The Girl Up 2030 Talent Showcase brought together students for a night centered on performance, community, and fundraising for a cause that directly impacts women, both locally and beyond. The goal of the event was to raise support for providing free menstrual products to women in need in the community, addressing issues related to accessibility and the “pink tax.”
The event ultimately was a huge success. The night highlighted not only student performers, but also the shared effort behind putting on a large-scale fundraiser for an important cause. As one of the organizers reflected, “The experience was stressful at first, but it was all worth it in the end,” emphasizing how rewarding it was to see students and audience members come together in support of the mission.
The showcase featured a wide range of musical performances spanning different styles, instruments, and group sizes. The night opened up with “Carino” by the Marias, followed by a series of solo and group performances such as “Nothing’s Wrong,” an original by Ash Archibald, and “Vienna” by Billy Joel, performed by Karly Wen, Christine Mungiole, Kassy Wen, Asher Kerrigan, and Gavriel Hofkin. Other highlights included “Stick Season” by Noah Khan, “Someone Like You” by Adele, and “Meet the Plastics” from Mean Girls, which brought multiple performers on stage.
One of the most memorable performances of the night was “Ooo Baby Baby” by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, performed by Valentina Munoz, Karly Wen, Izabella Philip, Asher Kerrigan, and Gavriel Hofkin. The performance stood out for its cohesive group sound, and it went on to be the most favored performance of the night, winning a gift basket.
Throughout the evening, the program shifted between solo performers, full band arrangements, and collaborative group numbers, creating a flow that kept the audience engaged. Beyond the performances, the showcase stood out for its impact. Audience support and student participation helped the event be a strong fundraiser built around awareness, advocacy, and community support.
As a first-year showcase, the event set a strong foundation for future Girl Up events. It highlighted what a student organization can achieve when creativity and purpose come together, and left a clear expectation that the event will continue to grow over the years.
