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Annual gathering continues to impact girls 11-18.
When Faith Alonso first visited the San Diego Kroc Center at 11, she didn’t know what to expect—only that her mom said it would be a good way for her to try new things.
She started with volleyball, then tried improv classes and summer camp. Eventually, she heard about Brave, a one-day event designed to empower and spark confidence in girls 11-18.
Now 14, Alonso has attended every annual Brave event ever since, including the most recent gathering May 3. This summer, she will return to the Kroc Center as a youth summer camp leader, where she will assist in caring for younger children.
“I still remember my first event,” she said. “The messages stayed with me because they helped me understand my own experiences and those of my friends in a new way.”
Alonso said the events are so memorable that she looks forward to them each year and usually encourages her friends to join her. This year’s event brought together more than 250 girls, 30 vendors and some 100 volunteers.
“I always have a lot of fun,” she said. “It’s a place where I feel supported and inspired to be my best self. I’ve also made a lot of friends and learned so much about myself.”
During Brave, participants rotate through confidence-building workshops, such as art sessions and a glam zone, where over 30 professionals volunteer to offer hair styling and nail services.
Alonso said the highlight for her is often the speakers and presentations, where she’s learned about resilience and how to support others. She said the messages have helped her develop the skills to encourage others while building confidence in herself.
“The speakers talk about their experiences in life and share what’s helped them overcome hard times,” Alonso said.
This year, Brave President and Co-founder Danielle Strickland delivered a presentation on “Power” aimed at uplifting participants and preventing future harm.
“Brave reminds girls that no matter what they’ve been through, it’s not their fault,” said San Diego Kroc Center Director of Volunteers and Community Engagement Janet Higley-Reade.
Alonso credits those messages with inspiring her to become a leader for her peers and younger kids.
“I’ve learned how to listen better and support people,” she said. “Being patient and understanding helps make everyone feel heard. I tell people that even if they’ve been through tough experiences, they can still do good things.”
According to Higley-Reade, many girls, like Alonso, choose to get more involved with the Kroc Center following Brave events. Some maintain the momentum by joining 12-week Brave Circles, where they gather to continue conversations and explore themes from Brave.
Alonso said she looks forward to Brave Circles since they help keep the energy of Brave alive.
“We just get together and talk,” she said. “It might sound simple, but it’s really meaningful and something I look forward to.”
During Brave Circles, the girls work through guided journals in groups of five to 10 and cover practical topics such as cooking, budgeting and goal-setting. Additionally, the circles provide a safe space where girls can share any thoughts and feelings.
Higley-Reade sees Brave Circles as an ideal way for girls to find support and discover their strength to face life’s challenges.
“It’s inspiring to watch these girls grow into leaders, become engaged in the community and inspire others,” she said.
Higley-Reade said plans are in the works for next year’s Brave event.
“Brave helps create a community where girls know they matter and understand they have the power to achieve or overcome whatever they set their hearts on,” she said.
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