About Us
What We Do
Why We Exist
Why We Exist
- Provide sports scholarships to girls ages 10–19, covering team fees, uniforms, travel, and gear.
- Partner with local sports organizations, schools, and clubs to reach underrepresented communities.
- Use research-informed criteria to select recipients and measure impact.
- Share stories that inspire others to support the next generation of female athletes and leaders.
Why We Exist
Why We Exist
Why We Exist
Girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14 — often due to cost, lack of access, or feeling like they don’t belong. But when girls stay in the game, the results are lifelong: higher graduation rates, stronger mental health, better career readiness, and greater leadership potential.
Our Mission
Why We Exist
Our Mission
A Girl Is Dope exists to remove financial barriers so that girls who face economic hardship can participate in youth sports. By providing scholarships and support, we empower girls to build confidence, resilience, and leadership through sports — helping them become Daring, Optimistic, Persistent and Empowered.
Our Values: D.O.P.E
Daring
Optimistic
Optimistic
Encouraging girls to take bold leaps.
Optimistic
Optimistic
Optimistic
Believing in possibility and a future of opportunity.
Persistent
Optimistic
Persistent
Staying in the game, through wins and losses.
Empowered
Optimistic
Persistent
Giving girls the tools, confidence and voice to lead.
Our Team
Sheona Golden -Founder & Executive Director
A Girl Is Dope was founded on the belief that sports don’t just build athletes — they build futures.
At 15, I was homeless. What changed my life wasn’t just shelter -it was sports. Coaches stepped in, gave me meals, mentorship, and a place on the court. I earned both athletic and academic scholarships in undergrad, and later completed my master’s at Columbia University, where I researched how sports participation shapes life development for girls.
As a published author and former adjunct professor in Exercise Science, my work has always centered on one thing: youth enrichment through sport.
Today, I’m a senior leader in the youth enrichment industry, advising multi-state programs that impact thousands of children. I still train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and now, as a mother to a young athlete, I get to witness the transformation of sport all over again.
That’s why A Girl Is Dope provides scholarships to families with financial need -because every girl deserves a chance to play, persist, and become who she’s meant to be.
Help Keep Her In The Game
Whether you’re a donor, coach, parent, or former athlete -you belong here. Together, we can level the field and fuel her future.
Make A Pledge To Keep Her In The Game
A pledge is a non-binding promise to donate once our platform is officially live. No payment is collected now. It’s simply your way of raising your hand and saying: "I believe in this. Count me in."