Gael Sylvia believes every girl should be aware of her dreams - and be able to fulfill them.
Sylvia shared those beliefs with about 600 girls and women Saturday at Girls Fly!, which allowed girls to interact with female pilots, artists and philanthropists.
The daylong event was created to help girls discover their passions, pursue their dreams and connect with prominent women who could help them attain those goals.
"It's taking an entire day to pause and reflect on our dreams," said Sylvia, founder and CEO of Girls Fly! "Today's a day for that connection to be made."
Groups of girls attended morning sessions at various locations around Tucson, learning about everything from taking care of horses to staying fit. Some even flew in airplanes with female pilots.
Guest speakers included a powerful lineup of athletes, business leaders and history makers.
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Jessica Cox, a certified pilot who was born without arms, spoke to the girls during the afternoon session, held at the Pima Air & Space Museum.
Christine Grumm, president and CEO of the Women's Funding Network, also addressed the group.
Other notable attendees included former Olympic hurdler LaTanya Sheffield and La'Shanda Holmes, the first black female helicopter pilot in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Cox reminded the group that no dreams are unattainable.
"There aren't many things we can't do," said Cox, a motivational speaker who has appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." "The instant we say 'We can't' is the instant we set ourselves up for failure."
The event provided an opportunity for women who have the same interests but are from different generations to interact, said Darijn "Dari" Zwart, 18.
Zwart flew in an airplane with one of the female pilots who attended, she said.
"It's really powerful for the community. You see other people interested in changing things," said Zwart, a senior at University High School. "If you want to do it, you can do it. It's believing in the power of yourself."
Taking on El Tour
The Girls Fly! organization will host a team in November's El Tour de Tucson.
The organization announced Saturday during its event that will dedicate the ride to U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was critically wounded during the Jan. 8 shootings that killed six people and injured 13.
Giffords staff member Ron Barber, who also was shot, was at the event as the organization made a special presentation during the announcement.
El Tour de Tucson will take place Nov. 19.
Contact reporter Jamar Younger at jyounger@azstarnet.com or 573-4115.
