the outside looking in, but to her, those moments are defining. What makes those moments even more meaningful? The adults who show up.

Showing up isn’t about filling seats. It’s about affirming her confidence. It’s about telling her, without ever saying a word, that “What you think matters. YOU matter.”

Why Showing Up Matters More Than Ever

In 2025, girls are growing up in a whirlwind of social pressures, academic expectations, shifting friendships, and a TON of digital noise. Many of them are challenged to know which adults are truly in their corner.

That’s why your presence - your real, physical, eye-contact-making, clapping, smiling presence … is everything. It grounds her, guides her and tells her, “I see you being.”

When adults show up for girls’ intellectual events… presentations, showcases, pitch nights, debates and demonstrations, it reinforces that her brilliance belongs in the room.

Showing Up Builds Confidence

Girls thrive on consistency. When adults show up, it builds:

● Courage: She speaks louder when she knows someone is listening.

● Knowing: She stops doubting herself when she sees you leaning in.

● Identity: She begins to see herself as powerful, smart, and capable.

● Stability: Your presence becomes her anchor during moments that feel big and scary.

Every clap, head nod, and “I’m proud of you” becomes part of her inner voice.

Showing Up Strengthens Community

Girls learn how to engage, lead, and shine when they are surrounded by adults who support their growth. When we show up as a collective, parents, mentors, school staff, and community members, we send a bigger message:

● You are not alone.

● Your community is with you.

● We are showing up for you, together.

This is how we raise confident, emotionally secure, intellectually curious young women.

Keep Showing Up

At Project DIVA International, we invite adults to not only attend our girls’ events but to be active supporters of their brilliance. Whether it’s one of our signature events, an outing, or a school event, your presence changes the trajectory of her confidence.

● So show up.

● Then keep showing up.

Because every time you do, you’re shaping a girl’s future, and she’ll remember it forever.