This post was created in partnership with Citi®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In Ayva’s 4 short years in life, she’s already been fortunate enough to give dance and gymnastics a try. She’s recently inquired about doing gymnastics in a more formal setting than just the “baby” program that she has participated in, which means I’ve started to look at our budget to figure out a way to afford it. We will afford it, because we want to encourage Ayva’s interest, and it’s a priority for us. Both Terrence and I know how athletics build positive self-esteem in girls, and we want that for our daughter. U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Evan Lysacek understands that, too. He’s working with the Citi® Every Step of the Way®  program to support Figure Skating in Harlem.

Figure Skating in Harlem is a program that  uses academics and figure skating to empower girls in some of New York City’s most underserved areas. The program teaches 21st century skills like determination and perseverance, and helps girls to see that hard work does pay off. Evan Lysacek connected with the mission of Figure Skating in Harlem, as those skills are what helped him to earn the gold medal in figure skating. All children need to be able to have activities that challenge and push them to reach their fullest potential, and Figure Skating in Harlem and Evan Lysacek are working together to make sure that happens.

Evan’s not the only Olympic champion that is supporting potential. Nine athletes have paired with the Citi® Every Step of the Way® to help determine which U.S. Olympic, Paralympic,or community programs will receive a $500,000 donation to support programs. You can help award the donation by visiting the Citi® Every Step of the Way® website and learning about the various programs and help turn a world of potential into a reality.