Kava Vasquez, a Bronx Girl from the Bronx, received a grant in 2017 to travel the world for a year and research a topic of her choice. As an avid skateboarder who often felt out of place at home, she aimed to explore how other women skateboarders were making their mark globally.
Her journey took her to countries like India, South Africa, and Mexico, where she discovered small but powerful communities of women empowered through skateboarding. “Seeing their passion made me think, ‘I wish we had something like that in the Bronx,’” Vasquez told Time Out New York. “I didn’t want to build it alone.”
The Birth of Bronx Girls Skate
In 2017, Kava Vasquez, a Dominican skateboarder from the Bronx, received a grant to travel internationally and research a topic she was passionate about. Feeling disconnected from the skateboarding scene back home, Vasquez embarked on a global journey to discover how women skateboarders around the world were expressing themselves and building communities.
Her travels took her to countries like India, South Africa, and Mexico, where she found small but vibrant groups of women finding empowerment through skateboarding. Inspired by their passion and solidarity, Vasquez realized the Bronx needed a similar community. In 2020, she partnered with longtime skateboarder Mel Ramirez to launch Bronx Girls Skate, a welcoming space designed to support women skaters in the Bronx.
Read More: First Look: NYBG’s Van Gogh Exhibit Blooms into a Living Floral Fantasy
Mission and Vision: Skateboarding for All
Bronx Girls Skate stands for more than just skating; it represents inclusion, empowerment, and creativity. Their mission is clear: to make skateboarding accessible to all women and girls regardless of skill level, ethnicity, or background. By breaking down social and cultural barriers, the organization fosters a safe and supportive environment where participants can grow both on and off the board.
Through workshops, events, and skate sessions, Bronx Girls Skate encourages participants to express themselves freely, improve their skills, and build lasting friendships. The organization also aims to challenge stereotypes by highlighting the talents and stories of female skaters from the Bronx.
Building a Strong Community
Community-building lies at the core of Bronx Girls Skate’s success. The group regularly hosts meetups, skate clinics, and cultural events that bring together women from different walks of life. These gatherings not only provide a platform for skill development but also create opportunities for mentorship, networking, and mutual support.
Vasquez and Ramirez emphasize that skateboarding is a tool for personal growth and social change. “When women come together on skateboards, they create more than just tricks; they build confidence, leadership, and resilience,” says Vasquez.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite its growing popularity, Bronx Girls Skate faces challenges common to grassroots organizations. Funding limitations, lack of access to safe skate spaces, and cultural stigmas surrounding women in skateboarding can pose obstacles. However, the team remains committed to expanding their reach and impact by collaborating with local partners, seeking grants, and advocating for skate-friendly public spaces.
Impact and Future Goals
Since its inception, Bronx Girls Skate has inspired dozens of women to take up skateboarding and embrace their individuality. The organization’s influence extends beyond skating, promoting wellness, creativity, and empowerment.
Looking ahead, Bronx Girls Skate plans to expand its programming, launch mentorship initiatives, and strengthen partnerships with schools and community centers. Their ultimate goal is to transform the Bronx into a hub for women’s skateboarding culture and inspire similar movements nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bronx Girls Skate?
Bronx Girls Skate is a community-driven organization founded to empower women and girls in the Bronx through skateboarding.
Who started Bronx Girls Skate?
The group was founded by Kava Vasquez and Mel Ramirez in 2020.
What activities does Bronx Girls Skate offer?
They offer skate clinics, workshops, community meetups, and cultural events focused on skill-building and empowerment.
Who can join Bronx Girls Skate?
All women and girls interested in skateboarding, regardless of skill level or background, are welcome to join.
How does Bronx Girls Skate promote inclusion?
By creating a safe, supportive space and actively engaging with diverse communities, they foster an inclusive skate culture.
Are there any costs to participate?
Most events are free or low-cost, aimed at removing financial barriers to participation.
How can someone support Bronx Girls Skate?
Support can come through volunteering, donations, attending events, or partnering with the organization.
What impact has Bronx Girls Skate had on the community?
The organization has boosted confidence, built community, and increased visibility for women skateboarders in the Bronx.
Conclusion
Bronx Girls Skate exemplifies how skateboarding can be a powerful vehicle for empowerment, community-building, and social change. By creating an inclusive space for women and girls, the organization not only transforms individual lives but also challenges outdated stereotypes about who belongs in the skateboarding world. As Bronx Girls Skate continues to grow, it sets a dynamic example for communities everywhere, proving that skateboarding truly is for all.