Golden State Valkyries

A year of growth, momentum and breakthroughs culminated at our first-ever Rakuten International Ascending Stars Summit, where the leaders of tomorrow had the opportunity to learn face to face from the trailblazing women making moves now. Here's to ambition, impact, and the next generation of game-changers.

We’re proud to spotlight September's Rakuten Ascending Stars, leaders shaping the future of their fields right here in the Bay: 🌟 Grace Porras – Emmy Award-winning producer and Co-Director of Make It Bay. Grace is driving efforts to revitalize the Bay Area as a hub for film and media, ensuring local talent and storytelling are celebrated and supported. 🌟 Laura Barton – Ticketing Sales Administrator at Bay FC. After three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Laura brought her skills and passion to the Bay Area, where she continues to merge purpose with career growth while uplifting others along the way. Through their work, Laura and Grace exemplify what it means to rise, lead, and create lasting impact in our communities. Congratulations on being named Ascending Stars!

We’re proud to celebrate our August & September Pacific Gas and Electric Company Power Forward honorees: ✨ Courtney Good ✨ Gene Nakamura ✨ Honey Mahogany ✨ Lamont Robinson Jr. ✨ Yolanda Jackson ✨ Quiana Canada ✨ Angela Davis ✨ Elizabeth Cushing ✨ Jennifer Lyle ✨ Helen Torres From championing youth and advancing equity, to breaking barriers in law, policy, sports, and community leadership, each honoree exemplifies what it means to power the Bay forward. Thank you all for being forces of positive change. Pacific Gas and Electric Company | Power Forward

In celebration of reaching the playoffs in our inaugural season, we are featuring an incredible lineup for the next Golden State Community Foundation auction, including floor seats for Game 2 of our first round series against the Minnesota Lynx on September 17 at SAP Center in San Jose. That VIP experience is featured below along with other highlights: The Ultimate Valkyries Playoff Game Experience: includes 2 Floor Tickets to Game 2 on September 17 - Valkyries vs. Lynx at SAP Center in San Jose Food and beverage included Note: This item will close on Tuesday, September 16th at 12pm PT. - A Veronica Burton Signed Jersey - A Veronica Burton Signed Basketball - A 2025 Team Signed Basketball - A Kaitlyn Chen Signed Jersey - A Tip Hayes Signed Jersey - A Kate Martin Signed Photo And so much more! Don’t miss your chance to secure these amazing items while making a meaningful impact. Start bidding now: https://lnkd.in/gg-cfuYk The auction will close on Friday, September 19 at 10pm PT.

Hey Valks Fam! The Golden State Community Foundation is proud to present our latest Valkyries auction! With the Valkyries making a playoff push in their inaugural season, now is a great time to support the Foundation and secure exclusive items. - The Ultimate Valkyries Game Day Experience package, which includes 2 Suite Tickets to the Valkyries vs. Lynx game, 2 Pregame Shoot around Passes, and 2 JP Morgan Club Passes. *Note: This item will close on Wednesday, September 3rd at 4pm PST. - Kaitlyn Chen Signed Jersey - Veronica Burton Signed Basketball - Tiffany Hayes Signed Jersey - Kaitlyn Chen Signed Basketball - Ceci Zandalasini Signed Jersey Don’t miss your chance to secure these amazing items while making a meaningful impact. Start bidding now: https://lnkd.in/gg-cfuYk The auction will close on Monday, September 8 at 10pm PT.

Introducing our Ascending Stars for the month of August presented by Rakuten! These leaders embody resilience, vision, and a commitment to uplifting others as they shape the future. Emily Escobar After facing two layoffs in one year, Emily turned rejection into redirection by launching Sunrise Social, a marketing agency dedicated to women-and POC-owned businesses. She’s using social media for social good, helping organizations grow while mentoring aspiring marketers along the way. Janelle Whittaker As founder of Dream Talk Management, Janelle creates experiences that foster connection and belonging. Supporting mission-driven brands through events, design, and storytelling, she champions her philosophy of “Unified Flourish,” envisioning a future where underrepresented businesses thrive together through collaboration. Congratulations to August’s Ascending Stars!

For the next generation. 💜 The Valkyries and ampm hosted 75 high school girls from BAWSI and members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula for a special day in Oakland. The girls were treated to a Golden State Sports Academy clinic, a panel featuring Kate Martin and Veronica Burton, and an epic day of basketball where the pros play.

From the court to the vineyard, we’re raising the bar. Ohemaa Nyanin and Jess Smith joined the incredible women of J Vineyards & Winery for a behind-the-scenes tour and a toast to women who change the game — wherever they play it.

We're excited to announce that Violet, the newest AND the cutest mascot in the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association), was born right here in Ballhalla! After a mysterious violet-colored egg appeared in Thrive City last week, the Valkyries decided to bring it inside Chase Center for safe keeping until it hatched. The morning of our August 11th game, we noticed that the egg was cracked open, and whatever was inside was missing. Sure enough, at halftime, Violet made her introduction to the world! Follow her on social at @valkyriesvi for more. Happy birthday, Violet! Instagram: https://lnkd.in/dWzTK68q X: https://x.com/valkyriesvi TikTok: https://lnkd.in/ddSYbkyf

Earlier this year, Chase and the Valkyries invited 14 Bay Area women-owned small businesses to pitch their business to a panel at the first-ever Violet Book of Business Pitch Day. Congratulations to the winner, Azucena Gutierrez of Susy's Custom Cakes and thank you to all of the brilliant entrepreneurs who joined us for this special event. We look forward to continuing our mission of empowering these inspiring business owners in 2026 and beyond. Chase | Violet Book of Business