The International Day of the Girl, observed on October 11, is a global day dedicated to highlighting the unique challenges girls face around the world. It serves as a platform to advocate for equal opportunities in education, healthcare and leadership, aiming to create a brighter, more equitable future for girls everywhere.
As we celebrate this day, the inspiring stories of everyday women can remind us of the power women have to make change in their communities and beyond. Each of these entrepreneurs has forged her path through resilience, creativity and a commitment to empowering others. Their journeys exemplify the limitless potential of women who pursue their passions while uplifting those around them.
PIZZA + PURPOSE
Caroline D’Amore’s career trajectory has taken her from DJing around the world to walking the runways of Diane von Furstenberg to becoming a finalist on Gordon Ramsey’s “Food Stars” in 2023, to now being known as the pink-haired activist Pizza Girl,
Prior to the pandemic, her products were sold in over 100 stores, but given the challenges that came with sourcing organic ingredients during the pandemic, she had to stop production.
D’Amore credits her daughter with inspiring her to re-launch Pizza Girl in 2021. D’Amore now has built a successful brand of pasta sauces and a countertop pizza oven, which sold out within days of the launch. She opened a store in Venice Beach, California, with a second location slated for early 2025. Her company champions quality, authenticity and social responsibility. She challenges the status quo, showing that women can lead in any industry they choose, from the boardroom to the kitchen and beyond.
D’Amore didn’t always feel this confident. “Pizza Girl started out of the frustration of not feeling heard as a young girl in my Italian pizza family,” she explained. She was even admonished not to put the word “Girl” in the name of her company. Her response? Not only is it called “Pizza Girl,” everything from the pizza boxes to the ovens are pink.
D’Amore started using her Instagram platform to talk about more than just pizza after the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023. By sharing personal experiences from her visits to Israel in December 2023 and February 2024, D’Amore has used her business platform for broader social impact. Her dedication to justice and stance against hate form a core theme, inspiring audiences and showcasing a powerful model of purpose-driven business leadership, “Standing up for what’s right against all forms of hatred is crucial because it inspires others to be courageous in the face of injustice,” she said.
D’Amore’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that every girl has the potential to become a changemaker. She can be found on Instagram @pizzagirl and @carolinedamore and also as a guest on podcasts and stages around the world. Sharing her entrepreneurial journey and standing up against hate, D’Amore provides inspiration for girls everywhere. As she put it: “Being able to inspire others has given my time on this earth more meaning than I ever thought possible, and it all started with one little video on Instagram asking the world to stop the hatred and calling it out as I saw it unfolding. There is no voice too small. Speaking your truth can take you places you never even imagined.”
ROOTED IN FAMILY
Chelsea Bowers and Emily O’Neill, two native Montanans, are forging their own path. Growing up with strong entrepreneurial spirits, both had businesses rooted in hard work and long hours —Chelsea with a professional house-painting business and also assisting with hunting trips, and Emily with a catering and Dutch Oven camp cooking venture. When Chelsea married Emily’s brother Phillip in 2010, the two became not only sisters-in-law but also powerful business partners.
In 2017, Chelsea and her mother, Denise, decided to start a flower shop in Livingston, Montana. The venture soon blossomed into Rooted in Montana. Though Denise eventually left due to health issues, Chelsea and Emily took a leap of faith. They credit prayer, perseverance and adaptability for helping them transform Rooted in Montana into a thriving business.
Since its inception, Rooted in Montana has expanded to offer houseplants, event florals and custom wedding designs. The sisters-in-law, now seasoned entrepreneurs, have designed flowers for almost 300 weddings and overcome challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which required them to step up their leadership and advocate for themselves and their customers.
O’Neill remembers that time: “We were persistent when it came to the covid shutdowns in our little town. I actually called the governor’s office and said that I thought that our business was an ’essential’ business. This was after I got off the phone with a woman whose father passed away in Livingston, and they lived on the East Coast and weren’t able to fly.” O’Neill wanted to help the woman honor her father’s memory at a time when life was greatly disrupted.
Residents of the town of Livingston were adamant that businesses should be open while being respectful about safety concerns. Eventually, O’Neill heard back from the governor’s office that while they could not have customers in their shop, they could offer contactless delivery. “That was a really good day,” recalled O’Neill.
Chelsea Bowers and Emily O’Neill’s journey embodies the determination that defines so many women entrepreneurs. Their story is a powerful reminder on International Day of the Girl of how important it is to empower young girls to dream big, take risks and forge their own paths in business and beyond.
HITTING THE AIRWAYS
Julia Howe, the inspiring teen founder of the podcast Hitting The Wall, is a powerful example of how young women can make an impact in today’s world. While enrolled in WIT – Whatever It Takes, a mentorship and training program for teenage entrepreneurs, Howe created the podcast to shed light on issues that often go unnoticed—mental-health struggles, societal pressures and the importance of self-care, especially among young women.
Howe’s stories of being an endurance athlete fuel meaningful conversations and demonstrate the resilience and strength that align with the values celebrated on International Day of The Girl. Her mission resonates with young girls worldwide, encouraging them to embrace their vulnerabilities and turn them into strengths. Howe’s work was recently recognized as a “force for good” by Frigo Cheese Heads Build a Bright Future program.
Through Hitting The Wall, Howe provides a platform for voices that are often silenced. Not only does she share her own experiences on the podcast, but she also invites experts and advocates to provide listeners with practical advice and support, particularly connected to self-worth tied to body performance and appearance.
In sports, many girls push beyond their limits, with 8 in 10 showing signs of Relative Energy Deficiency, including disordered eating, menstrual issues, and risks to cardiovascular and bone health. This harmful cycle forces them to prioritize performance over well-being, leading to unhealthy training habits.
By equipping the Hitting The Wall audience—primarily young women—with the knowledge and tools to navigate these complexities, Howe is inspiring a global community of young women. Her work embodies the spirit of International Day of The Girl, which focuses on advocating for girls’ rights, challenging gender norms, and ensuring that young women everywhere are heard, valued and empowered to make a difference. Howe explained, “On the podcast, we talk about the things people often shy away from: disordered eating, burnout, body image. We show girls that they aren’t alone in these experiences but also give them strategies to navigate them. What we most want to show these girls is that strength doesn’t just come from winning races. True strength is knowing when to prioritize your health, your mind, and your well-being.”
In a world that still grapples with gender inequality and societal expectations, the achievements of these women serve as powerful reminders of the importance of empowering young girls. Their stories reflect not only personal triumphs but also a collective movement toward a future where women can lead in any industry they choose. As we honor the International Day of the Girl, let us take inspiration from these change makers and strive to create a supportive environment where every girl can dream big, embrace her unique journey and become a catalyst for change.