Miscellaneous

More Women in Office, More Girls in School!

Girls and women everywhere are forces for change! Photo from the Kibera School for Girls

Girls and women everywhere are forces for change! Photo from the Kibera School for Girls

As I watched the election results pour in Tuesday night, I couldn’t help but think of the happiness I shared with my She’s the First family across the country. We were witnessing so many firsts in our nation’s history – the first time a state elected an all-female Congressional delegation and Governor (good work New Hampshire!), the first openly gay U.S. Senator, Tammy Baldwin (also the first female U.S. Senator in Wisconsin!), the first Asian-American woman in Senate, Mazie Hirono (also the first female U.S. Senator in Hawaii!), the first Hindu in Congress, Tulsi Gabbard and Deb Fischer, Nebraska’s first female senator since 1954. We were watching history in the making. Issues critical to women dominated the headlines this election cycle, and voters responded by sending 20 female senators – the most this country ever has – to Washington.

Rallying around the “firsts” for females isn’t the only similarity I noticed between She’s the First and the elected female representatives. We’re well aware that educating girls leads to life-changing levels of empowerment and life-saving impacts like less sexual abuse and slavery, fewer child brides and improved health. A girl who receives an education is also more likely to earn a higher income, invest more in her family and send her children to school. Yet around the world, far less girls than boys are likely to finish school. Imagine what the world would be like if we unlocked ALL girls’ potential, and provided the support, funding, and environment they needed to thrive and grow in their communities as change-makers and world-shakers?

Today, women are not only underrepresented in classrooms around the world, but in decision-making roles as well. As we support girls’ education globally, we must also encourage women to seek positions of leadership. Despite the success of this year’s class of female candidates, the push for female representatives in office is hardly over. Did you know that the United States’ federal government ranks 78th in female representation worldwide? Though women comprise the majority of the nation’s population and voters, the number of female representatives in office remains disproportionately low.

One of the main reasons women don’t run for office is because no one ever suggested to them that they should. A study in 2011 found that because women are less likely to believe they’re qualified to hold office, the females who do run tend to be more effective, qualified and talented than the average male candidate. If you know a female who is a force for change, tell her. Show her that she can advocate for change that benefits her community, state or nation and shine as an example to girls everywhere, showing them that they too deserve to have their voice heard.

When we send women to office, we elect legislators who can offer a woman’s perspective and experience on issues of health, economic empowerment, education and the role of the U.S. in the world. Her voice transcends women’s issues; it can influence the nation as a whole. When you elect a female candidate, you are electing someone who is more likely to sponsor or cosponsor legislation, secure federal funding for her district and engage in collaborative leadership.

I’m thrilled to congratulate the women who have been elected to serve in the 113th Congress. Not only will they make tremendous contributions to our country, I’m positive their groundbreaking leadership will inspire generations of young girls and women to be leaders for years to come. The record-breaking must continue and it starts with you! Whether you know a girl who dreams of making a difference, or you yourself are that girl, your voice is valued and it is needed. When we value and uplift females as students, leaders and individuals, we change the world for the better.

 

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  • Kate Schwarz, Event Planning Committee Co-Chair Kate Schwarz, Event Planning Committee Co-Chair Event Planning Committee Co-Chair
  • Opal Vadhan, Event Planning Committee Co-Chair Opal Vadhan, Event Planning Committee Co-Chair Event Planning Committee Co-Chair
  • Meaghan O'Connor, Social Media Commitee Chair Meaghan O'Connor, Social Media Commitee Chair Social Media Committee Chair

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Landslides Occur in Bududa District, Uganda

This morning, we woke up to news of landslides in Bududa district, Uganda, where our partner school Arlington Academy of Hope is located. Right now, sources are confirming around eighteen dead, but the death toll could be as many as 450. Luckily, the school itself was spared; but we (like many) are awaiting details on the many people who lived in the surrounding areas.

We’re working with Arlington Academy of Hope to discuss an emergency relief plan; please check back soon if you’re looking to help them through this crisis.

For up to date information on the landslides, click here.

