Girls With Ideas

Author: allison

  • Meet an Idea Girl: Zori, “Jammy Girl”

    Meet an Idea Girl: Zori, “Jammy Girl”

    Meet an Idea Girl: Zori, “Jammy Girl”
    Entrepreneur | Soapmaker | Conway, South Carolina

    At just 12 years old, Zori—better known as Jammy Girl—turned her love for relaxing scents and bath time into a real business. Inspired by how confident and calm she feels when she smells good and feels clean, she now crafts bath bombs and soaps designed to help others feel the same.

    Q: What kinds of activities are you involved in outside your business?
    I take dance classes, swim in the river near my house, and go boating. I also like playing video games, doing flips in the yard, and—of course—making my bath and beauty products.

    Q: What is your project or business all about?
    I make handmade bath and beauty products like soaps and bath bombs. I call myself Jammy Girl because I love making soap while wearing my pajamas. My favorite product to make is bath bombs. My mom just ordered some bright new colors for me to try out, so I’ll be making lots of them soon.

    Q: How did you get the idea to start your business?
    My mom is a woodworker who makes soap-related products like molds, cutters, and displays. She’s always on soaping Facebook pages, and I liked looking at the pretty pictures with her. I thought it looked fun, so I gave it a try. My first creation was soap cupcakes!

    Q: What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
    Talking to people at markets and events has been tough. I have anxiety and I’m very shy. But I’ve been working on it. I took online acting classes—my mom paid for the first five, and I paid for four more myself. We practice a lot together, and now that I vend at the farmers market twice a week, I’ve gotten much better at speaking to customers.

    Q: What are some good things that have happened since you started Jammy Girl?
    My business is now an official LLC. I have a business license and a retail license. My name is trademarked, and I’m also launching my very own pajama line soon.

    Q: What do you still need help with, and how can people support you?
    I’d love more people to buy from my website instead of only at local events. Supporting my online store would really help my business grow.

    Q: What advice would you give to other girls with ideas?
    Keep working and overcome all your obstacles. Don’t stop just because something feels hard.

    Q: What’s your favorite quote or personal motto?
    I have three taglines that mean a lot to me:
    #ADOPTIONROCKS
    #CRUSHLIFESOBSTACLESWITHME
    #CHOOSEGREATNESS

    Q: What is your ultimate dream job?
    To own my very own bath and beauty product shop.

  • Meet an Idea Girl: Natyley Frias

    Meet an Idea Girl: Natyley Frias
    Founder of All Smiles | Teen Leader | Miss New Jersey Teen

    At just 15 years old, Natyley Frias of Linden, New Jersey is already making a global impact. From founding her own nonprofit to competing in pageants and pursuing the performing arts, Natyley is a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose and passion.

    Q: What are some of your hobbies and interests?
    I’m a model, actress, singer, dancer, and event host. I currently hold the title of Miss American Star’s Miss New Jersey Teen. I’m also an ambassador for Supergirlzland and several clothing lines and movements. Outside of that, I really enjoy reading and writing—they help me stay grounded and inspired.

    Q: What is your ultimate dream job?
    I have a few big dreams. I’d love to win Miss Universe or Miss Dominican Republic USA, get signed to a modeling agency, release an album, and grow my nonprofit, All Smiles, so it reaches and uplifts people around the world.

    Q: Tell us about your project, All Smiles.
    All Smiles is a nonprofit organization I started to spread joy around the world. Our mission is simple: to put smiles on people’s faces—especially those who need it most. Whether it’s through donations, events, or small acts of kindness, we’re trying to make the world a brighter place.

    Q: How did you come up with the idea for All Smiles?
    The idea came to me after I organized a toy drive for children with cancer in Santiago, Dominican Republic—my family’s hometown. It was a life-changing experience, and I realized I wanted to keep helping others however I could.

    Q: What challenges have you faced so far and how have you handled them?
    One of the biggest challenges has been turning the idea into something real. It takes a lot of support—both emotionally and financially—to make an organization like this grow. I’ve had to stay persistent, believe in my mission, and keep asking for help when I need it.

