Activyst funds girls sports programs via fashionable sports bags

Activyst, an active lifestyle brand that makes women’s athletic bags, announced on April 24 that they have surpassed their initial goals of $25,000 and $50,000 to help fund International athletic organizations supporting the growth of young women and girls through sports. The brand has introduced a new goal of $75,000 to reach young women in Ethiopia through the Girls Gotta Run Foundation.

Activyst CEO and co-founder Katie Rock, traveled to Nicaragua in 2010 to work for the WHO. While there she began to notice that everywhere she went, she would see boys running and playing, but not girls. The young women and girls of Nicaragua would watch the boys playing sports from their stoops. Katie’s goal was to empower these girls and realized that there was a possibility to do this through sports. Co-founders Leigh Orne and Blair Warner joined Katie in this mission and Activyst was born in August 2012. To learn about Nicaragua and these three amazing women, click HERE.

With its passion for fashion and dedication to its social mission, Activyst chose to support girls in sports because research has found that girls that play sports are less likely to get pregnant, stay in an abusive relationship, suffer depression or use drugs. As a result, these active females become a more productive part of society by being stronger leaders and reaching higher levels of education. “Our core company values revolve around supporting the strength and growth of young women to become active and confident members of society. Our goal is to build a brand that will empower women with active lifestyles,” said Katie.

The brand’s goal of $75,000 is set to be reached by May 5. With ten days to reach their next goal, Activyst has introduced their latest perk. Supporters of the project will not only get limited edition Activyst Active Bag, but also purchase lifetime discounts, have input in future product lines and join the Activyst co-founders in their International efforts to educate and engage young women of the world in active lifestyles. For more information about the limited edition Activyst Active Bags visit www.indiegogo.com/activyst. Activyst’s global partners include Soccer Without Borders and Girls Gotta Run Foundation reaching young women throughout North, Central and South America, as well as Africa.

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Activyst

Katie Rock, Founder and CEO

I grew up in Arizona with three crazy brothers, and spent my childhood riding my 10-speed, creating highly unnecessary competitions, believing I'd be the next Mary Lou Rhetton, and (after accepting an Olympic dream was not in the cards) playing tennis at Gonzaga. After studying international relations and Spanish in college, digging into law school at the University of Michigan, and later practicing at a law firm, I went to work with the WHO in Nicaragua researching gender equality in sport. I've always known that my background in sports has helped me achieve in other areas. I’m excited to work towards a world where girls all over are playing, running, high-fiving, and believing they can achieve.  

Leigh Orne, Founder and VP of Design & Marketing

When I think back on my connection to sports it all comes back to family. My grandfather was a prolific marathon runner, my mom a dancer and my dad an all-around amazing athlete. Being active is in my blood. Sports brought me to Gonzaga where I played tennis and studied international affairs, which opened my eyes to the world around me. After working in international development, I got my MBA with the goal of learning to bring about social change trough business.

Blair Warner, Founder and Strategy Advisor 

Raised in San Diego, I was blessed with a family that pushed me to try new things. I played softball, my dad coached my soccer team, I earned a black belt in karate with my mom. So maybe it's no surprise that when I was asked to join UCLA crew because I was tall, I said, "Why not?” This same attitude led me to study Economics and Communication Studies and then attend Yale Law School (Connecticut? Why not!). I later joined a management consulting firm, loving the team element that pushed me to grow. When Katie shared the idea of Activyst with me on a trip to Nicaragua, I was hooked. It combines my business training with helping girls access the types of opportunities I’ve been so fortunate to have in my life.

Support, join and follow Activyst on their mission:

To support the cause and for more information, visit www.indiegogo.com/Activyst

Facebook - www.facebook.com/activyst

Twitter - www.twitter.com/activyst  #activyst #HelpGirlsPlay

Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/activyst