Name: Jacquelyn Hoza
Major: Sociology and Women’s Studies
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Jacquelyn Hoza has had a variety of leadership roles and opportunities during her three years at UF, but She’s the First, is the one that means the most. During a trip to India she was able to see first hand the disadvantages girls around the world deal with, solidifying the importance of a young girl’s education. On campus though, she works hard to spread the messages of She’s the First and women empowerment.
Her Campus: What is ‘She’s the First’?
Jacquelyn Hoza: “She’s the First is a nonprofit that funds girls’ education in low income countries through scholarships that provide funding for all aspects of their education. She’s the First is dedicated to quality education so the scholarships also fund the girls’ housing, transportation, books and school materials if needed. She’s the First has a variety of campus chapters around the country that raise funds and are then matched with scholars from She’s the First partner schools around the world. She’s the First UF is currently able to sponsor 5 girls from various countries.”
HC: How did you become involved with the organization?
JH: “I became involved with the organization because I was involved with a similar organization called Girl Up in high school. I wanted to continue spreading awareness about how crucial it is to provide girls with an education and I was lucky enough to find She’s the First during my first semester! I was extremely lucky to get a leadership position during my first semester with She’s the First and I’ve been dedicated to the organization ever since.”
HC: How has the UF chapter been involved in such a large and important organization?
JH: “This past year we were one of the top 10 chapters for fundraising. We are constantly in touch with the She’s the First headquarters to promote our mission and carry out national campaigns. We promote each campaign through our social media and also through a variety of events that we hold each year. Each year we also attend the national She’s the First Summit held in New York City where members from around the country come to share ideas, empower each other and gain more knowledge on what it means to be part of She’s the First.”
HC: What kind of events is the organization involved in locally?
JH: “We have an annual fundraiser with Patticakes for bake a change where we make tie-dye cupcakes. She’s the First members help make the cupcakes and Patticakes sells them at their stores. Additionally, every other Wednesday we have a volunteer program set up with Girls Place where members can help girls with their homework at the after school program.”
HC: Why do you think that having an organization specifically focused on young girls education is important, especially now?
JH: “I think it’s important because there are still 50 million girls who aren’t able to receive an education. That’s an astonishing number when you also consider that in low income countries, many boys are provided with an education but girls are discouraged or stopped altogether. This is a huge issue that perpetuates sexism and inequality around the world. We can’t fight gender inequality without looking at the root cause, which often starts when girls aren’t provided with the same opportunities as boys.”
HC: How does education, not only impact the girls themselves – but everyone around them?
JH: “Essentially when girls are given equal access to education they are able to stop the cycle of poverty because they earn 20% more per year of schooling they attend. Also girls’ are more likely to stay in their hometown or return home after completing their education which allows them to start local businesses or help their families escape the cycle of poverty. Furthermore, they are less likely to marry early and have children at a young age. Girls won’t need to rely on marriages for financial support and can delay having children early in their lives so when they do want to get married and have children, it can be a healthy and stable decision for her. When we educate girls, we are changing global economies which then in turn creates an equal society for all.”
HC: Do you have any advice for young women who may be afraid to go after something?
JH: “I know I’m frequently comparing myself to others that I sometimes forget how capable I am. I do have times where I feel like things are out of reach but it’s a natural thought for most young women due to societal pressures that all women face. My biggest piece of advice is to always remember that nothing is out of reach. I know that is a very simplified answer but when I’m going for a new opportunity, I always go for it as if I already it. Half of the effort required to reach a goal is to believe in yourself that you already have it. Also having a strong female role model or mentor is extremely important. I wouldn’t be anywhere without my mentors because they are empowered women that remind me of my own strength everyday.”
HC: How have you been impacted personally by your involvement?
JH: “She’s the First has drastically changed how I view myself as a leader and has enhanced my understanding of social issues around the world. This organization has given me the opportunity to try a variety of different roles and develop my own leadership style. I never thought that I would be comfortable running meetings about feminism and economic disparities but now it’s the highlight of my week. This organization has connected me to an amazing group of people that inspire me everyday. I am constantly surrounded by intelligent and courageous women who open up my mind and make me look outside of my own views to better understand things like intersectional feminism or body issues in different cultures.”
Photos courtesy of: Jacquelyn Hoza