How a backstage meeting sparked a movement for fitness and empowerment.

Before PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT was born, TV producer Aeshia DeVore Branch was already mentoring young women through her platform, Teen Diaries. Its in-person experiences, known as “Project Butterfly,” focused on empowering female students through community and self-expression. But everything changed on September 24, 2011, when the Sirovich Senior Center in New York City buzzed with energy as young women gathered for the first-ever PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT event. Spearheaded by Branch and featuring Grammy-nominated artist Keri Hilson, this landmark occasion marked the beginning of a movement that would inspire countless women to embrace fitness, health, and community.

The inception of PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT traces back to a serendipitous backstage encounter. Aeshia DeVore Branch, driven by a passion for promoting health among young women, met Keri Hilson after a concert. Recognizing Hilson’s influence and commitment to positive initiatives, Branch proposed a collaboration to support then-First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign, aiming to combat childhood obesity.

Hilson, known for her philanthropic endeavors, enthusiastically embraced the idea. Branch designed T-shirts with the mantra “PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT,” a meaningful spin on Hilson’s hit song “Pretty Girl Rock,” and they joined forces to host the inaugural event.

The powerful PGS mantra on the tees—”PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT“—was created to challenge the negative perceptions many girls have about sweating. Research shows that by adolescence, many girls begin to feel self-conscious about physical activities, associating sweat with being unfeminine or unattractive. This mindset contributes to the alarming statistic that girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by the age of 14. The lack of participation in sports and physical activities often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, which is a significant factor in the rising rates of childhood obesity among girls. The mantra served as a bold reminder that sweating is not only natural but beautiful—a symbol of strength, health, and confidence. The event aimed to break down these barriers, showing girls that fitness and femininity go hand in hand, while also highlighting the importance of staying active to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent obesity.

Held at the Educational Alliance’s Sirovich Senior Center, the event featured a series of engaging activities designed to inspire and energize. Young women participated in boxing lessons and dance choreography led by students from DeVore Dance Center based in Queens, NY—an iconic dance school founded by Aeshia’s aunt and biggest inspiration, Carolyn DeVore. Take a look at the original choreography for the PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT/Pretty Girl Rock dance:

PGS members can click here to watch the updated version of the dance performed by Dance 411 students, along with a tutorial that breaks down the routine step-by-step for anyone eager to learn it.

Adding to the excitement, Sports Illustrated model and actress Damaris Lewis led a runway modeling class, teaching girls how to strut with confidence and embrace their individuality. As the day unfolded, Hilson hopped in invigorating workout sessions, encouraging participants to find joy in movement. The atmosphere was electric, as attendees jumped rope, danced, and learned how to box, all while burning calories and building connections. The event fostered a sense of unity and empowerment, as young women bonded over shared goals of health and self-love.

To mark the occasion, 100 teenage girls were gifted PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT tees and granted a rare opportunity to discuss self-esteem issues with Hilson in an intimate setting. The girls explored topics like the media’s perception of beauty, healthy eating habits, and the importance of staying active. This unique blend of mentorship and fitness left a lasting impact—the success of this format stuck and eventually evolved into what PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT has become today. Not only do Pretty Girls Rock, but PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT®!

Check out this Singer’s Room interview with Keri Hilson from the day of the event, where she shared, “My song ‘Pretty Girl Rock’ has nothing to do with how you look and everything to do with how you feel.”

The inaugural PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT event was more than just a fitness session; it was the birth of a sisterhood dedicated to health, empowerment, and community. From a backstage conversation to a full-fledged movement, Aeshia DeVore Branch and Keri Hilson demonstrated the power of collaboration and vision. Today, PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT continues to inspire young women nationwide, proving that with passion and partnership, impactful change is possible.