<h3>About María and Girls Skate Aachen&nbsp;</h3>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>When we spoke to María Voth Velasco we quickly realized that she is highly passionate when it comes to share skateboarding. During ROLL Models 2020 leadership program María carried out “Girlsskate Aachen alongside her own clothing brand&nbsp; “Turtlehorn” which was directed for all girls and women in Aachen, Germany and surrounding who were interested in Skateboarding,&nbsp; meeting more girls and&nbsp; connecting between each other.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

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<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>To get a quick view of her clothing brand&nbsp; Turtlehorn: is a sustainable streetwear fashion brand and where María designs and creates new ideas and projects. Turtlehorn is versatile and not only deals with fashion, but also ensures that, ideally, collaborations arise that include social projects in order to create something good with fashion.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

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<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Pursuing the main objective of creating union and building up a girls-skate community in Aachen, she made inclusive emphasis on the integration of every girl / womxn making her sessions accessible and welcoming for any skate levels.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

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<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>During the skate lessons /program the objectives were to work on developing tolerance, acceptance and grow. She was focused on applying skateboarding as a tool for personal growth&nbsp; and passing over mental boundaries - mentally, personally and sportively-&nbsp; overcoming personal barriers and obstacles in carrying out activities. Through her program, María wanted the girls to strengthen their self-confidence; meeting and skating in public spaces around them and encouraging the attitude of going out with the board. She motivated the participants to be brave, have fun and reach the goals they set for between them.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

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<p><span><span><span><span><em><span>“For me it was great. I reached out to a lot of participants which I did not expect and they were really into it. At first most of them did not know how to skateboard but then the progress came and I was really proud of it. Hearing them say “yes I can do it!” was really pleasant and joyful. They continued practicing during this time and they are friends now.”</span></em></span></span></span></span></p>
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