Jordana was honored as one of Glamour’s 20 Amazing Young Women at the 2010 Glamour Women of the Year Awards. Read about the other honorees here.
Name:
Jordana Alter Confino
Age:
20
Year in school and school:
Junior, Yale University
Your email address:
Jordana.confino@yale.edu
Your website:
www.girlslearn.org
Your “claim to fame” – aka why you were part of Glamour’s 20 Amazing Young Women!:
I am the co-founder of Girls Learn International, Inc.
What are you doing to change the world?
Girls Learn International, Inc. involves American students (middle school, high school and college) in the effort for universal girls’ education and human rights.
What was your inspiration for this?
Learning about the wide range of human rights violations and social injustice that girls are confronting around the world. A central theme is girls’ disproportionate lack of access to quality education.
What is a quotation or message that drives you?
“She’s gonna listen to her heart. It’s gonna tell her what to do” (Tom Petty)
What has been your proudest accomplishment so far?
Forming a national movement of young American women involved in issues impacting young women around the world.
At what one point did you really feel like you’d made an impact?
In 2006 when we hosted a Girls Learn International Summit at which we presented LeadHer Awards to Hillary Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Mukhtar Mai, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Cinde Leive. Forty Girls Learn members spoke at the event which was attended by approximately 500 people.
What would you say was the “coolest” moment in your life thus far?
Co-moderating a panel on global girls’ issues with Katie Couric in the Ecosoc Chamber of the United Nations (at the 51st Session of the Commission on the Status of Women).
What is a challenge you’ve faced while trying to achieve your goals?
Our biggest challenge has been raising the necessary funds to build our organization to respond to the growing number of requests for new American Chapters and new Partner School relationships.
If someone gave you a million dollars to benefit your cause (or your research, your company, etc.) what would you use it for?
Expanding our network of Chapters throughout North America and matching each new Chapter with a Partner School in a country in which girls have traditionally been denied access to quality education or in which girls tend to leave school without completing a secondary education. This expansion would include expanding our wonderful program, increasing opportunities for cross-cultural communication between Girls Learn Chapters and Partner Schools and extending our reach onto college and university campuses.
In 10 years I hope…
that the gender gap in education will be closed throughout the world and that girls human rights will be protected so that no girls will be the victims of sex trafficking, child marriage, honor killings or fgm.
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing this?
Working with another human rights organization, such as EqualityNow.
What 3 adjectives would people use to describe you?
caring, outgoing, friendly
What is your biggest weakness?
I can be too trusting and am disappointed when people violate that trust.
Who is your hero and why?
My mother because she is the most accomplished, determined, selfless, and loving woman I know.
What do you like to do outside of your work?
Spend time with friends, go to the beach, go out for Asian-fusion food, dance
Which of this year’s Glamour WOTY award winners would you most like to meet and why?
Dr. Hawa Abdi because I think that what she and her daughters are doing to help the Somali refugees displays tremendous bravery and dedication.
What was your favorite part of Glamour’s WOTY Awards?
Being introduced by Chelsea Clinton and getting my picture taken with Fergie.
What did you wear to Glamour’s WOTY Awards?
A cocktail dress designed by Sachim + Babi
Who did you bring as your guest to Glamour’s WOTY Awards?
My grandmother.
Who do you think should win a Glamour WOTY Award next year?
Fiona Wood. She is a burn doctor from Perth, Australia who is working on burn prevention and first aid education in the developing world.
What is your favorite thing about Glamour magazine?
I admire Glamour magazine because it addresses important issues at the same time as being a great fashion magazine.
What does “glamour” mean to you?
Having a sense of style at the same time as personal integrity.
How does it feel to be honored as one of Glamour Magazine’s 20 young women who are already changing the world?
It is very exciting and a great honor.
What advice would you give to our college women readers?
Work hard, have fun, and remember that you are part of a very big world where you can make a difference.