Kelsey Gringer, Chapter Leader of Drexel’s I Am That Girl
How do you go from attending your first meeting at one of the world’s biggest up-and-coming women’s empowerment organizations to starting your own Philadelphia chapter three days later? With a heck of a lot of passion and ambition! Just ask Kesley Gringer, the chapter leader of Drexel’s I Am That Girl.
I Am That Girl is a multinational organization spearheading social empowerment for girls and young women through an online community and local chapter meetings. I Am That Girl teaches young women how to snap out of the competition-centered mindset of pop culture and how to embrace and honor what it really means to “be yourself.” Kelsey is the leader of Philadelphia’s only chapter, right here on campus! As chapter leader, she facilitates a chill and casual environment for weekly meetings, but this position also comes with some very important responsibilities. “My job is essentially to make the girls feel welcome and comfortable, as well as ensure that the conversations and activities are being approached with respect and open minds,” Kelsey said.
Kelsey also emphasizes how I Am That Girl has helped her develop on a more personal level. ”I notice when I say or think something judgmental about myself or someone else, and immediately correct myself. …Being That Girl, in my opinion, is not only an attitude, it’s a mindset. This movement is all about accepting, loving and being yourself, and that is what I love: to be learning myself and to see that mindset being taught to these girls!” she said. Her open mind and genuine passion to see the message of I Am That Girl reach as many young women as possible is what makes Kelsey an active and engaged leader to the women in this student organization.
Being in charge of setting the social atmosphere can seem a little intimidating, but Kelsey is amazed at how leading other women has helped her grow as a member of the Drexel community. “[It] has opened my eyes to an entirely new group of people and ideas that I didn’t really know anything about. …They are all so inspirational in their own ways and are constantly sharing things they are seeing and thinking [about],” she said. With such a diverse population of women at Drexel, across all majors and interests, weekly meetings also help members step out of their social circles and gain valuable insight from others’ opinions and experiences.
When she isn’t making milestones in social empowerment, chances are Kelsey is out on campus doing something equally as awesome. She’s usually taking classes for her graphic design major or helping Campus Activities Board (CAB) plan a cool event. She is also part of the Drexel Equestrian Team, and enjoys a leisurely city bike ride. Just like the rest of us, Kelsey loves spending time with her friends and catching a breath (and maybe even some sleep!) when she can.
If you’re interested in being a part of this incredible group of women, check out their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-AM-That-GIRL-Drexel-University/257074304493076 for all the latest information, or drop by MacAlister 2019 Mondays at 7:30 pm.