March 28, 2024

Costa alumnus Cindy Whitehead inspires young girls with female empowerment panel

Former Costa student Cindy Whitehead empowers young girls by giving a speech. She was formerly a professional skateboarder and she now wants to teach young girls about empowerment and feminism.

Sheridan McKnight

Staff Writer

Former professional skater and Costa alumnus Cindy Whitehead and other professional skaters spoke at a female empowerment panel on Wednesday at the Manhattan Beach Library.

Whitehead is the author of the book, “It’s Not About Pretty” and the founder of “Girl is Not a 4 Letter World,” a brand that gives women in action sports opportunities and recognition. Women of all ages were invited to talk on behalf of Female Empowerment Month. The female speakers discussed their passions and interests in hopes of inspiring other young girls.

“‘Girl is Not a 4 Letter Word’ shines a light on girls skateboarding every single day because the male dominated skate sites and magazines rarely feature female skaters,” Whitehead said.

According to Whitehead, she hopes that girls will be encouraged to skateboard after listening to the panel. She believes that speaking on panels is important, as it helps people understand how hard girls work to achieve their goals in a male dominated sports.

“It’s a great opportunity to come out and meet some local South Bay girls who skateboard and are featured in the book,” Whitehead said.

Panel members discussed a variety of topics all related to being a female skater, including their goals for the future and obstacles they have faced as women in action sports.

“My hope is that young girls that attend the event are able to gain confidence in their abilities,” panel member Zara Percey said.

In the future, she hopes that girls in action sports get the same opportunities, recognition and pay that their male counterparts get, Whitehead said.

“I hope girls take away the message that they can do anything they set their minds to,” Whitehead said.

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