March is Women’s History Month! It started just 43 years ago in 1978. This month means so much to me as a mom of four daughters. This is a month long reminder to them, and all women, that we can do anything!
We usually take this month and reflect on all of the progress women have made over the course of history; but, what about right now!? What is going on right now in our world that will be history just years from now? What will we be telling our grandchildren and great grandchildren? Here are, in my opinion, some of the current most influential women that are making history.
Girls Garage
Emily Pilloton founded the Girls Garage nonprofit organization in 2013. The website states that “Girls Garage is a nonprofit design and building program and dedicated work space for girls ages 9-18. Through classes in carpentry, welding, architecture, and activist art, we support and equip a community of fearless girls who are building the world they want to see”. On June 2nd Emily released her book, (which can be purchased: here). Her book consists of tool guides, how-to projects, essential skills, and inspiring stories. These programs are currently based out of California, but with recent COVID restrictions they have started “distance-learning” programs and design challenges that can be done from home. Emily is only one of many women addressing the large gender gap in STEM related fields.
Girls Who Code
Reshma Saujani is among those women as well. Reshma founded the Girls Who Code nonprofit. Her goal is to build the world’s largest pipeline of future female engineers. This organization offers after school clubs for girls in grades 3rd through 12th, as well as summer immersion programs for high school students to gain exposure to tech jobs, and college programs to help build communities with other women in tech. We currently have 4 locations in the Baton Rouge area and 2 just west of Lafayette, in Eunice and Sulphur. You can learn more about getting involved and helping bring these programs to our community here: Get Involved.
Girls on the Run
Another great organization is Girls on the Run. GOTR inspires girls to be healthy and confident and teaches them to make intentional decisions. Coaches use physical activities and discussion to build skills and encourage healthy habits. Although currently the Lafayette Spring 2021 session is closed for registration, you can register for the GOTR 5K that will be taking place on Saturday, May 1, 2021. If racing isn’t really your thing, but you still feel compelled to support the cause donations are accepted.
#FridaysForFuture
By now, everyone knows the name Greta Thunberg. 15 year old Greta started the #FridaysForFuture campaign in 2018 by skipping class on Fridays as a strike for climate. Although her campaign started in Sweden, it has since become an international movement. Our closest strikes are in Houston, Texas or Jackson, Mississippi. However, if you or your families are passionate about this cause, you can use this link to learn how to bring it closer to home!
Girls Going Global
Another #hastag to follow is #100Passports. Girls Going Global (GGG) founded by Matrice Sutton. GGG takes girls ages 13-17 on international trips to help immerse girls into different cultures through adventure, service, and learning. 100 Passports has a goal of “empowering girls of color through travel and cultural exchange to become leaders and creators of the world”. You can support #100Passports by donating money to provide resources, mentorship opportunities, and educational experiences to inspire girls to see the world and leave their mark!
The list of women who are paving the way for our younger generations and other women of the world is endless. So much progress is being made in the modern wave of feminism. Check out a few of these other campaigns as well:
Erin Loos Cutraro – She Should Run: “She Should Run is a nonpartisan nonprofit working to dramatically increase the number of women considering a run for public office.”
Blythe Hill – Dressember: “A community of international advocates utilizing fashion and creativity to help end human trafficking.”
Jenny Gaither – Movement: “We teach women and girls that fitness and physical movement is essential to unlocking the values of self-confidence, resiliency, commitment, balance, and community.”
Brittany Barnett – Girls Embracing Mothers (GEM): “Empowers girls with mothers in prison to break the cycle of incarceration and lead successful lives with vision and purpose.”
About the author:
Emily is a Lafayette transplant from Mandeville, Louisiana. She’s the ultimate chaos coordinator of four daughters (aged NB – 10). When she’s not wrangling her girls to and from soccer practices and games, you’ll find her at Sunday brunch (as long as the mimosas are bottomless) or a local boutique doing some shopping. Her and her {eventual } husband enjoy spring time jeep rides and country music concerts. Outside of being a full time mom, partner, chef, chauffeur, and schedule coordinator; she’s also a full time benefits consultant at a local, family owned insurance firm. After falling in love with all that Lafayette has to offer (friendly people, good food, and the most amazing culture), she couldn’t imagine raising her family anywhere else!
