Through social media and word of mouth, a woman from Oceanside, Calif., was able to spread the word as far as the University of Idaho about a video project she plans to start to inspire young girls and women. Margaret Stewart, said she was inspired with this idea through her work as a fire fighter for the Los Angeles fire department and coaching a girls club volleyball team for several years.
Stewart said she plans to get a YouTube channel started up where any woman can share any story she has that she believes would be beneficial or inspirational another young girl or woman out there.
“I think Margaret’s whole notion is that somebody out there needs to hear your story and it will help them,” said Colleen Kulesza, the UI Women’s Center’s graduate intern who is involved with helping spread the word about Stewart’s video project.
Kulesza said we look at superstars, celebrities and sports figures as role models.
“This isn’t always a bad thing, but the everyday woman can be a tremendous role model as well,” she said.
Stewart said she hopes that this channel can be a place for young girls and women to come and find others who have faced difficulties, made decisions, confronted fears and embraced changes.
“Some of these girls may not have any positive role models in their lives and I would like this channel to be place where they are able to find a role model because I know I didn’t have a whole lot of that growing up,” Stewart said.
As of now Stewart is not sure yet what she plans to name the YouTube channel, but she plans to make it within the next few weeks.
“It takes very little time and commitment and it could have a huge impact on people who view the videos,” Kulesza said.
Kulesza said any UI student or Moscow community member interested in making a video and sharing any story they believe could help young women can contact her at the Women’s Center.
“This is all just about helping people connect,” Stewart said. “I know that young girls always need someone to talk to.”
Iris Alatorre can be reached at [email protected]