    Q: What are some good things that have happened since launching All Smiles?
    I was able to personally deliver toys to children with cancer in Santiago, which was incredibly powerful. It was heartbreaking, but also beautiful. I’ve also been able to support people in my own community in New Jersey. Seeing the joy on someone’s face—that’s what keeps me going.

    Q: What support do you still need to help All Smiles grow?
    Right now, I need more help with organizing events, collecting donations, and spreading the word. Every bit of support makes a difference. Whether it’s sharing our mission or helping with resources, it all helps us reach more people.

    Q: What advice do you have for younger girls with big ideas?
    Talk to your parents and get them involved. Once you have that support, go for it. Don’t wait for someone else to make it happen. If you believe in your idea, take the leap.

    Q: Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?
    Right now, my favorite is:
    “I am Natyley Frias, and I will change the world someday.”

  • Meet an Idea Girl: The Wild Adventure Girls

    Meet an Idea Girl: The Wild Adventure Girls

    Meet an Idea Girl: The Wild Adventure Girls
    Angelina (9), Scarlett (8), and Annabella (7) – Content Creators from Keller, Texas

    These three spirited sisters are inspiring kids around the world through their fast-growing YouTube channel, The Wild Adventure Girls. With curiosity, creativity, and contagious energy, they’re showing that it’s never too early to chase big dreams.

    Q: What is The Wild Adventure Girls all about?
    Our show is all about having fun, learning new things, and going on exciting adventures. We want to inspire other kids to explore, laugh, and discover the world around them. Every episode is packed with cool experiments, silly moments, and things that make people smile.

    Q: How did you come up with the idea for your YouTube channel?
    We’ve always loved going on adventures together, whether it’s fishing, biking, or just playing outside. Our mom helped us come up with the idea to turn those moments into a show on YouTube. We believe it’s never too early to start working toward your dreams, so we just went for it.

    Q: What kinds of activities are you involved in outside of filming?
    We love fishing with our dads, horseback riding, dancing, going for bike rides, and doing gymnastics. And of course, creating videos for our channel!

    Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
    Angelina & Scarlett: Fishing is a favorite for both of us. We love spending weekends with our dads, being outside, and catching fish. We also enjoy horseback riding, biking, and dancing.
    Annabella: I love gymnastics, bike rides, and just having fun playing with my sisters.

    Q: What are your dream jobs?
    Angelina: I want to be an actress, host a top kids’ show, and design my own fashion line. I also love kids and animals—and I want to have my own fishing show one day.
    Annabella: I want to be a makeup artist and create my own makeup brand.
    Scarlett: I want to be an actress too, and have a hit show. I also dream of launching a fashion line and hosting a fishing channel.

    Q: Have you faced any challenges along the way?
    Yes! In the beginning, we were called The Discovery Girls, but we had to change our name because a magazine already had it. That’s when we became The Wild Adventure Girls, and we even trademarked our name.

    Each episode is also its own challenge, we’re always doing new things that push us to try harder. But we work as a team and never give up.

    Q: What exciting things have happened since launching your channel?
    So many amazing things! We’ve been contacted twice by the NBC show Little Big Shots, and we’ve met tons of incredible people. One summer, we flew to New York City for a big YouTube event called Blogger Bash. While we were there, we got to meet the Blue Man Group, watch their show, and even received a signed canvas they made during the performance. They gave us one of their drumsticks, too!

    We’ve made wonderful friends and now have an amazing team helping us make each episode happen.

    Q: What support do you need right now?
    We’d love help getting the word out about our channel. More kids discovering The Wild Adventure Girls means more smiles, more laughs, and more learning.

    Q: What advice would you give other girls with big ideas?
    Just start. You don’t have to know everything right away, we learned as we went. Believe in your dreams, work hard, and never let someone else tell you what you can’t do.

    Be yourself. Have fun. And remember, you really can do anything you put your mind to.

    Q: Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?
    “You can do anything you say you can, as long as you believe.”

  • Meet an Idea Girl: Miracle Olatunji

    Meet an Idea Girl: Miracle Olatunji

    Meet an Idea Girl: Miracle Olatunji
    Founder of OpportuniME | Youth Entrepreneur | Public Speaker

    Q: What is the idea or project you’re working on?
    I’m currently building OpportuniME, a mission-driven startup that helps high school students, counselors, and schools efficiently find high-quality opportunities—things like internships, enrichment programs, volunteer work, and research experiences.

