Latest news with #EmpowermentDay
Wales Online
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The full line-up of Miss Wales 2025 contestants and the woman who topped them all
A Royal Air Force cadet and student nurse has been crowned this year's Miss Wales. Helena Hawk, 20, fought off competition from 28 other women from across Wales to take the crown and the chance to represent Wales on the Miss World stage. Catching up with WalesOnline Helena, a nursing student in Cardiff, said it was the 'cherry on top to win' after the positive experiences that came alongside being a part of the competition and meeting other young women from all around Wales. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here 'It's one of the most empowering spaces I've been in and especially when you start the three day final in what's called the Empowerment Day… I think everyone has their own story and it's just brilliant to celebrate with each other.' Just over a week ago 29 young women from across Wales spent three days competing for the title and the chance to represent Wales in Miss World. The final took place in Cardiff and Newport from May 1 to May 3, where the contestants did everything from walking barefoot over broken glass before donning their stilettos for the catwalk. Discussing how she ended up on her path, Helena said: ' I was a member of the Royal Air Force air cadets and I was 14 and often at times I was the only young girl on the squadron. 'And so through Miss Wales I decided to host open evenings, annual open evenings to encourage more women and young girls to get involved in specifically the RAF Air Cadets but also to think about a future in a military career. 'There are just so many life skills, you know, that I've learned through the cadets. They're just things that you wouldn't even think of, you know, I'd had the opportunity to fly a plane before I could even go behind the wheel of a car.' A 20-year-old nursing student at a leading Welsh university, Helena is not only passionate about helping others through healthcare, but also through service and community action. With her new title, Helena now plans to expand her initiative, Hawk's Horizons. The project aims to inspire more young women to consider future careers in the military by sharing practical advice, lived experience, and real pathways into the forces. The open evenings she has hosted, which also raise awareness for Beauty With A Purpose, have grown over the past two years and now see more female cadets enrolled than male. Helena thrives when she is busy so balancing all of her commitments alongside being a student nurse has come naturally to her. She said: 'I was always that kid at school that did every sport imaginable, every club there was, I was a part of it. 'I've always been a busy bee, so this is not unnatural for me, I would say. I thrive best when I'm occupied and I've always got something on the go.' Her ongoing commitment to empowering young people is also reflected in her long-standing support for Beauty With A Purpose, the Miss Wales charity. Alongside her duties as a student nurse, Helena volunteers at a local sports club where she coaches young children in cricket. She also plays cricket and hockey herself, using sport as a way to relax and recharge. The winner of Miss Wales is automatically guaranteed a place at Miss World, where they will compete with other young women from over 100 countries, which Helena also shared her excitement for. She said: 'That has been a massive goal of mine and I look forward to going there in 2026.' So who were the other finalists for this year? We've made a list of all the amazing women in Wales who made it through to the final rounds. These are their stories. Wales Online Social Media Poll
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Phoenix Mercury and Mountain America Credit Union Announce Historic Partnership, Unveil Mountain America Performance Center
Partnership includes significant investment in Jr. Mercury Legacy League PHOENIX, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Phoenix Mercury and Mountain America Credit Union today announced a multiyear naming rights partnership for the team's state-of-the-art practice facility, which will now be called the Mountain America Performance Center. As the official credit union of the Phoenix Mercury since 2023, this historic investment furthers Mountain America's support of women's sports. Mountain America is also investing in the next generation of female athletes by becoming the presenting partner of the Jr. Mercury Legacy League, the first-of-its-kind all-girls youth basketball league in Arizona. 'Expanding the Mercury's partnership with Mountain America through this historic investment demonstrates our shared commitment to elevate women's sports,' said Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns Chief Executive Officer Josh Bartelstein. 'From adding Mountain America's name to the Mercury's world-class facility to their support of the Jr. Mercury Legacy League, this partnership focuses on empowering female athletes and growing women's basketball at all levels.' Mountain America will partner with the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation to support the Jr. Mercury Legacy League. Mountain America will have its logo on Legacy League uniforms and will fund a scholarship program to create opportunities for more girls to participate in the league. Every Legacy League season includes a Jr. Mercury Empowerment Day hosted at the Mountain America Performance Center, featuring a basketball clinic and programming that helps young girls be successful on and off the court. Founded in partnership with Valley of the Sun YMCA, the Jr. Mercury Legacy League has grown from 80 participants in its inaugural season during 2024 to more than 500 participants in its fifth season. 'We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the Phoenix Mercury in a shared commitment to strengthening our community,' said Sterling Nielsen, president and chief executive officer at Mountain America Credit Union. 'This is an opportunity to continue making tangible investments in future generations in the areas we serve. We look forward to supporting the growth and development of women's athletics through the life-changing opportunities offered to girls in Arizona through the Jr. Mercury Legacy League.' The newly named Mountain America Performance Center set the standard for women's professional sports when it opened in July 2024. The 58,000-square-foot facility features world-class, player-first amenities including two full-sized basketball courts named after Mercury legend Diana Taurasi, premier strength and cardio areas, a film room with theatre-style seating and a player lounge with a dedicated chef. As part of the naming rights agreement, Mountain America will be the presenting partner of Phoenix Mercury training camp and of a weekly digital content series that will offer fans a behind-the-scenes look at team training sessions. Photos and video can be downloaded here. Credit Phoenix Mercury. For more information about the Phoenix Mercury and their upcoming season visit For more information about Mountain America visit About Mountain America Credit Union With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multi-state region; and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at CONTACT: Contact: publicrelations@