[Update, 10:18 a.m.] The Wall Street Journal is reporting a confirmed death toll of 30; 250 unaccounted for. If the heavy rain continues, up to 400,000 may be displaced. Story here.

[Update, 10:43 a.m.] The volunteer coordinator at AAH is reporting: “None of the primary school students were killed, injured, or missing to the best of [her] knowledge. The children were at the school for a music festival when the landslide occurred. At this point, with preliminary information only, two children have lost their families. We are not sure about any secondary school students or their families at this time. It is unlikely that any secondary students were involved as they were away at their schools.”

AAH reports they will likely be organizing a drive for donations soon, once they have more information from their team on the ground, as local refugees will need kerosene, food, and tent materials. We will update you on those efforts as soon as possible.

 

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A Blockbuster Time for She’s the First

"In Kibera," Shining Hope for Communities powerful new film collection

"In Kibera," Shining Hope for Communities powerful new film collection

I’ve noticed recently that She’s the First is in a flurry of film! Kate Lord and Christen Brandt are gearing up for their trip to Shanti Bhavan in India, where they’ll be filming a short documentary, and of course we recently launched our brand-new PSA (see it on our homepage!).

And one of our partner schools, Shining Hope for Communities in Kenya, just launched an incredible new film platform. “In Kibera” features short videos about the lives of those who have been impacted by Shining Hope. The videos are beautifully done, intriguing and inspiring. Visit the site and you’ll learn about Baba Diana, the father of a student at the Kibera School for Girls who wants nothing more than to see his young daughter live a life filled with learning. You’ll be captivated by the story of Shining Girls for Kibera, an empowerment group for young girls.  In Coaches, you’ll feel the dedication of a man committed to supporting the children of Kibera through coaching. I’m already beyond-impressed by the phenomenal work of Shining Hope for Communities, but this new website is truly icing on the cake.

I also recently got a chance to attend a film festival with Brianne Riviello, She’s the First Pen Pal coordinator and former Ithaca grad! Because I’m an Ithaca College student living in upstate New York, it’s a rare day that I can visit my She’s the First friends based in New York City. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I found out Brianne would be visiting Ithaca, New York for its famous FLEFF Film Festival! We were moved by the screening of “Africa is a Woman’s Name,” a collection of three documentaries about women who are catalysts for change.  At the film’s conclusion, we were asked to speak about the She’s the First. All the Ithaca students lit up in smiles when we reminded them they already know of She’s the First – the organization that brought them the famous tie-dye cupcakes! For more information on the documentary and other films about women’s rights and education, visit this site.

I’ve loved learning about new films that bring to life how women are empowered by education. What are your go-to girls’ education films? If you have any recommendations, tweet us or comment below!

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Finance Committee

Laura Simion, Co-Chair
Beach, yoga and travel enthusiast who goal is to explore the world.
When I’m not on shesthefirst.org, I’m surfing: Gawker and National Geographic.
Trailblazer I’d Like to Meet: Amelia Earhart
My First: First in my family to go to college in America.
laura@shesthefirst.org


Tom Somerville, Co-Chair
Business development and strategy pro with an interest in cars and travel.
When I’m not on shesthefirst.org, I’m surfing: Business Insider
Trailblazer I’d like to meet: Margaret Thatcher
My first: First in my family to climb the three tallest mountains in the Presidential Range.
tom@shesthefirst.org

Aishwarya Bhake

Anita Colby

Amanda Collinson

Alexandra (Lex) Beech

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It’s the First Day of Women’s History Month!

Jeronima, the first Starfish One by One mentor to have graduated from their program in Guatemala

March is one of our favorite months around here because it’s Women’s History Month! It’s 31 days to celebrate the courage, audacity, and strength of the female pioneers that came before us. From Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, to Edith Wharton, the first female to win a Pulitzer Prize, every woman has her own story of firsts.

This year’s theme of “Women’s Education—Women’s Empowerment” is especially important to us. As we all know, the equal opportunity to learn and pursue an education is a value unlike any other, one that opens the door to limitless possibilities. That door slowly began to open for women in the late 19th century, when approximately one-fifth of university students were female. Today, the number of American women enrolled in higher education has surpassed our male counterparts for the first time in history.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for women everywhere. Let this month serve as your inspiration to not only break down your own barriers, but also help our fellow sisters around the world do the same.