    The name has meaning. The “ME” in OpportuniME represents self-discovery. That’s a key part of the platform—helping students discover who they are and what excites them.

    While we continue to develop the full web platform, I currently run a weekly newsletter every Wednesday night that features curated, vetted opportunities for students across the country.

    Q: How did you come up with your idea?
    It started with my own frustration. I spent hours online trying to find meaningful opportunities as a high school student and found the process stressful and time-consuming. I wondered if other students were struggling the same way, so I conducted a nationwide market research survey.

    The results confirmed my suspicion—students across the country were experiencing the same problem. The most common issues included lack of access to centralized information, inability to verify the quality of opportunities, outdated counselor resources, and simply not having the time to search.

    That’s when I realized I had to do something. OpportuniME was created to solve that problem.

    Q: What challenges have you faced and how have you handled them?
    The biggest challenge has been balancing school and launching a company. Both are really important to me, and managing my time well has been essential.

    I use tools like Google Calendar, my Bloom Vision planner, and a physical calendar on my wall to stay organized and manage everything I’m committed to.

    Q: What are some of the good things that have come from your idea?
    One of the most rewarding things is hearing that I’ve inspired someone. That’s incredibly meaningful to me.

    I’ve looked up to Oprah Winfrey for years—her story of overcoming adversity reminds me that anything is possible. Before one of my speaking events, the emcee leaned over and said, “I’m only going to use your first name. Like Oprah. That’s going to be you.” That moment stayed with me.

    Since starting OpportuniME, I’ve been invited to speak at events hosted by schools, companies, and nonprofits. I’ve had the chance to share my thoughts on entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating opportunity—topics I care deeply about.

    Q: What support do you still need for your idea?
    Marketing and awareness are key. Like many new ventures, OpportuniME needs help getting in front of the right people—students, schools, educators, and potential collaborators.

    I’m also looking to grow the team so we can move faster on product development, increase our impact, and begin generating revenue. Anyone interested in contributing, partnering, or sharing the mission would be incredibly helpful.

    Q: What is your ultimate dream job?
    I’d love to be the CEO of a global company—hopefully one that I’ve built. My dream role would allow me to travel often, meet interesting people, and work on meaningful problems that make a difference in people’s lives.

    Q: What are some activities you’re involved in?
    I’m the Vice President of my school’s Business Professionals of America chapter, and I write for a few youth-focused publications. I serve as an ambassador for the Diamond Challenge, which is the largest global entrepreneurship pitch competition for high school students.

    I also work with Headbands of Hope as a Headband Hero, where every headband sold supports a child with cancer. I’m part of the Conscious Capitalism community as well, which promotes advancing humanity through ethical business practices.

    Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies?
    Travel is a big one. It gives me new perspectives and helps me build empathy. I also love reading, writing, and creating—whether it’s through content, design, or starting something new.

    Public speaking is another passion. I speak on topics like diversity, entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, productivity, and purposeful leadership. It’s a way to share ideas, connect with people, and keep developing my communication skills.

    Q: What advice do you have for younger girls who have an idea?
    First, understand that your ideas, thoughts, and dreams matter. You don’t need to wait for permission to get started.

    The next step is to take action. That part is challenging—but it’s also where the growth and magic happen. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Seek advice. And remember:

    Seize the opportunities that exist, but don’t hesitate to create the ones that don’t.

  • Cool School Supplies From Amazon

    Women’s History Month is the perfect time to honor the incredible women in our lives and celebrate the trailblazers who paved the way. This gift guide is designed to help you find the perfect present that not only delights but also empowers, inspires, and supports women. From books that tell her-story to products from innovative, women-owned businesses, here are our top picks.

    Books by & About Inspiring Women

    Give the gift of inspiration with stories of resilience, power, and courage.

