Women’s History Month has been celebrated for decades in honor of the achievements and positive changes women have contributed to society and culture over the years. While many may think more large-scale about positive female influences, there are many trailblazers within our community who should be recognized for their inspirational journeys and ability to empower other girls around them.
Freshman Kailin Downey, who is currently taking intro to engineering, finds herself fascinated by the field and all of its endless possibilities. “I’ve gained a different perspective on how things actually work and the effort that needs to be put in, even in building the simplest of things,” she said.
However, Kailin is only one of two girls in her entire engineering class. “It’s definitely more male-dominated, so by being a girl it’s kind of pushing the boundaries,” she said.
Junior Riley Shipman is also taking intro to engineering and has an interest in pursuing a military career. “The biggest values I am going to keep with me are to not only continue working hard and stay focused on my goals but to remember to stay true to myself and help people as much as I can while continuing to break gender barriers around the services,” she said.
Senior Taylor Lanxon, having taken the science research program and participating in internships focused on environmental science, has insight into what it’s like to be a girl in the fields of science. “I have had to support and advocate for myself in front of adversity I’ve faced as a young woman in the STEM field,” Taylor said.
After reading the National Geographic article “Plant or Plastic?”, Taylor realized how passionate she is about making positive impacts on the environment. Since then, opportunities were opened up for her by the efforts she made combined with the support of those around her. “My biggest supporters are my mother and myself. My mother’s unwavering support and enthusiasm has helped to empower me throughout my high school career and my search for colleges to continue my science studies.” Taylor said.
Alison Waller, program director at Live Girl, a year-round non-profit girls leadership organization, has a master’s degree in Women’s History. She works every day to help strengthen the voices of girls from grades five through college. “Our philosophy is one of the best ways for someone to empower themselves is to empower others,” Ms. Waller said.
Outside of joining the Live Girl team, Alison became a yoga teacher in 2019. “Bringing meditation and mindfulness to girls is a really great way for them to perform their own empowerment and be able to control their own emotions,” she said.
Middle school girls can join Camp Live Girl over the summer. High school girls have the opportunity to become camp counselors and mentor the younger girls. Other high school programs include the Live Girl league, an eight-week program where girls are guided to create a community impact project, an activism program, and participating in the leadership council.
Senior Neya Krishnan joined Live Girl when she was in seventh grade and has gone from being a camper to mentoring younger girls and being a part of the leadership council. “Something that Live Girl really works on instilling in young women is confidence and a sense of sureness in yourself,” she said. “It’s been a space for me to recognize the power of my voice and amplify it.”
Similarly, senior Alexandra Gillespie also joined Live Girl in seventh grade. “Live Girl helped me to challenge myself academically and athletically so that I can better myself and the world around me,” Alexandra said. “The difficult classes I’ve taken, the awards I’ve earned, and the praise I’ve received all stem from an ambition Live Girl taught me.”
Outside of Women’s History Month, it is important to continue to focus on the achievements of all women in this world and work towards empowering more young girls to have confidence in themselves and unapologetically pursue their passions. Many impressive women have proven themselves to be fearless in what they do and have certainly been able to empower themselves and those around them. “Fulfillment will not come from the approval of your peers or family in your adult life, so just go for whatever you are passionate about,” Taylor said.
