Community Exploratory Studios

“This organization and its mission of supporting young writers through workshops, mentorship, and community is near and dear to my heart. My hope is that the Alchemy Fund will provide resources for the program’s brilliant mentee writers, so that they can conjure their own versions of creative alchemy long into the future.”

“Girls Write Now reminds young women and gender-expansive creatives—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—that their voices matter, their opinions count, and they are important. Over the years, my admiration for their mission has only deepened. It’s an organization that builds confidence, provides opportunities, and offers unwavering support. ”

“I’m returning to Girls Write Now with an interesting perspective. I am a recruiter at Hearst Magazines, while also being a freelance writer outside of work hours. Before ending up on this career path, I didn’t have many connections to reach out to while forging the start of my career, but I knew Girls Write Now was a resource. While I was a mentee, I had imposter syndrome and felt like maybe I wasn’t cut out to be with other writers. But Girls Write Now gave me the confidence I needed to continue forward. When I graduated college, I was able to make a name for myself by forging connections. Overall, now I understand how to navigate a competitive landscape and network as best I can—while also holding the key to how to get a job in magazine publishing. Now that I am a mentor, I want to show my mentee that there is a place for them in this industry. My goal is to form a strong bond and use my industry knowledge, my network, and my listening skills to understand what they need most. If they are shy like me, I will help them break out of their shell, show them how to make connections in their industry of choice, so that once they make it there it’s much easier. Their own imposter syndrome may hinder them at first, but—as Girls Write Now has done for me—they’ll gain more confidence with time.”

“I bring my most authentic self to any table or any room. This means that I bring my most human self to the workplace, trusting that if I have aligned myself with the right organization, I will not meet any resistance to be who I am. If there is resistance, I am not in alignment. This understanding is what led me to Girls Write Now and what informs what I do. As a Fellow, I have advocated for what I expect from this opportunity, and in turn my strengths are properly utilized and my weaknesses fortified.”

“When I came to Girls Write Now, I was hit with unlimited sources of inspiration, and learned not only what it means to mature in my writing, but as a person as well. Joining the Career Journey turned into another moment for me to grow. I learned how to collaborate and looked for ways to fully step into a more mature, self-assured person. I engaged in candid, vulnerable conversations with Girls Write Now staff about the heavy transition from school to the ‘real world’, gaining the support system I didn’t realize I needed through Girls Write Now. Prep through my Career Journey prepared me to step into a new role as Editorial Intern at Girls Write Now. I swear I feel like crying just trying to express my gratitude.”