    • “Becoming” by Michelle Obama: A powerful and intimate memoir from the former First Lady of the United States.
    • “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai: The remarkable story of a young woman who stood up for education and changed the world.
    • “We Should All Be Feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: A personal and powerful essay on what feminism means today.
    • “Girl, Woman, Other” by Bernardine Evaristo: This Booker Prize-winning novel follows the lives of 12 interconnected characters, mostly Black British women.
    • “The Moment of Lift” by Melinda French Gates: An urgent call to action for women’s empowerment and a look at the issues holding women back.

    Wearable Inspiration

    Let her wear her power on her sleeve (or around her neck) with these stylish and meaningful accessories.

    • Inspirational Jewelry: Necklaces and bracelets with feminist symbols or empowering messages are a beautiful way to show support. Maison Miru, an AAPI woman-owned business, offers a dainty feminist charm necklace.
    • Graphic Tees & Sweatshirts: Make a statement with apparel that features quotes from inspiring women or slogans like “Smash The Patriarchy.” Lingua Franca offers hand-embroidered sweatshirts with phrases like “Give a Damn”.
    • Iconic Socks: Fun and colorful socks featuring feminist icons like Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Jane Austen add a pop of personality to any outfit.
    • Tote Bags: A practical and stylish gift, tote bags with feminist alphabet designs or empowering messages are perfect for carrying books, groceries, and dreams.

    Empowering Decor for Her Space

    Help her create a space that inspires and motivates with these unique decor items.

    • Motivational Wall Art: Surround her with words of encouragement with bold typographic prints and inspirational quotes.
    • Art Prints by Female Artists: Support women in the arts by gifting a print from a contemporary female artist.
    • Iconic Posters: Posters featuring historical figures like Rosie the Riveter or quotes from influential women are a powerful addition to any room.
    • Engraved Nameplate: A “Get It, Girl” or other custom nameplate adds a touch of fun and motivation to her desk.

    Gifts from Women-Owned Businesses

    Support female entrepreneurs and innovators by purchasing from these women-owned brands.

    • Gourmet Treats: From decadent chocolates to artisanal sauces, there are countless delicious options from women-owned food brands.
    • Handmade Goods on Etsy: Discover a treasure trove of unique, handcrafted gifts, from jewelry and apparel to home decor, made by female artisans.
    • Skincare & Wellness: Gift a moment of self-care with products from women-owned beauty and wellness brands. Options include handcrafted soaps, luxurious face masks, and relaxing bath bombs.
    • Ethical & Sustainable Products: Many women-owned businesses are committed to ethical and sustainable practices, offering everything from eco-friendly candles to apparel.

    Fun & Functional Desk Accessories

    Make her workspace a place of inspiration and productivity with these fun and feminist-friendly supplies.

    • Inspirational Pens & Pencils: Writing utensils with empowering quotes can make even the most mundane tasks a little more inspiring.
    • Unique Sticky Notes: From pads shaped like thought clouds to sets featuring Wonder Woman, fun sticky notes can help her stay organized and creative.
    • Feminist-Themed Stationery: Journals, notepads, and other paper goods with a feminist flair are both practical and empowering.
  • 50 Questions to Ask Your Tween Girl to Know What’s on Her Mind

    50 Questions to Ask Your Tween Girl to Know What’s on Her Mind

    Here is a great list of questions to ask your daughter, niece, cousin, any girl in your life to get to know her even better. These questions are also great to use when you are working with a Girls With Ideas group to get to know each other even better! 

    Ideas For How To Use The Questions

    • Ask one question each night at bedtime. She answers, then you answer! 
    • Print out the questions and cut them so each question is on a strip of paper. Put the papers in a bowl or mug and draw one out randomly to ask at dinner each night! 
    • Have a journal where a girl can write her answer to the question with the date and revisit that same question each year to see how her answers change! 
    • Together you can ask the same question to a variety of family members to see how everyone’s results different and email or text out the results to all that answered!
    • Have your girl or group of girls come up with a short skit or music video to answer the question and videotape it! 
    • If you have a group of girls you can do the  have them each read a question and pose the question to the group. This is a great way to start or end a Girls With Ideas lesson! 

    50 Questions For Tween Girls 

    1.     What is your ultimate dream job?

    2.     Where would you love to live?

    3.     What do you see yourself doing in 5 years? What about 10?

    4.     Do you have a hero and why are they your hero?

    5.     Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?