Please take a few moments to consider the many brave women who have come before you, what they’ve done to help you reach your own goals, and what legacy you want to leave for young girls who will carry the torch in the future. We can all achieve our own firsts — but sometimes, we need a little help to get there!

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Press Committee

Andrea Bartz
Writer, health editor, wooded parks/live music/good cheese enthusiast
When I’m not on shesthefirst.org, I’m surfing: Jezebel, NYTimes, Wired, and WholeLiving.com
Trailblazer I’d like to meet: Mindy Kaling
My first: First in my family to be a magazine editor.
andrea@shesthefirst.org, @andibartz

Glenda Felden
Lover of live music, startups and skillshare classes using digital marketing and PR to help change the world with Charitybuzz and STF.
When I’m not on shesthefirst.org, I’m surfing: Twitter, NYTimes.com, TheAtlantic.com, Refinery 29, Fast Company Co.Exist
Female Trailblazer I’d Like to Meet: Sheryl Sandberg
My First: I’m the first in my family to pursue a career in marketing and communications and live on the Upper West Side.

Stephanie Florence
PR girl who can be found dancing, meeting people and taking the approach of a student.
When I’m not on shesthefirst.org, I’m surfing: Twitter and all things communications/social media
Trailblazer I’d like to meet: Michelle Obama
My first: First in my family to pursue a career in New York City. @StephanieFlo
Kristen Healey
Never ready to settle, always up for a new experience, desiring to see the world. New York now, destination unknown.
When I’m not on shesthefirst.org, I’m surfing: Travel blogs to see where I can go next!
Trailblazer I’d like to meet: Oprah
My first: First in my family to live in New York City.
kristen@shesthefirst.org, @kristenmhealey
Paulina Jones
Music junkie, non-profit and social media devotee, shameless reality TV lover, and a social butterfly. I bleed Blue & White #WeAre.
When I’m not on shesthefirst.org, I’m surfing: billboard.com, perezhilton.com and yeah…TWITTER
Trailblazer I’d like to meet: Michelle Obama
My first: First in my family to graduate from a four-year public university.
paulina@shesthefirst.org, @linaandthecity

Amy Schoenberger
Traveler, writer, professional creative thinker at DeVries PR. Lover of dark beers, red wine, spicy food, old music, bulldogs.
When I’m not on shesthefirst.org, I’m surfing: A Cup of Jo, Coco + Kelly, NYTimes.com, The Vulture, Eater NY, Twenty Something Travel
Female Trailblazer I’d Like To Meet: Sheryl WuDunn (+ her husband!)
My first: I’m the first in my family to travel globally to see firsthand the impact of fundraising efforts in remote villages in the developing world.
amy@shesthefirst.org, @AmySho

Cassandra Bianco

Erin Leigh Patterson

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Want to Join the She’s the First Team? We Need Researchers!

Girls at Starfish One by One in Guatemala giggle together during an art project

As 2012 fast approaches, She’s the First is looking to add a few volunteer researchers to our current team. Researchers are key players in the communication flow between the She’s the First team and our partner organizations working to educate kids on the ground. Think you’ve got what it takes? We’re looking for dynamic Millennials in the NYC area with about 20 hours per month to dedicate to the cause. Check out the job requirements below and let us know why you qualify.

The She’s the First Researchers are responsible for strengthening relationships between partner organizations, the She’s the First Leadership Team, and the public.

Do so by:
• Maintaining strong relationships with assigned partner organizations
• Creating quarterly reports on assigned directory schools
• Publishing engaging and relevant blog posts about partner organizations on a weekly basis
• Notifying the Director of International Operations of leads on new potential directory members

Think you’re perfect for the spot? Email Christen and let her know why.

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Graphic Designers: We Need You!

Are you a pro at InDesign? A whiz with Illustrator? Or a Monet to-be? She’s the First is looking for new talent to add to our art team, to work on our growing needs for banners, newsletter graphics, print collateral, event promotions, and more.

