1. What does She’s the First do?
Diana Ruiz: She’s the First is about spreading awareness about girls’ education around the world. We also hope to sponsor at least two girls so they have the chance to be the first in their family to have an education.
2. Why is educating girls important?
Samra Asghedom: Educating girls is important because everyone deserves to have the opportunity to receive an education. Education will change these girls’ lives. It can help them make a better life for themselves and their families. Education can make a huge difference in people’s lives, and to deprive someone of that opportunity just because of their gender is a waste.
Meredith Wray: You break the cycle of poverty when you educate girls in impoverished countries. It also reduces health care issues.
3. How did this club get started?
Mariana Debbe: This summer I interned for She’s the First in New York City. Working with them and their different chapters, I was inspired and decided that [having a chapter at William & Mary] was something W&M students could benefit from and that She’s the First Nationals could benefit from. Our campus is filled with students who care and students who are passionate and driven.
4. Why did you join She’s the First?
Erin Hegarty: I went to an all-girls high school, so we were very focused on the importance of educating women. It really makes a difference in people’s lives. I came into college and wanted to do something in this realm, and She’s the First fit perfectly.
Diana Ruiz: I joined because I hope to do something like this when I get out of college. I’d like to work with non-profits. One of the ways we can help developing countries is by helping with education. That’s where it all starts. It’s a plus that this is a feminist thing, too.
5. What are your goals for this year?
Mili Nadipalli: Our goal for this year is to sponsor at least two girls from two different places, but hopefully to sponsor more. Also, to spread awareness throughout campus since it’s only our first year, and to let people know who we are so we can get more members for next year.
6. What’s your favorite thing that you’ve done with the club so far?
Mili Nadipalli: I got to bake the cupcakes for our bake sale! While I was baking them, a lot of people came by and asked why I was doing it, so I got to tell them about the club. And then I got to eat them and they were really good!
Samra Asghedom: I really liked when we had the white boards and asked people what they were the first to do. It made people think about the things they take for granted, that people in other countries don’t get to experience.
Diana Ruiz: Last meeting we wrote letters to the She’s the First scholars and watched a documentary called Half the Sky. Writing to them felt more personal than anything that we’ve done so far.