    6.     What is your best memory?

    7.     When was a time you laughed so hard you cried?

    8.     What is your absolute favorite food?

    9.     Is there anything you want to be able to do that you can’t do right now?

    10.  What makes you laugh?

    11.  Do you like to read? If so, what’s your favorite book?

    12.  How do you overcome obstacles?

    13.  What do you enjoy learning about in school?

    14.  If you could go back in time, where would you travel to?

    15.  Do you have a role model?

    16.  If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring and why?

    17.  What are your goals for this year?

    18.  Who is your favorite teacher of all time?

    19.  What would you like to learn in school?

    20.  Would you choose a different name for yourself if you could?

    21.  Do you have any bad habits?

    22.  Would you like being famous?

    23.  When you’re feeling down, what makes you feel better?

    24.  What’s your favorite sport to play?

    25.  What’s your favorite song?

    26.  If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would you watch?

    27.  Do you consider yourself a leader?

    28.  What characteristics make a good leader?

    29.  What makes a good friend?

    30.  What is one food you will never eat?

    31.  What’s something nobody would guess about you?

    32.  If there were a movie made about your life, what actor/actress would you want to play you?

    33.  If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

    34.  What are some things on your bucket list?

    35.  Are you a morning or a night person?

    36.  What is your biggest pet peeve?

    37.  If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

    38.  What is an accomplishment you’re most proud of?

    39.  If you started your own business, what would your business do?

    40.  If a genie gave you the option of five wishes over the next five years or one wish right now, which would you choose?

    41.  If you could speak another language fluently, which one would you speak?

    42.  If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

    43.  If you were president for the day, what’s the first thing you would ban or allow?

    44.  If you were to have an ice cream sundae with any toppings you wanted, what would you choose?

    45.  What is your least favorite chore?

    46.  If you were given a million dollars, what’s the first thing you would spend it on?

    47.  How would you describe your personal style?

    48.  Do people consider you to be talkative or quiet?

    49.  Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision. Are you happy with your decision?

    50.  If you could go on a two-week vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

  • How Womens History Month Started

    How Womens History Month Started

    More Than a Month: Why Celebrating Women’s History Is an Act of Power

    Every March, calendars fill with mentions of Women’s History Month. It’s a time when we see inspiring quotes from historical figures and celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of women. But what is this month really about? Where did it come from, and why is it so crucial—not just for society, but for every woman—to embrace and celebrate it?

    The answer is simple: Our history is our power. Understanding where we’ve come from illuminates the path to where we’re going.

    From a Single Day to a National Movement: How It All Started

    Like many great movements, Women’s History Month didn’t start with a grand national decree. It began with a spark at the local level, fueled by the passion of educators and activists who noticed a glaring omission in our history books.

    The story begins in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women initiated a “Women’s History Week” celebration. They chose the week of March 8th to align with International Women’s Day, a global day of recognition that has its roots in the socialist and labor movements of the early 20th century.

    The celebration was an incredible success. Schools developed special curricula, a parade was held, and community members eagerly participated in presentations and events. The idea was electric—it was clear they had tapped into a deep-seated need to see women’s contributions recognized.

    The movement quickly gained momentum. Historian Gerda Lerner and the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women’s History Alliance) were instrumental in advocating for national recognition. They, along with other organizations, lobbied Congress and the White House.

    Their persistence paid off.

    • In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week.
    • By 1987, after years of continued petitioning, Congress passed a law designating the entire month of March as Women’s History Month.

    It was a victory born from a simple, powerful idea: that the history of our nation is incomplete and inaccurate without the stories of its women.

    Why Every Woman Should Celebrate Women’s History Month

    Celebrating Women’s History Month is more than just a nod to the past. It’s an active, empowering practice for the present and future. Here’s why it matters so deeply.

    1. To Reclaim Our Narrative
    For centuries, history was written primarily by men, about men. The contributions of women—as scientists, artists, leaders, innovators, activists, and thinkers—were often minimized, ignored, or credited to their male counterparts. Women’s History Month is our chance to correct the record. By learning about figures like Katherine Johnson, the NASA mathematician who calculated flight paths for the first U.S. space missions, or Ida B. Wells, the pioneering journalist who risked her life to expose the horrors of lynching, we are reclaiming a narrative that has always been ours.

