The Friends of Baseball Girls LEAD program provides exposure to softball, positive mentor coaches, career exploration with women guest speakers, and ongoing softball and leadership opportunities for youth players. Receiving a 2023 SHE FLIES Community Grant has had a profound impact on Friends of Baseball and the participants in its Girls LEAD program, where 81-percent come from low-income families, and 75-percent identify as females of color. It extends beyond financial support; it's a validation of the mission and a recognition of the profoundly positive impact on youth development that Friends of Baseball fosters within our community. Thanks to the grant, Friends of Baseball expanded its program to accommodate double the number of participants compared to previous years, empowering more of our community's next generation of leaders.