Monthly Archives: February 2011

In Suspense for Monday…Here’s Why!

You may not realize yet, but She’s the First has mentors helping us grow in the UK, too! Tammy represents us in the The Aspire Foundation mentorship program, which she discovered one day through (what else) a tweet. The Aspire Foundation, which just turned one last week, is based in the UK and California, and they currently have a Bold, Brave, Different campaign called the Heroine’s Quest. There are SIX finalists, and women who are part of the leadership program were able to vote this past week for the THREE who will win funding for their projects. She’s the First was in the running to receive support for our GIRLS WHO ROCK benefit concert! If we are selected, we’ll receive a phone call from the CEO Dr. Samantha Collins herself on Monday…of course, you’ll be first to know of any good news if you follow us on Twitter at @shesthefirst.

Michelle Aland, our UK mentor/pro bono consultant

Here’s how our relationship with Aspire Foundation works at large: Mentees are from charities that positively impact women and girls are matched with mentors — highly successful business women who offer their corporate, executive, or entrepreneurial experience and expertise. Tammy has a phenomenal mentor, Michelle Aland, who works for Royal Albert Hall, a world-class venue in London. You’re going to learn a bit more about her in the coming weeks, because our Ambassador Carla Blumenthal is traveling through London now and got to meet her! Tammy and Michelle talk on the phone or Skype every two weeks (sometimes more) and Michelle is guiding her through effectively selling corporate sponsorship for our GIRLS WHO ROCK benefit concert, as well as venue contracts.

Please welcome Michelle as one of our special mentors and pro bono consultants…we are so lucky to have her across the Pond.

Michelle works for the Royal Albert Hall in London and is responsible for securing commercial partnerships and media relations. The Hall is a registered charity to promote understanding and enjoyment of the Arts and Sciences. Michelle launched their Facebook and Twitter sites. She also does pro bono work with Teenage Cancer Trust. Her previous role as Head of Commercial Events for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew included running concerts and events to fund Kew’s conservation work in 80 countries. Michelle began her career in New York City working for the National Hockey League creating their website and online commerce offer and as a Director of Youth Marketing to encourage youth participation in the sport. She volunteered at St. Luke’s Lifeworks in Connecticut and worked with homeless women and girls to help build their skills and to provide child care. At 24, she launched the charity Tennis Ball and Tournament with all proceeds benefiting the shelter. Michelle graduated with a BA from Stetson University. She is excited to work with She’s the First because she has always been a believer in girl power and the magic of sisterhood. She is the first girl in her family to travel extensively and live and work abroad.