She’s the First, a nationwide organization with more than 40 chapters at college and high school campuses, will found a chapter at Hopkins this semester. Originally formed in Nov. 2009, the organization is based in New York City; it works to sponsor girls’ education in developing countries with the hope that they will become the first in their families to graduate secondary school.
Since its formation, She’s The First has helped hundreds of girls around the world receive an education. The organization aims to find creative and innovative ways to raise money, especially utilizing social media to raise awareness.
The Hopkins chapter of She’s the First was started by sophomore Rebecca Weinberg. Jill Paulson has been designated as the chapter’s faculty advisor.
“As a girl, I related to the organization. . .I really value the fact that I was always able to go to school,” Weinberg said. “Being at Hopkins obviously is a wonderful opportunity and I wanted other people to have the same opportunity.”
The organization is currently in its early stages and is planning to gain more involvement over the course of the academic year.
“It’s very early in the process,” Weinberg said. “We have our executive board, which is six people, and our faculty advisor. And then I would say we have fifteen to twenty other people who want to be involved with planning.”
The immediate goal of the Hopkins chapter is to see one hundred to one hundred fifty undergraduate students take part in its first event. Multiple events, however, have been scheduled to take place each semester.
“There’s going to be two fundraising events each semester that we’re really excited about — a 5K that we’re going to organize and cupcake decorating and selling,” Weinberg said. “All the proceeds will go to She’s the First.”
The first official meeting for the Hopkins chapter was held on Wednesday. Weinberg strongly encourages any interested student to consider taking part in the organization.
“I don’t think anyone could argue it’s not a worthwhile organization. Everyone here has to value education to some degree because we’re here, so I hope that it has a really big presence, and I hope that people want to get involved.”
Although founding a new club on campus comes with its share of risks and challenges, Weinberg feels that she has received positive feedback and support from the start.
“There’s always the concern that no one is going to be interested, but I sent out a really long email to a lot of different people. . .once I knew that people were interested and saw the importance, it was really easy,” Weinberg said.
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