Overview
We’re looking for talented graphic designers who believe they can change the world with visuals!

We aren’t just creating graphics—we are using design and illustration to influence and shape girls’ education. And we need creative designers who can help us do just that!

What you’ll be doing
As a graphic designer and a member of the creative team, you will be working closely withour art director on projects from concept stage to final production. You will be working in a fun and creative (e-mail) environment, and have the chance to work both collaboratively and independently on a whole variety of projects. Projects support the branding of STF and all of our campaigns, from designing blog banners and newsletter graphics to event invitations, t-shirt designs, and everything in between.

Why this is awesome
Not only will you be able to add projects to your portfolio, but you will also have first-hand experience working at a non-profit and you will see your work on the world’s largest stage: the Internet! The position is the perfect opportunity for someone who is passionate about visual communication and girls’ education.

The position is flexible, and is perfect for someone with free time after work or school. Keep in mind that projects have a quick turn around time.

About you
• You are detail-oriented and have an eye for organized layouts, color harmony, and typography (Comic Sans simply outrages you)
• You are an Adobe Creative Suite whiz (especially Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign)
• You have the ability to set deadlines and meet them (you couldn’t live without Google Calendar and Tasks)
• You work quickly and you know how to multitask
• You have excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills
• You are smart, creative, and curious
• You have a passion for girls’ education

How to Apply
• Send us a link to your portfolio or a PDF of 4-7 examples of your work
• Send us your most-updated resume
• Write up a quick bullet list, sentence, or paragraph that describes the STF branding and design aesthetic
• Write a letter to your 10-year-old self about why you want to be on the STF team
[Send it all to our art director here: genevieve@shesthefirst.org]

Good luck!

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It’s Sweater Season…Even in Uganda!

While we’re bracing ourselves for fall here in the states, the students at Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda are preparing for cooler temperatures, too! Check out their brand new sweaters. Is anyone else getting an urge to wear maroon this season?

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VOTE: Maggie Doyne for Glamour’s Women of the Year!

The results are in and Glamour magazine has chosen its five finalists for the Women of the Year: Reader’s Choice Award.

STF partner Maggie Doyne of Kopila Valley Children's school needs your vote!

The five women chosen are utterly amazing. But what we’re really excited about is that one of STF’s own is a finalist! Maggie Doyne, founder of our partner the Kopila Valley Children’s School in Nepal is a true inspiration and we want to do everything in our power to help her win!

So what can we do to help Maggie win? Head on over to Glamour and vote! This is the Reader’s Choice Award, after all.

Need one more reason to help choose the winner? How about a $500 American Express gift card? In addition to helping choose the winner, all voters can enter the accompanying sweepstakes for this great prize.

Voting ends Friday, September 23, 2011 at 11:59pm, so hop to it!

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What Are You Doing to Change the World?

We know you’re making a positive impact on our world, and now’s your chance to let everyone know about it. Google and Zeitgeist are hosting the Young Minds competition, which will highlight twelve game changers and innovators from ages 18 to 24 who have made or are working toward making a positive impact on the world. Young people from across the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina are invited to apply.

So how do you participate in Young Minds? First, make a video explaining your projects and how you’re making a difference. Second, upload your video to the Young Minds website to www.zeitgeistyoungminds.com. The twelve winners will be offered the chance to attend Google Zeitgeist Americas 2011.

And there’s more!

Previous Young Minds winners have had big ideas and taken steps to make their ideas a reality. The winners attended Zeitgeist Europe 2011, met an array of influential business leaders and three of the winners even had chance to speak at the event and had their say.

You have until August 25 to create and upload your video. We know you’re changing the world, now we want you to tell the world!

 

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Join the Ranks of Glamour’s 20 Amazing Young Women!

Some of the 20 young women honored last November -- you can be one in 2010!

If you’re supporting She’s the First, there’s a good chance you’re a “first” in some amazing way! She’s the First was recognized last year in Glamour‘s roundup of 20 Amazing Young Women at the Women of the Year Awards. Now’s your chance to be in the spotlight this year! Below is the call for nominations that Glamour sent us. We encourage you to apply by the June 30th deadline – good luck!

