Our Tumblr blog got a mini-makeover this summer! We last used Tumblr as part of April’s Voice Your Verse campaign, to inspire our If the World Were My Classroom… poets. Under the leadership of our new editor, Mileva Brunson, who is the founding president of our She’s the First*{St. Mary’s} chapter, the blog is more refreshing than ever in these hot summer months! I was able to ask Mileva a few questions about herself and her vision for the blog.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Also, where do you attend school and what are you studying?
A: My name is Mileva Brunson and I am originally from Hammond, Indiana, which is 20 minutes outside Chicago. I am a rising junior at Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana. Saint Mary’s is actually right across the street from the University of Notre Dame, where Lindsay Brown attends, and home of the tie-dye cupcake craze! I am a communications major with minors in public relations and women’s studies (and maybe intercultural studies – who knows!). I love my school and love being involved; I am working on founding a chapter of She’s the First at Saint Mary’s, and I am also the advertising co-editor for the campus magazine, Bellezine, and an Admissions Office volunteer.
Q: What are some of your interests?
A: I enjoy traveling, baking, and blogging. I also started some DIY projects this summer and have fallen in love with it (thanks, Pinterest!). I am an avid coffee drinker, and obsessed with all things television and film — which is evident by my ever-growing DVD collection and stacks of Entertainment Weekly!
Q: What are your visions/goals for the Tumblr blog?
A: I hope to make it an interactive place for She’s the First supporters to come to for inspiration, updates, and information on all things She’s the First. Tumblr is an amazing platform that really allows us to show our creativity and passion and to reach young people in a whole new way, and I am so excited to be a part of that.
Q: What has been your biggest “first”?
A: I would say traveling by myself for the first time. This past semester, I spent the semester abroad in Rome, Italy. That was such a life changing experience for me. It made me much more independent, self-sufficient, and ready to take on all of life’s adventures. Getting on the plane to Rome was my first time on plane and I remember feeling so unsure about myself. But in my three months abroad, I saw myself grow in so many ways and experience such amazing things that I can’t wait to see where life will take me next!
Q: What are you the first in your family to do?
A: Well, neither of my parents attended college — my dad went back to school about 6 years ago and is currently working on his masters. But that was a huge first in my family. And all of the experiences I am having in college — from studying abroad, to starting my own club with She’s the First, to even attending a Notre Dame football game! — have been amazing first’s that I know they are so happy to see me accomplish.
Q: What tips would you give to other non-profits to engage their younger audience better?
A: I would say to get creative! With social media, your appearance on the Internet is everything and making your platforms not only be interactive but aesthetically appealing is a huge plus and will really draw people in to see what you are all about. So making your internet presence stylish and sleek is a great way to grab attention.
Also, I think to not be afraid to new social media platforms. Sites and apps like Instagram and Pinterest have become very popular recently and are definitely a fresh, original way to reach young people for non-profits. Just look at Elizabeth Arden’s #PinItToGiveIt campaign and our board to support Lindsay Brown and the Seventeen Magazine Pretty Amazing Contest!
Stay up to date on the latest She’s the First action by visiting our Tumblr!
