Finding Strength, Connection, and Confidence: Braleigh’s Story
At Boss Babe Academy, we believe in creating a space where young women can grow, connect, and feel empowered to step into their future with confidence. For Braleigh, returning to the academy for a second year was about finding a community that understands her, supports her, and helps her become the leader she’s meant to be.
This is her story.
Why She Came Back to Boss Babe Academy
“I really liked it last year,” she said simply when asked what inspired her to return.
For many girls, the Academy is more than just a leadership program—it’s a place to meet new people, hear from women entrepreneurs, and have real, meaningful conversations.
“I liked that we got to meet new people, and we also got to hear from people that own companies.”
The exposure to strong, successful women gave her a glimpse into what’s possible, reinforcing that she, too, can dream big.
A Moment That Changed Everything
When asked about the one moment that stood out the most from Boss Babe Academy, her answer was powerful:
“It was when we sat on the ground and wrote on our cards. We wrote the mean things people had said to us and then the nice things people said. It helped a lot—it helped me cope with it.”
This exercise led by therapist Donna Santistevan Kovac was unexpected, yet it became one of the most transformative moments of the Academy. It gave the girls a chance to be vulnerable, to release the pain of past words, and to replace self-doubt with self-love.
“It made everyone so much closer because we could be ourselves and be open with each other—without being afraid of what others thought.”
In that moment, they weren’t alone in their struggles. They saw that others had felt the same pain, and together, they lifted each other up.
Big Dreams, Bigger Growth
One of the most exciting parts of Boss Babe Academy is watching girls find their voice and build confidence—skills that will serve them no matter where life takes them.
For Braleigh, the Academy is helping her work toward an incredible dream—to become an astronaut.
“I think it will help me because I’ll probably have to speak in front of a lot of people, and that’s really hard.”
Public speaking is a skill that takes practice, and she recognizes that leadership development is key to reaching her goals.
“I want to be able to lead when I become an astronaut. I need to lead my team to victory in space so we don’t crash.”
With each workshop, each connection, and each lesson learned, she’s one step closer to becoming the leader she aspires to be.
The Power of a Safe Community
One of the biggest differences between Boss Babe Academy and school? Judgment-free connection.
“At school, kids don’t know what I’ve been through. But here, there are girls who have been through the same things as me. Even the adults have been through the same things, so it makes it easier.”
Growing up in Texas, she faced difficult circumstances—leaving an abusive home situation and starting over. That kind of trauma is hard to share, especially with peers who haven’t experienced it.
“At school, kids are like, ‘Oh, you went through that? I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t want to be your friend because you have flaws.’ But at Boss Babe Academy, people come here for a reason. They need to work on something, and they want to talk about it in a safe space.”
That safe space is what makes Boss Babe Academy different. Here, girls don’t just hear each other’s stories—they embrace them, without judgment.
Why Every Girl Should Join Boss Babe Academy
When asked what she would say to a girl considering Boss Babe Academy, her message was clear:
“You should definitely come. If you have something going on, you don’t have to keep it in. You can talk to people about it. You can talk to kids your age who understand what you’re going through, and you don’t have to feel alone.”
For some, making new friends is hard. Opening up about personal struggles is even harder. But Boss Babe Academy creates a space where girls can grow, heal, and build unbreakable friendships.
“It helped me make more friends, and it also helped me speak to people more. Making friends at school was hard for me at first, but now it’s easier. A lot of kids know me better because I talk to them more.”
This Year: Bigger Impact, Bigger Dreams
This year, Boss Babe Academy is expanding—splitting into two groups to better serve both middle school girls and high school students. Even more exciting? It’s happening at the Olympic & Paralymic Training Center.
For Braleigh, that means even more connections, more empowerment, and more growth. She’s even thinking of inviting a friend—someone who struggles with making connections but could benefit from the same life-changing experience.
“She likes to be alone most of the time, but I think it would make an impact on her.”
Because that’s what Boss Babe Academy is all about—bringing girls together, building confidence, and creating a future where every young woman feels empowered to chase her dreams.