    2. To Find Inspiration in Our Collective Strength
    When you face a challenge, do you ever feel alone? History shows us that you are not. The rights and freedoms many of us have today—the right to vote, to own property, to pursue an education, to control our own bodies—were not given freely. They were fought for, tirelessly, by generations of women who faced ridicule, imprisonment, and violence. The suffragettes, the labor activists, the civil rights leaders—their resilience is our inheritance. Knowing we stand on the shoulders of such giants gives us the strength to face our own battles, big and small.

    3. “If You Can See It, You Can Be It”
    Representation is everything. When young girls (and grown women!) learn about women who have shattered ceilings, it expands their own sense of possibility. Learning about Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first female self-made millionaire, teaches us about entrepreneurship and perseverance. Learning about Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, shows us that our dreams have no limits. These stories provide the blueprints for our own ambitions.

    4. To Understand Intersectionality and Honor Every Woman’s Story
    Women’s history is not a monolith. The experiences of a white, wealthy woman in the 19th century were vastly different from those of a Black, enslaved woman, or an immigrant woman working in a factory. A true celebration of women’s history must be intersectional, honoring the stories of women of color, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and women from all socioeconomic backgrounds. It’s a time to elevate the voices of figures like Marsha P. Johnson, a key figure in the Stonewall Uprising, and Jovita Idár, a Mexican-American journalist and activist. This ensures our celebration is inclusive, accurate, and truly representative of our diverse tapestry.

    5. Because Celebrating Our History is an Act of Self-Worth
    Ultimately, celebrating Women’s History Month is an act of celebrating ourselves. It is a declaration that our stories matter, our contributions are valuable, and our presence is powerful. It connects you to a lineage of remarkable, resilient, and revolutionary women. It reminds you that you are part of an incredible legacy and that you, too, are making history every single day.

    How You Can Celebrate This Month (and Beyond)

    • Educate Yourself: Read a book by a female author, watch a documentary about a powerful woman, or listen to a podcast on women’s history.
    • Amplify Women’s Voices: Share the stories of women you admire on social media. In meetings at work, make a point to credit female colleagues for their ideas.
    • Support Women: Shop at women-owned businesses, donate to charities that support women and girls, and mentor a younger woman in your field.
    • Share Your Story: Your own history and experiences are valid and important. Share them with friends, family, or your community. You never know who you might inspire.

    Let’s make this March—and every month—a time to honor our past, celebrate our present, and build a more equitable and empowered future for all.

  • 31 Ways to Celebrate Womens History Month

    31 Ways to Celebrate Womens History Month

    March is Women’s History Month, a dedicated time to commemorate and celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of women to history, culture, and society. It’s an opportunity to learn, reflect, and take action. Here are 31 ways to honor this important month – one for every day.

    Learn and Discover

    1. Read biographies of historical women.
    2. Watch documentaries about women’s history.
    3. Explore online museum exhibits.
    4. Read books by women authors.
    5. Listen to podcasts hosted by women.
    6. Learn about the suffrage movement.
    7. Discover women in the arts.
    8. Create playlists of female musicians.
    9. Learn about women’s health history.
    10. Research influential women in your field.
    11. Follow inspiring women on social media.

    Support and Uplift

    1. Shop at women-owned businesses.
    2. Donate to charities that support women and girls.
    3. Write positive online reviews for women-owned businesses.
    4. Amplify women’s voices.
    5. Mentor young women in your community or field.
    6. Express gratitude to the women in your life.
    7. Support organizations that offer grants to female entrepreneurs.

    Get Creative and Engage

    1. Host movie nights featuring films with strong female leads.
    2. Start social media campaigns to share women’s stories.
    3. Organize trivia nights focused on women’s history.
    4. Wear purple to show solidarity.
    5. Host costume parties where guests dress as historical female figures.
    6. Create community bulletin boards for people to share stories.
    7. Write thank-you notes to women who inspire you.
    8. Attend virtual or local events celebrating the month.
    9. Cook recipes from female chefs.
    10. Start a journal to reflect on the influence of women in your life.

