International Day of the Girl 2026: Champion of Girls Award

OAKLAND, Calif. (October 7, 2026) — In celebration of International Day of the Girl, Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland (BGCO) hosted a citywide gathering Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Kissel Uptown Oakland Hotel. Highlighting the evening’s festivities, BGCO will present Mayor Barbara Lee with its inaugural Champion of Girls’ Rights honor, recognizing her lifelong dedication to empowering, safeguarding, and expanding opportunities for girls and young women across Oakland and California.

“I am deeply honored to receive the inaugural ‘Champion of Girls’ Award. Investing in our youth is an investment in Oakland’s future, and I am proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs to help Oakland’s young girls and women reach their fullest potential.”
— Mayor Barbara Lee

Throughout her tenure in the California State Legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives, and as Mayor of Oakland, Mayor Lee has championed policies and initiatives centered on human trafficking prevention, economic mobility, reproductive rights, and youth safety:

Combating Human Trafficking & Youth Exploitation: Mayor Lee allocated dedicated city funding to the Oakland Police Department’s human trafficking enforcement detail along high-risk corridors like International Boulevard, appointed new leadership to direct the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force focusing on demand reduction and administrative penalties, and partnered directly with community town halls like the Dream Youth Clinic to integrate feedback from Black girls and young women into survivor care and city policy.
Youth Employment & Community Investment: Under her administration, the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program was restored and expanded to connect hundreds of Oakland youth—especially young women—with paid internships, career mentorship, and job readiness training. Additionally, she directed Department of Violence Prevention funding toward life coaches, case management, and targeted neighborhood support.
Landmark Protections for Women & Girls: During her service in the State Legislature, Mayor Lee authored both the California Violence Against Women Act and the California Schools Hate Crimes Prevention Act, creating critical safeguards against gender-based abuse and identity-based harassment in public schools.
Advancing Healthcare & Elevating Local Youth: In Congress, Mayor Lee led national efforts to protect reproductive freedom and healthcare access for low-income women by fighting to repeal the Hyde Amendment, while securing billions in federal funding for Oakland’s public schools, community colleges, and healthcare infrastructure. Locally, she has continually celebrated female excellence, from grassroots youth leaders to hosting official City Hall honors for figures like Oakland Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu.

“International Day of the Girl is about affirming every young woman’s inherent potential and ensuring she has the safety, resources, and fierce community support needed to lead. Mayor Barbara Lee’s decades of trailblazing advocacy embody everything our Club members aspire toward. Presenting her with the first-ever Champion of Girls honor is a testament to her steadfast commitment to lifting Oakland’s daughters.”
— Laila Dreidame, Vice President Advancement & Development, Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland

The Program

The event will be MC’d by voice actor, comedy creator, and Enjoyment Endeavor CEO Joy Ofodu, featuring musical sets by DJ Fela Kutchii.

A cornerstone of the program is a featured panel moderated by Laila Dreidame. The panel brings together distinguished women leaders from law, sports, healthcare, and biotech:

Emily L. Yip, Partner, Donahue Fitzgerald Attorneys
Jamie Elmasu, Director of Community Health Improvement, John Muir Health
Deborah Wafer, Executive Director of Public Affairs, Gilead Sciences
Veronne Clark, Director of Community, Golden State Valkyries

In addition to inspiring dialogue, attendees and youth will experience a dedicated Kid Zone featuring hands-on STEM projects, live illustration by Biyong Biyong Studio by Aylin, flower crown making, henna artistry, a photo booth, and complimentary bites and drinks.

See photos from the evening.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland

Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland (BGCO) has served local young people since 1938, providing safe spaces, positive mentorship, academic support, and community programming. BGCO empowers Oakland youth—especially those who need us most—to develop the skills, confidence, and character required to graduate high school, build fulfilling careers, and become engaged, thriving community leaders.