Empowering Women, Inspiring Greatness:
The girl behind “ I Am That Girl” – Abbey Clark
There are lots of strong and ambitious women at BC, but Abbey Clark is certainly one to watch out for. It seems there’s no stopping this senior Human Development major, who recently made the switch to begin pursuing marketing to foster her creative and eager spirit. Abbey is just one of the many girls who have benefited from the up-and-coming non-profit organization “I Am That Girl,” which caters to the ambitious, open hearted, and entrepreneurial minded.
“It’s really cool because we’ve watched the organization grow,” said Abbey Clark, BC chapter leader, speaking of her and her older sister. “We both heard about the organization early on in high school, and it was kind of a guiding light that provided me with inspiration during that time.” Abbey didn’t really become actively involved with “I Am That Girl” until college, but she’s always had her eye on the organization, the mission, as well as its efforts. And, for a good reason.
The non-profit focuses on things like community, and ideals such as “turning self-doubt into self-love.”
“Our conversations are always really powerful, and we get a lot out of our discussions,” said Abbey. “And we’re happy to welcome anybody who wants to come.” The club meets weekly, every Thursday night, in the lounge in Rubenstein Hall. Abbey says it’s a great forum for discussion, and a great chance for the girls involved to get to know each other on a personal level.
“One of our biggest concepts is community… we really focus on the concept of collaboration instead of competition.” A profound thought, especially in this day and age, on such an academically competitive and prestigious college campus. “It’s really about working together, and bringing out the best in everyone,” said Abbey. “That is how we truly succeed.”
The organization even has a handbook, presenting those interested with different ideals and concepts that “I Am That Girl,” abbreviated ‘IATG,’ likes to stand behind.
“We talk about everything from roommate troubles, to family life, to academic pressures—truly everything a college woman would face.” The concept of IATG has become a great tool here on the Boston College campus, and beyond, catering to the needs, desires, and ambitions of young women—-and its growing.
If you visit their website, www.iamthatgirl.com, you will see a whole host of possibilities for involvement, ranging from starting a new chapter, video clips, and even the premise of the campaign “That Girl Rocks.”
When asked, Abbey had much to say about this campaign. It’s safe to say that this promotional campaign, many of which happen yearly for IATG, was the jumping off point for Abbey. “My sister actually submitted a video for me to this campaign. I was pretty taken aback when it got noticed, I really wasn’t looking to get anything out of it, and neither was she.”
Well, thank God for social media, as this campaign is what sparked Abbey to begin the new chapter at BC. “I just loved the way it was all about building up women. It was a source of inspiration for me, and I knew it would be for others as well.”
Abbey was excited to announce what she hopes to be the beginning of a great tradition here at BC of women, inspiration, community, and empowerment. “It’s really a great forum for discussion, and an outlet for all of us women to get together and talk about things that really matter to us.”
This year, IATG had a spot at student activities day, and was extremely well-received. “This summer we went through the process to register as a club, and we received over 100+ emails after the involvement fair was over.”
It is safe to say that “I Am That Girl” is certainly a non-profit organization on the rise—and it’s making headway quickly. With a new and successful chapter here at BC, and many more cropping up all around the collegiate landscape, there’s no telling where it will go, but it will undoubtedly go far.
“I just want to reach out and help other people. Social causes and community-oriented things are my passion, and I think IATG is not only a great outlet for me, but for everyone else who becomes involved.”
Abbey Clark is the Local Chapter President/Founder
LSOE ’14
Human Development and English major
She has great interest in the field of marketing, and hopes to continue pursuing a career in the creative and dynamic world of social activism and non-profits.
With further interest or questions, visit www.iamthatgirl.com , ‘Like’ the page on Facebook, or follow the happenings on Twitter.