    Advocate and Take Action

    1. Learn about intersectionality.
    2. Advocate for gender equality.
    3. Commit to year-round support for women’s causes.
  • 5 Ways to Practice Body Positivity

    5 Ways to Practice Body Positivity

    In a world saturated with idealized images and unrealistic beauty standards, cultivating a positive relationship with one’s body is more important than ever for overall well-being. Body positivity is a movement that champions the acceptance and love of all body types, challenging societal beauty ideals and promoting a healthier relationship with ourselves. Embracing body positivity can lead to improved self-esteem, reduced stress and anxiety, and a more joyful, authentic life. Here are five powerful ways to practice body positivity and nurture a kinder, more accepting view of yourself.

    1. Speak to Yourself with Kindness

    The way we talk to ourselves matters immensely. The first and most crucial step in loving your body is to silence your inner critic. It’s common to stand in front of the mirror and focus on perceived flaws, but this internal negativity is detrimental to mental health. Instead, make a conscious effort to celebrate your body. Wake up, look in the mirror, and acknowledge every part of you with appreciation.

    When you catch yourself thinking negatively about your body, challenge those thoughts. Replace self-deprecating remarks with affirmations that focus on your strengths and what your body allows you to do. This shift in mindset from criticism to appreciation is a foundational practice in building a positive body image.

    2. Unfollow, Unfriend, and Unplug from Comparison

    Comparing yourself to others, whether it’s models in advertisements or curated images on social media, is a recipe for dissatisfaction. It’s crucial to remember that these images are often heavily edited and do not reflect reality. The models you see in ads are not what they look like in their daily lives.

    To combat this, curate your social media feed to be a positive and uplifting space. Unfollow accounts that trigger feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt and seek out those that celebrate diversity and authentic bodies. Similarly, it’s unhelpful to compare your current self to a past version of yourself. Your body is constantly changing, and the “you” from five or ten years ago is not the same person you are today.

    3. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community

    The people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our self-perception. Nurturing relationships with those who love and support you unconditionally is essential for fostering body positivity. There is nothing more affirming than being with people who uplift you and make you feel good about who you are.

    Conversely, it is vital to distance yourself from relationships that are critical or make you feel inadequate. If a friend, partner, or family member consistently makes negative comments about your appearance or points out your flaws, it may be necessary to re-evaluate that relationship. A supportive community should be a source of strength and encouragement on your journey to self-love.

    4. Recognize Your Worth Beyond the Scale

    Your weight and the size of your jeans are simply numbers; they do not define your worth as a person. It is easy to fall into the trap of letting the scale dictate your mood and self-esteem, but this is a narrow and often misleading measure of health and happiness.

    Instead of focusing on numbers, shift your attention to how you feel in your body. Learn to appreciate your size as a part of who you are. For some, getting rid of the scale altogether can be a liberating step towards breaking free from its control.

    5. Move Your Body for Joy, Not Just for Looks

    Exercise is a powerful tool for both physical and mental well-being. However, the motivation behind your movement matters. Approaching exercise with the sole intention of changing your appearance can lead to disappointment and a strained relationship with your body.

    Instead, find forms of movement that you genuinely enjoy and focus on how they make you feel. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, swimming, or practicing yoga, the goal should be to feel stronger, more energized, and more connected to your body. When you exercise for the joy of it, any physical changes that occur become a positive side effect rather than the primary goal, leading to a greater appreciation for your body’s capabilities.

  • Meet an Idea Girl Leanne Joyce

    Meet an Idea Girl Leanne Joyce

    At just 16 years old, Leanne Joyce had already achieved more than many adults , a nationally ranked jump roper, competitive swimmer, gymnast, and honors student taking multiple AP classes. But what makes her story truly remarkable is how she turned personal adversity into a nationwide mission to bring joy to sick teenagers.

    Born with a congenital heart condition , aortic valve stenosis — Leanne knew from an early age that her heart wasn’t functioning normally. Still, she led an active, athletic life until age 12, when her cardiologist delivered devastating news: she could no longer compete. The physical strain could be life-threatening, and valve replacement surgery was inevitable in her future.

