Chicago Bears Unveil 2025 “Celebrating Women and Girls in Sports Day” to Empower, Inspire, and Honor Female Athletes Across Illinois

he Chicago Bears are once again making history—this time off the field.

On Tuesday morning, the franchise officially unveiled its plans for the 2025 edition of “Celebrating Women and Girls in Sports Day,” a team-led initiative aimed at honoring female athletes, amplifying the role of women in sports, and creating opportunities for young girls throughout Illinois and the broader Midwest.

Now in its third year, the event continues to expand, and the 2025 edition promises to be the most ambitious and impactful yet.

A Celebration of Strength, Passion, and Progress

The event, set to take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Halas Hall and Soldier Field, is part of a broader effort by the Bears to promote gender equity in sports and create long-term pathways for young girls to explore athletic careers—whether as players, coaches, executives, broadcasters, or medical professionals.

“This is more than just a day—it’s a movement,” said Bears President Kevin Warren, who has made community engagement a central pillar of the organization’s mission. “We want to show every girl that she has a place in the world of sports, whether on the field or behind the scenes.”

A Day Packed with Inspiration and Impact

The 2025 event will feature a packed schedule including:

• Youth Clinics led by female coaches and athletes from across the NFL, WNBA, NCAA, and Olympic circles.

• Panel Discussions on breaking barriers, leadership, mental health, and the future of women in sports.

• Career Workshops offering girls ages 12–18 access to networking, resume-building, and insights from top women in athletic administration, sports science, broadcasting, and more.

• Guest Speakers such as former Bears scout Chandelle Jones, Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and ESPN’s Malika Andrews.

• Recognition Ceremony honoring female high school and collegiate athletes making a difference in their communities.

• Scholarship Announcements including the expansion of the Bears’ Women in Sports Scholarship Fund to include 10 recipients in 2025, up from 5 in 2024.

“Representation matters,” said Chandelle Jones, who became the first Black female scout in Bears history in 2022. “When girls see someone who looks like them in these roles, it unlocks the idea that they can do it too.”

NFL Support and League-Wide Momentum

The Chicago Bears’ initiative also aligns with the NFL’s growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

The league recently expanded its Women’s Careers in Football Forum, encouraging clubs to foster female representation in coaching, scouting, and front office roles. The Bears are considered a league leader in this space, having employed women across multiple departments, including strength & conditioning, analytics, legal, and communications.

“We’re proud of the work being done in Chicago,” said NFL EVP of Football Operations Troy Vincent. “What the Bears are doing sets a blueprint for how teams can uplift women and girls at every level of the game.”

A Focus on Youth

One of the most meaningful elements of the day will be the Youth Sports Experience, where girls from Chicago Public Schools and surrounding suburbs will participate in drills and team-building exercises alongside female athletes and NFL personnel. The Bears will partner with organizations such as Girls in the Game, She Plays We Win, and Play Like a Girl to ensure broad access and support.

Each participant will receive a commemorative jersey, lunch, and tickets to an upcoming Bears game.

“This is the kind of memory that sticks with a young person forever,” said Kara Lawson, Duke Women’s Basketball Head Coach and a guest panelist for the event. “It’s not just fun—it’s foundational.”

Former and Current Bears Players Show Support

Several current and former Chicago Bears players are also expected to attend and participate in the 2025 event. Quarterback Caleb Williams, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and former All-Pro Charles Tillman are among those publicly supporting the initiative.

“I grew up with sisters who were just as competitive and capable as I was,” Williams said. “So to now be part of a franchise that invests in their future? That’s powerful.”

Bears Women’s Leadership Council Expands

Coinciding with the event, the Bears announced the expansion of their Women’s Leadership Council, which now includes representatives from local universities, youth organizations, the business community, and former female athletes. The council will serve as a think tank and advisory board to help the Bears further shape gender-inclusive policies and community programs.

Among the newest members is Anucha Browne, a former Northwestern basketball star and former NCAA VP for Women’s Basketball Championships.

“To see a storied NFL franchise do more than talk—to see them take action—is something that should be celebrated,” Browne said. “The Bears are changing the game.”

Fan Participation and Game Day Recognition

As part of the celebration, the Bears will designate one 2025 regular-season home game as Women and Girls in Sports Appreciation Day, where honorees will be recognized at halftime and Bears merchandise will feature limited-edition pink-and-navy gear designed by local female artists.

The team also plans to spotlight female season ticket holders, gameday staff, and local student-athletes throughout the game’s broadcast and in-stadium experience.

Bridging the Gender Gap in Sports

While the Bears’ initiative is a powerful gesture, its impact lies in the measurable outcomes it continues to produce.

In 2024 alone, the franchise:

• Hired two women for full-time football operations roles.

• Awarded $50,000 in scholarships to girls pursuing sports-related degrees.

• Hosted more than 1,200 girls through school programs and clinics.

• Partnered with local colleges to create internship opportunities for women in sports administration.

“This isn’t about checking a box,” said Bears Senior Director of Community Engagement Jasmine Baker. “This is about creating a future where women and girls have equal access and opportunity—every step of the way.”

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 “Celebrating Women and Girls in Sports Day” approaches, the Chicago Bears are proving that football is more than just what happens on the field. It’s also a vehicle for visibility, equity, and empowerment.

And for thousands of girls across Illinois, March 1 will be more than just a Saturday—it will be a day where dreams feel a little closer, voices a little louder, and futures a little brighter.

“When the Bears stand behind you,” said high school soccer player Jasmine Moreno, a 2024 honoree, “you feel like you can do anything.”

How to Attend or Get Involved

Registration for clinics, panels, and workshops will open in January 2025 on the Bears’ official website. Attendance is free, but space is limited, especially for youth participants.

Local organizations and schools interested in partnering can reach out through the team’s community engagement portal. Volunteers, sponsors, and mentors are also encouraged to apply.