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"That’s the definition of grit; it’s not the most talented person or the smartest person. It’s the person that is willing to continuously work day in and day out and sacrifice things that no one else is, in order to get to the next level. ”
LINDSEY VONN, FOUNDER OF THE LINDSEY VONN FOUNDATION
GRIT HUB
Great starts with Grit
Grit is at the core of our identity. It is the determining factor that can set ambitious girls apart from everyone else. Intelligence and skill can only take us so far — if we put time in when no one else sees the value, that is when we can truly flourish as a strong leader. At the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, our central mission is to instill grit in young girls nationwide. When we take the opportunities that others look past, we can rise up against all odds and find empowerment within.
Below are several inspiring, insightful, and interesting stories that emphasize the importance of grit, determination, and finding the spark within. Stay gritty!
Grit: The power of passion and perseverance
Leaving a high-flying job in consulting, Angela Lee Duckworth took a job teaching math to seventh graders in a New York public school. She quickly realized that IQ wasn't the only thing separating the successful students from those who struggled. Here, she explains her theory of "grit" as a predictor of success.
Dr. Dweck’s research into growth mindset changed education forever
After studying the behavior of thousands of children, Dr. Dweck coined the terms fixed mindset and growth mindset to describe the underlying beliefs people have about learning and intelligence. When students believe they can get smarter, they understand that effort makes them stronger.
#GritStory: Tessa Maud
Before she competed in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Tessa was an LVF camper and scholar with a gritty mindset that set her apart from the crowd. With the support of LVF and a strong internal drive, Tessa was able to make her dreams a reality! Listen to Tessa explain her #GritStory and how LVF has impacted her perspective on female empowerment.
Empower every part of your life!
Instilling confidence in young girls has never been more important — every girl deserves a chance at greatness. This is one of our core values at the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, and we're not alone in this mission. The following organizations are also incredible resources for girls to realize their true potential and make a difference in the world!
Girl Up
Girl Up is a girl-centered leadership development initiative, focusing on equity for girls and women in spaces where they are unheard or underrepresented. They operate a global network of regional affiliates impacting 200,000 girls and youth leaders in 152 countries and all 50 U.S. states, developing transformative leaders who advance gender justice worldwide.
Write Girl
WriteGirl is a Los Angeles-based creative writing and mentoring organization that spotlights the power of a girl and her pen. At WriteGirl, they match girls with women writers who mentor them in creative writing. Every year, they produce dozens of workshops, panel discussions and special events to help girls get creative, get through high school and get to college.
Girls On The Run
Girls on the Run inspires participants of all abilities to recognize their individual strengths while building a sense of connection in a team setting. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development to enable participants to adapt to whatever comes their way.
Girls Inc.
Girls Inc. focuses on the development of the whole girl. She learns to value herself, take risks, and discover and develop her inherent strengths. The combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and evidence-based programming equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.
Girls For A Change
GFAC programs are designed to provide consistent support to girls, from their youth into their young adulthood, and beyond. Through experiential learning and consistent exposure, we focus on ensuring girls are ahead of the learning curve, breaking cycles and closing the opportunity gaps faced by too many disadvantaged, marginalized or underrepresented girls.
She's The First
She's The First teaches girls how to speak up for herself in her home, school, and community, while they teach the mentors in her life practical ways to support her agency. As a result, these girls become the first women in their families to achieve amazing milestones—and they are never the last.
Women's Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation was established in 1974 to advance the lives of women and girls through sports and physical activity. Their mission is to enable all girls and women to reach their potential in sports and life. They provide financial fuel to aspiring champion athletes. They fund groundbreaking research. They educate. They advocate. And they help communities get girls active.
Girls Who Invest
Seema R. Hingorani founded Girls Who Invest (GWI) in 2015 as a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership in the investment management industry. Their approach is inclusive: education, mentoring, internships, and a supportive community.
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