Isabel Schmidt
Community Education Workshop Facilitator
There has been no shortage of strong and resilient women in my life. Growing up with two older sisters, I followed their lead, developing my ability to speak up and the capacity to advocate for what I needed. During my adolescence, I turned to female teachers and coaches for advice. Now, in college, I continue to develop deep connections with professors and mentors, all of whom are women. I am immensely grateful for the women who have been in my corner over the years and who have helped me develop my own unique voice.
I know that it is this sense of belonging that magnifies a girl’s experience of learning and growing. I seek to help create an environment where girls and women can find meaning in the connections that they establish, and where they can trust their ability to take on the challenges that come their way. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of the team at the Institute for Girls’ Development, where I can help cultivate a community of trust, respect, and fun for each girl.
Education:
- Pursuing a B.A. in Gender & Women’s Studies and Psychology, Pomona College (Expected graduation date: May 2020)
Other Experience:
- My work as a full-time staff member at Camp Merriwood for Girls in New Hampshire has demonstrated for me the reward in seeing girls learn from mistakes, nurture friendships, grow, have fun, and be themselves. With a group of girls, there is no shortage of curiosity and fun. I’m always excited to find new ways for girls to connect with themselves and each other.
Mission: My aim is to help remind girls and women of their innate power, despite what the world tells them from a young age. I do this work so that girls can learn to communicate effectively with others, advocate for their needs, be bold in the face of a challenge, and fundamentally trust themselves in each endeavor.
Pronouns: She / Her / Hers