Dallas, Texas

What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn but never felt like you could? Was it because you felt you didn’t have permission to learn or you weren’t in the right crowd? Lauren Hamlin and Kijana Thomas of 4DWN Babes are changing that for girls and LGBTQ+ people who want to learn to skate.

4DWN, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has a reputation in Dallas for cultivating a safe, joy-filled space for people of all ages to skate and feel seen. Their facility is an oasis in a recreational and food desert, offering a beautiful skatepark and free after-school programming for kids in need. Their work is backed by companies as big as REI, which just committed $10,000 in grant funds over the next two years to support their initiatives.

4DWN Babes, a project of 4DWN, nourishes the souls of women across Dallas by cultivating a judgment-free environment for women and LGBTQ+ folks to skate and make friends. Lauren Hamlin and Kijana Thomas, 4DWN Babes’ organizers, saw the need to make space for girls in this male-dominated sport and jumped in with open arms to create a loving environment for them to come as they are. Skateparks often feel exclusive—reserved for those deemed worthy of belonging. “When I first purchased a skateboard at the ripe age of 18, it was rare to see any women skating. Skateparks were always dominated by men. Any time I went to one I was the only girl at the park 97% of the time. It was intimidating to be the only girl at the park and it was hard to feel like I was meant to be there. 4DWN Babes addresses all those issues I had when I first picked up my wheels. It creates a space where women, non-binary folks, LGBTQ+ people, and others can meet people with similar life experiences who are interested in the hobby. It's friendly to all skill levels and even provides lessons to beginners. It's a warm, inviting environment where lots of friendships have bloomed. It creates a sense of community and connects women across the DFW metro. I've seen 4DWN Babes have such a big impact on others' lives and well-being, including my own, and I want to continue seeing it make more impact,” said Kijana Thomas.

4DWN Babes meet-ups look a lot like hanging out with your best friends on wheels. There’s time to meet new people at the beginning and skate lesson offerings for newbies. One skater, Jamie Rasmus, said, “Lauren is a teacher by trade and has natural leadership skills to back it up. Skating can be an intimidating sport to even know where to begin, but Lauren makes everyone feel comfortable. I’ve seen her spend the majority of her time at a community session helping newbies like me learn to pump or carve. She makes people feel comfortable and capable in the deep discomfort of the learning curve at a skate park.” With KPop Demon Hunters’ “How It’s Done” playing while skaters of all levels glide under twinkling Italian string lights and shirts proclaiming “Drink Water, Fight Racism, Empower Women,” what’s not to love about this girl-power community?

4DWN’s mission is to create a sober, supportive environment where people can show up as they are and feel safe doing so. More than a skate program, it is a community hub rooted in dignity, access, and joy. Women face many barriers when it comes to skating: age, intimidation, lack of time, feeling too old for a perceived “young” activity, not knowing where to start, not having friends to begin with, and adult responsibilities, Kijana Thomas said. If you’re looking for a safe space to skate, whether on derby skates or a skateboard, follow 4DWN Babes on Instagram (@4dwnbabes). Meet-ups happen twice a month at the 4DWN facility (2633 Ferris St., Dallas, TX 75226), with additional events posted for other skateparks around the DFW area. Let’s support initiatives like 4DWN Babes in Dallas where women can flourish and grow.