Every girl deserves support. But unfortunately not all young
ladies have access to positive role models or people who will look out for
their best interest. Thankfully, there are several organizations, nationwide,
that cater to community. If you seek, you shall find! One advocate for a strong
generation of ladies that recently caught my eye is the non-profit
organization, fittingly named, Strong Women Strong Girls.
Miami native Lindsay Hyde founded the organization as a
student group while in college at Harvard University. The young entrepreneur
wanted to create programs that would teach elementary school girls important
life skills like balance, integrity, respect and love. So she started by
implementing her program at two Boston elementary schools, which serviced
underprivileged children. Armed with six college volunteers, Hyde held weekly
sessions where the elementary students would learn from the skills as taught by
the mentors.
Today, SWSG has touched 1,475 lives in three cities (Boston,
Pittsburgh and Miami).
Until recently, the program was limited to college women
advising grammar school girls. Earlier this year, the Miami chapter launched
Mentor2Mentor where the college women (from UM, FIU, and Miami-Dade College)
are paired with young working professionals (at least 3 years of work
experience). Pairs are matched according to personality type based off the
application form. Each mentor is expected to dedicate five hours a month either
via phone, in person, or even by text going over goals or sharing knowledge on
resume writing, networking and general career topics.
I encourage you to take a look at the SWSG website to see
the impact they have made. Nurturing the younger generation is key for a
successful future.
How are you nurturing the next generation of influencers?
Send me a tweet @LorenRidinger.
