By Arlene Martinez-Vazquez | Administrative & Events Manager
Dear Y-WE Supporter,
In June 2015 Y-WE flipped the script on how media talks about women. Instead of focusing on what they wear, we focused on their intellect and accomplishments, using the graduation gown as a symbol for this and using the hashtag #themostbeautifulgown. We have secured $25K in matching funds and this campaign helped us raise $18,500, leaving only $6,500 to go!
Right now, we have 20 young women, 10 mentors and 7 teaching artists analyzing the fashion industry in our Summer camp Y-WE Create. There, they'll explore media literacy, the true cost of fashion, consumerism and media's representations of women. Our young women will create looks to reflect their unique personalities upcycling materials and will present them in a fashion show this Sunday (7/12) at Urban Lights Studio (8537 Greenwood Ave N, Suite 1, Seattle WA 98103). This is a free event and you are most welcome to join us, just RSVP here.
Nimco has been part of our program since 2011 and credits Y-WE with giving her the confidence to pursue her dreams. Read her story below!
NIMCO'S STORY:
Resilience is the kind of beauty that inspires.
Nimco joined Y-WE in 7th grade, when “it was one of the lowest points in my life because I was struggling academically and socially.”
Nimco has dyslexia, and was frustrated with her test results and grades. “It made me feel I was not good enough.” Nimco says Y-WE made a huge difference for her -- suddenly she was surrounded by girls who accepted and embraced her for who she was and mentors who encouraged her to explore her secret dream – to become a diplomat! This led her to take a big risk: studying abroad in China. “As a little girl, I used to watch the United Nations briefings with my dad and I dreamt of being in the same room with all these influential people someday… to become one of them…and to fight for education and equality for girls, women & people of color.”
Out of her bold new experiences, Nimco has become, in her words, “an open-minded, expressive and determined young woman.” Before Nimco heads to college this fall, she takes another step towards her dream – she is one of only 200 youth from the entire world to be invited to attend the Global Forum on Youth, Peace and Security held in Amman, Jordan.
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