As part of WRITING CHANGE, ELC's initiative to advance literacy through access, advocacy, and artistic expression, The Estee Lauder Companies (ELC) recently hosted a creative writing workshop in partnership with WRITING CHANGE grantee organization WriteGirl.

As part of WRITING CHANGE, ELC's initiative to advance literacy through access, advocacy, and artistic expression, The Estee Lauder Companies (ELC) recently hosted a creative writing workshop in partnership with WRITING CHANGE grantee organization WriteGirl, an LA-based mentoring organization that encourages creativity and empowerment for girls through writing.

Amanda Gorman

Local ELC employee volunteers joined WriteGirl members and the evening's emcee, DaVida Chanel Baker, to share thought-provoking perspectives with WriteGirl alumna and ELC Global Changemaker Amanda Gorman, who spoke about the personal impact of WriteGirl during her opening remarks. 'I am thrilled to be here with The Estee Lauder Companies, which is powering possibilities for young writers through the WRITING CHANGE partnership. Programs like this one were essential in my early development as a writer. I look forward to your powerful words, because I truly do believe that words lead to actions that can change the world.'

Battling imposter syndrome, a term Gorman referenced as 'a statistically stereotyped threat, plaquing gender and racial equity,' was the evening's theme. ELC employees and members of WriteGirl participated in the event's activities with rounds of conversation and encouragement, inspiring twenty enthusiastic young writers to speak from their hearts and discuss obstacles faced within their schools, homes, and communities. Through the passion of their pens, participants brought power to their voices, illustrating experiences that inspired insights to overcome and progress.

Gorman also shared her thoughts on the importance of volunteerism. 'When I was first starting out as an activist, one of the first things I learned was the more power you give, the more your own power grows in the sense that the more I share my knowledge, the more I share my spirit and my leadership, the more of those resources I have within me to participate in my community as a full person. I think so much change can start with volunteering, showing up, thinking globally, but acting locally to get the job done.'

The event closed with an evident feeling of elevated confidence among participants and a redefined purpose to power the possibilities of the next generation of thought leaders and changemakers.

(C) 2023 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire