This policy brief examines the "invisible bias" against women in business — subtle, systemic advantages that favor men — and proposes early sports participation as a solution. Despite progress on gender equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership and face a persistent pay gap, largely because girls lack early access to experiences that build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. Research shows 94% of women in C-suite positions played sports, highlighting athletics as a proven pathway to professional success. While Title IX established legal equality in school sports, access gaps remain — especially in under-resourced communities. The brief proposes the California Equal Youth Athletics Access Act (EYAAA), which would require federally funded public schools to allocate at least 50% of athletic resources to girls' programs and mandate equal team offerings at the middle and high school level. Investing in girls' sports is framed as a nonpartisan, cost-neutral strategy for building a more equitable workforce.

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July 8, 2026