<h2>About María Voth Velasco and Girlsskate Aachen&nbsp;</h2>

<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 sharing skateboarding. During the ROLL Models 2020 leadership program, María carried out “Girlsskate Aachen” which was designed for all girls and women in Aachen, Germany, who were interested in skateboarding,&nbsp; meeting more girls and connecting with each other.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Pursuing the main objective of creating union and building up a girls' skate community in Aachen, she emphasized inclusion and the integration of every girl / womxn – making sure her sessions were accessible and welcoming for any skate level. During the skate lessons she worked on developing tolerance, acceptance and growth. She was focused on applying skateboarding as a tool for pushing boundaries – mentally, personally and physically.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Through her program, María wanted the girls to strengthen their self-confidence through meeting and skating in public spaces, while encouraging an attitude of being comfortable going out with their board wherever. She motivated the participants to be brave, have fun and reach the goals they set 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 and I did not expect it but 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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