The Cowgirl Up Charitable Fund (Cowgirl Up) is proud to announce its official launch, marking a bold new chapter in championing the advancement of young girls and women in the arts. A media event was held today at La Nube, where Cowgirl Up founder and director Gina Roe-Davis introduced the fund, and shared the stage with event partners and philanthropic champions from the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, Nusenda Credit Union (Nusenda) and La Nube. Cowgirl Up is dedicated to creating real opportunities, offering vital resources, and inspiring the next generation of female artists to chase their dreams without limits.

Born from the passion and purpose of the all-female leadership team at El Paso-based Rave Marketing & Events (Rave), Cowgirl Up was created to spark change, to uplift and empower women and girls with dreams of building a future in the arts. For over 20 years, Rave has brought unforgettable experiences to life in the entertainment world. In 2025, they channeled that same creative spirit into founding Cowgirl Up as the official charitable fund of the Way Out West Fest, a country music festival produced by Rave.

“Our mission is to break barriers and open doors for the next generation of female creatives,” said Gina Roe-Davis, Director of the Cowgirl Up Charitable Fund. “Cowgirl Up is more than a fund—it is a movement, rooted in the fearless, trailblazing spirit of the cowgirl. It exists to break down barriers and open doors for women and girls in creative fields where their voices are still too often unheard. With the support of our community and partners at Way Out West Fest and Nusenda, we are setting the stage for real, lasting change.”

“We are honored to partner with Gina Roe-Davis, Rave and the leadership of the new Cowgirl Up Charitable Fund to support the advancement of young women and girls in the arts. As a fund of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, Cowgirl Up will empower the next generation of young creatives by providing scholarship, mentorship and funding for programs that cultivate artistic talent and inspire careers in the arts,” said Tracy Yellen, CEO of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation.

In its first major initiative, the fund has partnered with Way Out West Fest and Nusenda, combining music, community, and philanthropy to support aspiring creatives. As part of this partnership, 100% of the registration fees for the 2025 Nusenda Cornhole Tournament, held during Way Out West Fest, will be donated directly to Cowgirl Up. Registration is now open at https://epwayoutwest.com/corn-hole-registration/.

“Way Out West Fest is an exciting celebration of music, community, and culture that we’re proud to be part of,” said Michelle Dearholt, Nusenda Credit Union President and CEO. “As we deepen our roots here in El Paso, we’re equally proud to support Cowgirl Up and its bold mission to uplift young girls and women in the arts. This partnership reflects our long-standing commitment to education and community impact, and we’re honored to be part of their important first chapter.”

Also at today’s event, the first donation from Cowgirl Up was presented to La Nube in support of the Making Waves workshop titled “The Sound of Possibility” which is a dynamic, arts-focused educational experience for middle school and high school girls, encouraging creativity and innovation through hands-on exploration. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2025. Registration details will be shared later this summer.

“At La Nube, we believe that curiosity creates change. When girls explore the science of sound, they’re stepping into their power as future producers, engineers, and creators. We want them to know they belong in every sound booth, stage, and studio—because the future of music needs their voices,” said La Nube CEO Gina Martinez.

“Every ticket purchased, every festival activation, every donation fuels this mission. Together, we can lift voices, light paths, and leave a legacy of empowerment for women of all ages,” added Roe-Davis.

For more information on the Cowgirl Up Charitable Fund or to get involved, please visit www.cowgirlupfund.org

About Cowgirl Up Charitable Fund

Cowgirl Up is a cause-related charitable fund dedicated to supporting young girls and women seeking advancement in the arts—whether in performing or visual arts, music, entertainment, film, or production industries. Rooted in the fearless, trailblazing spirit of the cowgirl, this fund empowers the next generation of creatives by providing scholarships, mentorship, and funding for programs that cultivate artistic talent and career opportunities.