Your Membership Matters to Claudia!
Why did you join Step Up?
I joined Step Up because I was young and without guidance. Step Up was a place for community, where I could nurture my (at the time) young mind.
How has Step Up made an impact in your life?
Step Up has broken down barriers in myself that I once had. It gave me the opportunity to have a clear visual of what it meant to come up as a young woman of color in academics and in the professional world. Through Step Up, I gained the ability to engage in dialogues about topics I used to find intimidating or uncomfortable, and learned how to navigate new ones with a humbling and clear sense of self.
Tell us about a memorable Step Up moment
One of the most memorable moments in Step Up was on the Bay Area College Tour. The vibe was amazing, having such powerful and unquestionably strong young women in one trip. But something I'll never forget was a piece of wisdom my mentor shared with me. During the trip, I said, "Wow, I feel like I can really change the world here (being my first trip outside LA)! There's so many resources." And she responded with, "You can change the world from anywhere, because you are the nucleus of your universe." That single statement is and was one of the most empowering and raw statements an adult has ever told me. And with that, my entire head grounded and wrapped itself around the time I was sharing with all these beautiful souls. I realized the impact that was to come if we continued to advocate for ourselves, regardless of location or institutionalized limitations. (Thank you, Ebony!)
This is me in three words!
I am unapologetic, queer and fierce.
Inspire teens, like Claudia, to reach their full potential and donate to become a Step Up member or renew your membership. As a member you have the opportunity to mentor Step Up teens as often as you can and help our teens become confident, college-bound, career-focused, and ready to join the next generation of professional women!
