GRL Pep Talks: Real Conversations for Real Growth
Your go-to space for leadership, confidence, identity, team culture, and the everyday challenges young women and student-athletes navigate.
Not sure where to start? Here's how it works.
GRL Pep Talks are honest, research-backed pieces written by Dr. Lauren Young — educator, athletic leader, and founder of The GRL Initiative. Each one is designed to meet you where you are, whether that's figuring out who you are, leading under pressure, parenting a kid who's hard to figure out, or just trying to stop shrinking in rooms that weren't built for you.
Inside each Pep Talk you'll find personal essays, journal prompts and worksheets, deep dives into equity and belonging, and quizzes to help you reflect on who you're becoming.
Find your entry point: Browse the four collections below and pick the one that matches your season. Or scroll the full feed and let a title stop you — they're written to be honest about what's inside. Once you're in a post, click any category tag to find more pieces on that topic.
Choose Your Pep Talk Collection:
Find the words you need for the season you’re in.
Identity & Belonging
For the moments you’re figuring out who you are, where you fit, and how to grow into yourself — without shrinking to belong.
Mental Health & Burnout
For when life feels heavy, loud, overwhelming, or exhausting — and you need permission to be human, not perfect.
Girls in Sports & Equity
For athletes, advocates, and leaders working to build better systems, stronger pathways, and real access for girls.
Motherhood & Real-Life Leadership
For the women leading teams, families, careers, and chaos — learning that leadership is lived, not just performed.
The Best Period Products for Comfort & Convenience
Periods Are Normal—Let’s Talk About It!
Welcome to our Menstrual Health & Self-Care hub! Here, we break the stigma around periods and share the latest period products, self-care tips, and holistic remedies to make that time of the month easier. Whether you're looking for the best period essentials, ways to ease cramps, or how to talk about periods confidently, we’ve got you covered. Because let’s be real—periods are normal, and it’s time we treat them that way.
✨ Explore Topics Like:
✔ Best new period products (menstrual cups, period underwear, & more!)
✔ Natural remedies for cramps, bloating, & fatigue
✔ How to talk about periods without the awkwardness
✔ Essential self-care tips for your cycle
Let’s break the stigma and support each other through every phase of our cycle!