Glamour is looking for young women—age 25 or under—who are doing big things in their community. Tell us how you’re changing the world and you could be one of two lucky winners we’ll bring to Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards at New York City’s Carnegie Hall on November 7.

So…wanna come? Nominate yourself (or a friend!) by going to glamour.com—and attach a pic. Then check back in two months to meet the five finalists and vote for your favorites.

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Meet a ‘Glamorous’ STF Board Member: Shikha Vasaiwala

Shikha Vasaiwala, founder and CEO of Glamour Gone Good and STF supporter.

Shikha Vasaiwala, founder and CEO of Glamour Gone Good and STF Board Member.

By now you know that She’s the First is a collective effort. Our volunteers, campus chapters, team members, and Board of Directors help us keep the big endeavor that She’s the First is afloat. One of those incredible supporters is Board member and CEO of Glamour Gone Good, Shikha Vasaiwala. Here, she tells us a little more about her role in She’s the First’s success:

How did you get involved with She’s the First?

I worked for Do Something, an online organization that encourages teens and twenty-somethings to fundraise for the cause they care the most about. Tammy, She’s the First President and Founder, had been peripherally involved with Do Something. Do Something tweeted with Tammy, and at some point—about a year and a half ago—she mentioned She’s the First in one of her tweets. The name peaked my interest and I thought this could be a good organization to reach out to. I liked that their main goal was to empower women and girls around the world. I emailed Tammy and it turned out that she was a young woman, trying to set up She’s the First, who didn’t have professional non-profit experience; just a dream to create STF. I thought she could learn from my experience and decided to guide her in the steps—like getting together a board of directors or filling out legal paperwork. I had the experience and could help her.

What is your work with She’s the First now?

My focus is on getting She’s the First set up as a public charity and receive tax-exemption status. Right now, we are hosting a lot of board meetings, creating budget projections and drafting paperwork with attorneys. I help by making sure we are taking the necessary steps to get this status as soon as possible.

I’ve also been concentrating on getting a fundraising plan together for She’s the First. We’ve had a lot of great opportunities come our way, but now that STF is a year old, we need a more refined strategy. A big step to that long-term plan came with the development of a pretty impressive business plan. Now we’re setting up short-term goals and a budget, and trying to figure out how we can use our volunteers, donors and board members to reach those goals.

We’re also trying to secure a few corporate sponsors so that we can have an operating budget. It’s been hard because we don’t take money from donations, but still need some money for basic expenses. It’s a challenge that all start-ups go through.

Why did you decide to help She’s the First?

It was of particular interest to me because of their international background. I’m from India and education is a big problem there. People don’t have the money to go to school, so an organization that focuses on funding girls’ education there and other similar countries definitely struck a chord with me.

You are the founder and CEO of Glamour Gone Good. Can you tell Aspire readers what GGG does?

We are a non-profit organization that launched in January 2010. We encourage glamour industry professionals (spa and salon owners, makeup artists) to get involved in charity giving. We ask them to donate a part of their profits to one of three of our partners—Dress for Success Worldwide, Girls Educational and Mentoring Services, and Sister to Sister. Our goal this year is to donate $25,000 to each organization. We are also working on a charity online auction, Glamour Gone Good beauty products—we are starting with lip glosses in September—and the re-launch of our website.

Visit GlamourGoneGood.org for more information.

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STF*{Hofstra} Girls Rock at Music Fest with Tie-Dye Cupcakes

She's the First*{Hofstra} super stars Chelsea Tirrell, Gennifer Delman and Kaitlin Cubria.

by Kaitlin Cubria

This semester, STF*{Hofstra} members made several collaborative efforts to create awareness and buzz about She’s the First on the Hofstra campus. Between residential housing programs and social media marketing, giveaways and BIG plans for next semester, STF*{Hofstra} became easily recognizable to other on-campus organizations and was able to recruit new members into the STF family.

