Making waves with our first female sports ambassador

San Diego Wave Fútbol Club star defender Naomi Girma has been announced as Kaiser Permanente's first female sports ambassador. The announcement was made on International Women's Day, March 8, and comes as a result of Kaiser Permanente's partnership with the Wave FC and a shared commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity, community, and progress in building a better path forward for women to succeed.

Kaiser Permanente has served as the Wave FC’s official health partner and team physicians since becoming a founding partner of the popular club in 2022. With Girma as ambassador, the partnership’s positive impact in Southern California has a new and highly admired face.

In just her first season with Wave FC, Girma was named the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League Rookie and Defender of the Year. The U.S. Women’s National Team also selected Girma as a defender for the 2023 SheBelieves Cup.

"I am humbled and grateful to serve as the partnership’s first female ambassador. Mental health is near and dear to my heart, and this opportunity will allow my voice to reach a greater audience, specifically the women and youth of San Diego," said Girma. "Let’s work together to break down the barriers surrounding female health and wellness to help build a more supportive and inclusive community."

In addition, Kaiser Permanente launched the first Wave of Wellness Fit Clinic on March 12. As part of the partnership, youth-focused community organizations receive help to promote mental, social, and physical well-being among young people, including access to local Kaiser Permanente medical experts and wellness resources.

Kaiser Permanente's partnership with the Wave FC supports our commitment to making a positive impact in Southern California, with a refined focus on mental wellness, health equity, women's health, total health programming for local youth, and nutrition and access to healthy foods.   

“This partnership is a continuation of our commitment to empowering diverse individuals everywhere, and we are thrilled to share valuable resources that can help drive the next generation of youth toward success,” said Julie Miller-Phipps, regional president of Kaiser Permanente Southern California and Hawaii Health Plan and Hospitals.