ZGiRLS’ Jilyne Jarvis Named to Puget Sound Business Journal’s “40 Under 40”
BELLEVUE, Wash., FEBRUARY 15, 2024 — ZGiRLS Co-Founder & Executive Director Jilyne Jarvis was named to Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ)’s 2024 “40 Under 40” list today, an accolade awarded to individuals who have significantly impacted their regional businesses, communities, and industries before reaching the age of 40.
Under Jilyne’s leadership, ZGiRLS has transitioned from a pilot project in 2014 to a nationally-recognized foundation today, raising over $2.5 million in support and delivering more than 57,000 mentorship hours to more than 4,500 middle school girls. Seattle sports stars including Sue Bird, Val Whiting, and Lauren Barnes, have volunteered as mentors over the years.
In 2023, more than 72% of participants accessed ZGiRLS programs for free, reflecting the organization's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. ZGiRLS also celebrated the milestone of serving over 1,300 girls ages 11-14 in a single year, signaling a successful pivot from in-person events to fully online programs in 2020.
Jilyne’s “40 Under 40” recognition underscores her pivotal role in shaping a supportive environment for ZGiRLS stakeholders—staff, volunteers, donors, Board of Directors, parents, and most importantly, ZGiRLS Confidence Program participants—to thrive.
Beyond her contributions to ZGiRLS, Jarvis champions the advancement of women in entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. She serves as a coach at the University of Washington Foster Business School & Start-Up Accelerator Program, and also as an advisory board member for the Buerk Center’s Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program (WE Lead).
The full list of PSBJ’s "40 Under 40" honorees is available here.
For more information about ZGiRLS and its programs, please visit www.zgirls.org/programs.
About ZGiRLS
ZGiRLS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization on a mission to equip middle school girls with the tools and perspectives they need to be confident, centered, and courageous. Founded in 2014 by a retired U.S. Ski Team member and coach, ZGiRLS works with pro and Olympic female athletes to inspire and empower girls through online confidence-building programs.
The data-backed ZGiRLS Curriculum™ was developed by psychologists and mental health specialists to address the unique challenges that face girls ages 11-14 in the U.S. today. Visit www.zgirls.org for more information.