ON INTERNING
SU: Why did you want to intern at Step Up?
SH: I knew I wanted to work at a nonprofit that empowered girls and women. I think I googled “nonprofit empowering girls/women nyc” and I found Step Up’s website. I loved their mission of helping under resourced teenage girls through confidence building and mentoring.
SU: How would you describe your Step Up internship in 3 words?
SH: Inspiring, well-rounded, and fast!
SU: What advice would you give to the next intern?
SH: Be proactive and don’t be nervous to ask questions and share your ideas. Everyone in the Step Up office is willing to help, and they want you to do be doing something you’re interested in.
ON LIFE
SU: Who’s your role model?
SH: Is it too predictable to say my mom? She gets things done. She is my support system, and I am very lucky to have her guidance. I also admire the fact that she has been successful in her career, but always played by her own rules.
SU: What is your favorite inspiring quote?
SH: It’s hard to choose just one when there are so many great Audre Lorde quotes. Thinking about where I am in my life right now, I’m going to go with:
“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” – Audre Lorde.
SU: What book are you reading right now?
SH: “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” By Beverly Daniel Tatum. She is a clinical psychologist explaining the development of racial identity and the role of white people in the conversation. I’m reading it for a class I’m taking this fall and I highly recommend it.
ON NEXT STEPS
SU: How do you overcome insecurity or fears when taking a risk?
SH: That’s a hard one for me because I wouldn’t consider myself much of a risk taker. If I’m taking a risk that means I am going after something I really want, and I’d rather try and fail than never try and wonder. I also take comfort in many other successful women’s stories about their nonlinear career paths. I know that if this risk doesn’t work out I will still land on my feet because I have a great support system.
SU: What do you hope to achieve in your career?
SH: Whatever I do, in whatever context or industry, I want to be making a positive social impact on people’s lives. I want to contribute to the conversation and actions in the U.S. promoting equity across race, gender, sexuality, ability, class, etc.
SU: What motivates you?
SH: I have incredibly smart and talented friends who motivate me. I am motivated by positive and progressive conversations, but I’m also motivated when I hear ignorance and hate. Sexism, racism, heterosexism, homophobia, etc. all push me to keep pursuing a career to change those systems of oppression. If those things didn’t exist, I would have to find a new passion.
