Raising My Voice with Women’s Rights Advocates: Taylor’s Story

Recently, GLOW Club member Taylor from Detroit had the incredible opportunity to moderate discussions with influential women’s rights advocates on the topics of mental health and representation in media. A determined women’s rights advocate herself with a passion for justice and entrepreneurship, Taylor shares what she learned from the experience and how it informed her future advocacy plans. 

Hi, I’m Taylor—student leader, entrepreneur, advocate, and believer in the power of community. I’m 17 years old. My passion for empowering young women has taken me on an incredible journey, most recently to moderating panels on women’s mental health and representation with Global Girls Glow in New York City and Los Angeles. Through these experiences, I’ve discovered that our voices are our most powerful tools for change.

GLOW Club: A Community of Empowerment

At my high school, our GLOW Club chapter is a vibrant community where strong, passionate girls work together to make a difference. Led by our mentor, Ms. Lisa Brooks, we’ve built a sisterhood rooted in trust, collaboration, and action. Whether we’re organizing a blood drive with the Red Cross or preparing for Socks for Seniors—where we’ll deliver socks, slippers, and smiles to nursing home residents—GLOW Club is more than a club; it’s a family.

Through GLOW, I’ve made lifelong friendships and learned the value of empathy and teamwork. Ms. Brooks has been an incredible role model, encouraging us to take on leadership roles and make our voices heard. One lesson I’ll always carry with me is the importance of showing up—not just for yourself, but for others. It’s in those shared moments of action that we find our strength.

Leadership Roles and the Power of Connection

Taylor is the Chief Editor of her school newspaper and the founder of Resené Beauty.

Outside of GLOW Club, I wear many hats as a leader. I’m the Chief Editor of my school newspaper, captain of the debate team, and the founder of Curls Corner, a club dedicated to celebrating natural hair and fostering a supportive space for young girls. In these roles, I’ve learned to lead with both confidence and compassion, creating environments where everyone feels heard and valued.

One of my proudest accomplishments is founding Resené Beauty, my vegan, all-natural skincare business. What started as a passion project has grown into a platform for promoting self-care and confidence. Through Resené Beauty, I’ve connected with people from all walks of life, sharing the message that beauty starts from within. Being a young entrepreneur has taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to your mission, even when faced with challenges.

Moderating Panels with Women’s Rights Advocates: Using My Voice to Inspire

When I was selected by Global Girls Glow to moderate two panels in two different cities on women’s mental health in celebration of International Day of the Girl, it was literally a dream come true. 

In New York, I had the honor of facilitating a conversation with incredible women like Danielle Kwateng, Executive Editor of Teen Vogue,  Dr. Kathy Pike, founder of Columbia University’s Mental Health Program, and Angela Lindvall, Model and Actress. The energy in the room was electric, and the stories shared by the panelists and the audience were deeply moving. One of the biggest lessons I learned that day was that we are far more connected than we realize—our struggles and triumphs are universal.

Taylor with panelists and influential women’s rights advocates Angela Lindvall, Danielle Kwateng, and Dr. Kathy Pike.

In Los Angeles, the experience was equally unforgettable. At L’Oréal’s headquarters, I shared my journey as a young entrepreneur before moderating a panel featuring Joy Donnell, Dr. Izdihar Jamil, and Maryam Banikarim. Their insights were profound, and the standing ovation from the crowd reminded me of the power of shared stories and collective inspiration.

Using my voice to inspire other women was humbling and exhilarating. To see their eyes light up with a sense of connection and hear their questions made me realize that sharing my experiences could spark courage and confidence in others. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe…a mix of pride, gratitude, and an even deeper commitment to creating spaces where girls feel empowered to follow their dreams. It’s moments like these that remind you how impactful your voice can be when it’s used for the greater good.

Looking Ahead: My  Future in Advocacy

Taylor plans to become a civil rights lawyer to fight for equity and justice.

These experiences have solidified my passion for advocacy and using my voice to uplift others. Whether through expanding Resené Beauty, empowering young women through Curls Corner, or leading initiatives like GLOW Club, I am dedicated to creating spaces where girls feel seen, heard, and inspired to pursue their dreams.

In the future, I plan to attend Michigan State University, majoring in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, with the goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer committed to fighting for equity and justice.

To anyone reading this, know that your voice matters. Speak up for what you believe in, build supportive communities, and never be afraid to chase your dreams. Together, we can create a world where every girl feels empowered to lead, grow, and glow. Thank you for being part of my journey!

Global Girls Glow mentors girls around the world to become powerful advocates and confident leaders. Since inception, our GLOW Clubs have ignited the power of over 91,000 girls to do 3 transformative things: increase their confidence, strengthen their voice, and build their power. Support incredible girl advocates like Taylor by investing in the transformative power of mentorship at globalgirlsglow.org/donate.