When it comes to girl power, it doesn’t get more empowering than She’s the First. STF, an organization that raises money for girls education in developing countries, was founded seven years ago on Nov 1. They have been changing the world by empowering girls through education because they believe “a girl with education is unstoppable.”
Female scholars from all over the world have been supported by hardworking chapters throughout the country. What makes STF unique is that when chapters raise money for a scholar, it means they can provide for her throughout her entire education. Chapters support scholars not only through paying for her education, but also by writing her letters though their pen pal program.
Lasell’s chapter, founded three years ago, has quickly moved up the ranks to become a platinum level chapter. Through two major fundraisers — Bake a Change, a tie-dye cupcake sale in the fall, and Sweat for STF, a half-marathon in the spring — Lasell’s chapter has come to sponsor seven scholars from four low-income countries. STF supports 11 countries and more than 800 girls, and Lasell’s scholars are from Uganda, Nepal, and Peru. They are also happy to announce they raised enough money in their Bake a Change cupcake sale to sponsor a new scholar in Tanzania.
STF inspires girls to not only to work hard for themselves and value their education, but also to work harder for each other.
“She’s the First has opened my eyes up to the power of education and the hope female empowerment generates for worldwide movements,” said Marge Stracuzzi, president of STF Lasell. “Because of She’s the First, my mind has become more open and my heart has become full. It has motivated me to spread peace, love, and equality to all aspects in my life, and I could not be more grateful for that.”
Each and every STF member is passionate about the change they make in and out of the club, many taking their efforts internationally to countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and Honduras.
“To me, She’s the First provides me with the ability to continue to serve and feel connected with inspiring and deserving girls like those I met during the Tanzania Shoulder to Shoulder program,” said senior Bri Wrubleski. Their dedication to the cause speaks volumes to the importance of their mission.
Malala Yousafzai once said, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution,” and STF won’t stop until every girl is educated.
To learn more about She’s the First and how you can get involved on campus please feel free to check out their social media, @stflasell on Twitter and Instagram, facebook.com/stflasell and visit the website, shesthefirst.org to learn more about the cause. Join the chapter or come out to support them at their next event – a hot cocoa sale at the end of November!
All Photos provided by author