CGLA To Host Fourth annual Day of The Girl, Empowering Young Women in STEM

Posted on October 17, 2025 by Anna Shand

Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy will host the fourth annual Chattanooga Day of The Girl in partnership with Girls Preparatory School (GPS) and Girls Inc. of Chattanooga. Taking place on Oct. 24, this inspiring event will bring together nearly 800 young women for an afternoon of connection and hands-on STEM exploration.This year’s program will spotlight STEM education and careers. Through partnerships with local businesswomen and organizations, students will have the opportunity to explore new possibilities and see where their interests might lead.“We are thrilled to once again partner with GPS and Girls Inc. for this incredible day celebrating young women,” said Dr. Elaine Swafford, CEO of CGLA. “Day of the Girl is all about equipping our young ladies for the future. For those interested in STEM, this year’s event will open exciting new doors.”Students will have the chance to visit exhibits from a variety of community partners highlighting STEM professions, such as the Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Zoo, EPB-Quantum Experience, UTC STEM Education and the UTC Association of Women in Mathematics.“We look forward to Chattanooga Day of the Girl each year as a time to celebrate each other, to continue to uplift one another, and this year, to explore and ignite future passions,” said CGLA Principal Sylvia Davis. “Our goal collectively is for each girl to feel empowered and to know that dreaming big is the expectation!"In 2022, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp officially decreed Oct. 25 “Chattanooga Day of the Girl.” Since then, GPS, CGLA and Girls Inc. have collaborated each year to create a space where girls can explore their passions, build community and envision bold futures."Having a dedicated annual celebration for girls allows us to be intentional in our community partnerships and lift up girls across our area," said Lauren Swanson, GPS Director of Student Life and Middle School Dean of Students. "Chattanooga Day of the Girl is about recognizing the potential in each girl and letting her know she is seen, and she matters."Day of the Girl also serves as a commitment to community. Leading up to the event, students participated in service projects to emphasize the importance of giving back. “We look forward to Chattanooga Day of the Girl each year. It is an excellent opportunity to partner with CGLA and GPS to provide a space for the young ladies of Chattanooga to be recognized and celebrated. On this day we see how bright Chattanooga's future is!” said Fance Brannock, Senior Director of Program at Girls Inc. Chattanooga. Chattanooga Day of the Girl will take place on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. at 1805 Anderson Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404.