To end the year with a bang, STF*{Hofstra} Founding President Gennifer Delman, Vice President Kaitlin Cubria, Publicist Chelsea Tirrell, and new e-board member Shea Molloy (who’s also She’s the First’s Summer Creative Associate!) decided to utilize the ingenuity of She’s the First signature tie-dye cupcakes at two music events at their college.

The cupcakes were a hit among everyone!

Hofstra’s Annual Music Fest features acts from well-known musicians, as well as established on-campus music groups, carnival-style rides and activities, hot dogs and hamburgers – free of charge! Naturally, this event generates a great deal of attendance. For such a fun-filled event, it made perfect sense to premiere the tie-dye cupcakes for fundraising.

Clouds and drizzle threatened the success of the program, but the colorful desserts managed to shine through the semi-darkened event. Students and faculty continued to show their support and generosity throughout the day – the cupcakes  were a hit! In fact, because the two hosts for Music Fest were so impressed by the organization, they encouraged the Hofstra community to go to the STF*{Hofstra} table for more information on She’s the First’s mission.

Cupcakes in demand!

The next day, the Hofstra chapter brought more tie-dye cupcakes to the final show of the semester for one of Hostra’s all-girl a’cappella groups, Makin’ Treble. In an attempt to sell more, the founding members were just about to decrease the asking  price of the tie-dye treats. Surprisingly, not one person in attendance was willing to pay less – actually, some members of the audience donated more without taking additional cupcakes, just to applaud She’s the First’s efforts.

It was incredible to experience such heartfelt contributions from the Hofstra community. If this is what could happen in one weekend, then the possibilities for STF*{Hofstra}’s future seem endless.

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@Deberman91 Scores a Donation on Twitter!

Spontaneous guest blogger: Danielle Berman, @deberman91

She’s the First just won a donation from Leigh Anne Tuohy’s “Tuohy Trivia Tuesdays” on twitter! Leigh Anne Tuohy is the inspirational woman whose amazing story was documented in the Oscar-winning film The Blind Side. Leigh Anne and her family adopted Michael Oher, a then impoverished Memphis high school student, and raised him as a part of the family. Michael is now a National Football League player for the Baltimore Ravens.

The Tuohy family donates to various causes and charities on a daily basis, but Leigh Anne uses her twitter to run a contest called Tuohy Trivia Tuesdays. She asks a question and whoever tweets her back first with the correct response wins money for their favorite charity!

I happened to see the question and knew the answer and was the winner! My best friend at Syracuse University is a part of the She’s the First chapter here and I thought that it would be a great cause for the Tuohys to donate to next. Who knew that all this was possible from one tweet! Keep up the great work She’s the First!

Do you know the answer? Danielle did! It was "Nelly's Hot in Here"

 

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Join Me on My Quest, Thanks to The Aspire Foundation

 

Dictionary.com defines quest as “a search or pursuit made in order to find or obtain something.” On the verge of my 25th birthday, and almost 3/4 of the way through my graduate program, I find myself searching in many different aspects of my life. In this quest, I have found that it’s not necessarily finding the answers immediately that is important, but making sure that you are asking the right questions.

Maisy, in a weaving class with girls from the Starfish One by One program, on her recent STF 360 trip to Guatemala

I came across the Heroine’s Quest when reading a blog post by Carla, one of our She’s the First Ambassadors, who recently traveled to London. While she was there, she met the long-distance mentor of She’s the First, Michelle Aland, whom we’ve been matched up with through The Aspire Foundation. This UK-based foundation provides mentoring between women in business and women in charity and the non-profit sector, specifically those dedicated to female empowerment. After I searched around The Aspire Foundation’s website, I found the Heroine’s Quest. This is exactly what I needed!

Growing up, I was heavily involved in sports. I played soccer competitively for 11 years and one thing that always made a difference in my performance on the field was a knowledgable, supportive coach. Now into week three in the Heroine’s Quest, that is how I equate this online program. This journey is becoming one of the great coaches in my life, but it’s helping me to figure out something far greater than blocking penalty kicks. The Heroine’s Quest is guiding me to ask myself those appropriate questions and challenge myself to achieve my dreams. I am excited about attending the virtual events and completing my assigned weekly “on-the-road” tasks throughout this discovery of my inner-heroine. The road less traveled has always been the more appealing route to me. It’s the way that trails are blazed and firsts are achieved. I look forward to sharing my Heroine’s Quest with you, as many of you are probably journeying along your own, whether it be formal or informal. Tweet me at @maisypage, follow @AspireWomen, and let @shesthefirst know how you’re doing!

