Words and pics by Reanna Norman-Irei.
On November 26th, 2023, I had the great honor of attending Davison Fortunato’s second annual Girls Skate Jam in Suzano, Saõ Paulo (Brasil).
Featuring street and park competition, a grand monetary prize, and “Smart Talks” with influential women in skateboarding, Girls Skate Jam provides a safe environment for women to compete, promoting a higher quality of women’s
skateboarding.
Though Fortunato handles most of the back-end of securing the venue, a new
remodeled skatepark for the city of Suzano, and getting sponsors, including the Secretary of Sports in Suzano and Monster Energy, the Skate Jam is fully employed by women-identified. 
SMART TALKS featured, respectively, production coordinator of STU Déa Mendes, professional skater Beatrice Domond, was mediated by the visual artist behind Suzano Skatepark Juliana Sayuri and translated by a member of Cem Percento Skate magazine.
DJs, photographers, judges, MCs, and spokespeople. “Girls Skate Jam is more than an event. It’s a milestone for women’s skateboarding,” says Fortunato. “We add value to the community, propagating respect in a positive way through competition, lectures, and social responsibility.”
In addition to myself, pro skater Beatrice Domond and Karlie Thornton of Froskate were invited from abroad to spectate the event. Brazil-based women-led skate collectives present included Brits, Divas Skateras, 2 das Minas, and Minasktcrew. We were received warmly and left with new connections and friendships.
Attendees left excited to do more for the future of women and girls’ skateboarding in Brasil and abroad.
Agatha Alencar, Bs Noseslide!
Two of Brazil’s rising stars in street skating, Atali Mendes and Giovanna Dias, friends on and off the board.
Beatrice Domond, another crowd favorite, posing with fans before her run.
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