    Rather than let that diagnosis define her, Leanne decided to create something meaningful. She founded Positive Impact for Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting hospitalized teens. Since its launch, the organization has raised over $64,000 to provide age-appropriate gifts to teens undergoing medical treatment, with a bold goal of hitting $100,000 by her high school graduation.

    Interview with Leanne Joyce

    by Girls With Ideas

    Girls With Ideas: Tell us about your athletic background. When did you begin training, and how far did you go in competition?

    Leanne: I began serious training for competitive jump rope at age eight. My three- and four-person teams placed second and third in several events at Nationals for our age group.

    Girls With Ideas: Were you always aware of your heart condition? Do doctors know when you’ll need surgery?

    Leanne: I was diagnosed at birth, so I grew up knowing I had a heart issue. That said, I felt healthy and never had symptoms. I have check-ups and cardiac tests twice a year, but the timeline for surgery is still uncertain.

    Girls With Ideas: How did you process being told you could no longer compete?

    Leanne: It was a total shock. Just a month before, I had competed at Nationals and felt completely fine. Sports were my world, so losing them felt like losing my identity. I was devastated and struggled to find purpose. But by the next month, October 2011, I redirected my energy into founding Positive Impact for Kids. All the drive I had for training, I put into building something new.

    Girls With Ideas: Do you still keep in touch with your teammates?

    Leanne: Definitely. Some are still my best friends. I attend local qualifiers and cheer them on. It can be bittersweet, I’m happy for their success, but part of me wishes I were competing alongside them. I draw strength from the resilience of the kids I meet through my nonprofit. They inspire me to stay positive.

    Girls With Ideas: We heard that a small gift helped you during your hospital stay. Can you tell us about it?

    Leanne: I received a $10 iTunes gift card from teenage volunteers. It made a huge impact. It reminded me that people cared about teens in the hospital, not just younger children. Most hospital donations are toys like Barbies or stuffed animals, which don’t help teens feel seen. That experience shaped the mission of Positive Impact for Kids: to support older youth with gifts that help them feel normal and valued.

    Girls With Ideas: Was it difficult to start a nonprofit as a teenager?

    Leanne: It was challenging but doable. I used LegalZoom to help with registration and learned the basics of nonprofit formation online. Since I wasn’t 18, my parents helped with the paperwork. I also reached out to experienced philanthropists for guidance.

    Girls With Ideas: Your board and advisory team are impressive. How did you build that support?

    Leanne: Most board members are trusted family friends who bring valuable skills. My advisory team includes adults I’ve met through my work in youth philanthropy. One example is Sam Beard, co-founder of the Jefferson Awards Foundation. Through their programs, I now serve on their Youth Advisory Committee and the Think Big Team, and I’m a GlobeChanger.

    Girls With Ideas: How do you balance school, your nonprofit, and personal life?

    Leanne: It’s a lot! Last year I devoted about 600 hours to my nonprofit while taking two AP classes. This year I’m taking four AP and all honors courses. It takes careful time management, but each area of my life is important to me.

    Girls With Ideas: You’ve raised an impressive amount. What’s your fundraising strategy?

    Leanne: I raise funds through donations, events, and grants. I spend a lot of time writing grant applications and planning events. Last November, I hosted a tennis fundraiser that brought in over $12,000. This year, I’m planning a similar tennis event and a 5K in December.

    Girls With Ideas: Do you think you’ll reach your $100,000 goal by graduation?

    Leanne: I believe I will, thanks to the generosity of individuals and corporations. With continued fundraising and community support, I’m confident we’ll reach it.

    Girls With Ideas: You’ve donated to hospitals in all 50 states. What’s next?

    Leanne: I’ve made donations to 83 hospitals — at least one in every state. Now, I want to go deeper. Many hospitals ask for continued support after the first donation, and I want to meet those needs. It’s heartbreaking not to have enough funding to fulfill every request. That drives me to keep pushing forward.

    Leanne Joyce’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and purpose. She turned a life-altering diagnosis into a mission to brighten the lives of hospitalized teens across the country, and she’s just getting started.