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She’s the First Meets Across the Pond

Michelle and Carla at the Royal Albert Hall

Hi, She’s the First readers! My name is Carla and I am a new She’s the First Ambassador. I am excited to join the team and discuss our passions for helping young women worldwide.

I recently took a trip to London and had the pleasure of meeting with Michelle Aland,  Head of Sponsorships & Corporate Partnerships for the Royal Albert Hall. As Tammy mentioned in a post last week, Michelle is a She’s the First pro bono UK mentor through the Aspire Foundation.  Michelle has been Skyping with Tammy for the past couple of months and I was lucky enough to meet her face-to-face this February!

Michelle gave me an overview of the history and vision of the Hall. The Royal Albert Hall is one of London’s leading concert and event venues. It was started to fulfill King Albert’s vision of a central meeting place that celebrates the arts and sciences in London. More than 350 events happen each year in the Hall ranging from concerts, operas, to even fashion shows and tennis matches! Needless to say, it is an impressive space. Walking around the Hall, I saw ‘A’s etched into the staircase and outside to remember Albert’s vision. It was clear that the Hall works with standards of excellence and will continue to work to bring the arts and sciences to the British people!

Michelle was kind enough to give me a tour of the Hall, including the Royal family’s seating and waiting area. We sat down for a lunch where I learned more about her career and work she does in sponsorships for the Hall. Michelle has worked in sponsorship and marketing roles in both NYC and London and is a wealth of cultural knowledge.

We are so grateful for all the guidance she’s provided She’s the First and GIRLS WHO ROCK. Thanks Michelle for being a supporter of girls’ education and She’s the First!

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Update on We Media PitchIt! Contest for $25,000

A few weeks ago, we asked our supporters to rally the troops and vote for us in the We Media Pitch It! Challenge, a contest in which finalists present their start-up ideas at the WeMedia conference for the chance to win a $25,000 grant. When the voting was over, we placed third overall, and first in the not-for-profit category — all thanks to you, our supporters! We were sure this would mean we were finalists in the challenge, since we were led to believe that votes would be a major deciding factor.

Today, everyone who voted in the competition received an email announcing the nine ideas chosen as finalists, and unfortunately, She’s the First was not among them. While we were disappointed to learn this, we were even more concerned that we had appealed so strongly to you to vote for us, when the votes had little to no effect on which ideas were chosen as finalists. So to those of you who voted,  here’s our new promise and lesson learned: She’s the First will not ask for your vote in the future unless unless it is a contest where votes alone determine the winner or finalists.

Coming up: A pool party to support nonprofits!

But for now, we’ll wish the other contestants and finalists the best of luck, and shake off the bad news with some good!

• Did you know? The first congresswoman of the United States, Jeannette Rankin, began serving her first term on March 3, 1917.

• We were featured in the Huffington Post today, as part of the “Greatest Women of the Day” series for Women’s History Month!

• We’re going to a pool party – and we want you to come with us! Prime Produce (remember them from the prom last September? We raised over $600 that night!) is holding another fundraising event, and half of the ticket sale goes to the not-for-profit of the attendee’s choice. Save the date for March 12, and keep an eye out for more details, coming soon!

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Lorrie Grace McCann

A proud graduate of Hollins University, an all-women university in Virginia, Lorrie Grace hails from Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska. She moved to New York City the day after graduation. After stints in publishing and TV production, she found the perfect job in the non-profit world as a web producer. Lorrie Grace also freelances as a proofreader and copy writer in publishing, and in her spare time, she blogs about life in New York and her vegan lifestyle. She’s the first in her family to live in New York City, work for a non-profit, and choose veganism. lorrie@shesthefirst.org, @lorriegrace

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