"WE TEACH GIRLS TO SHRINK THEMSELVES, TO MAKE THEMSELVES SMALLER. WE SAY TO GIRLS, YOU CAN HAVE AMBITION, BUT NOT TOO MUCH. "  ​-- CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
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As a little girl, I stumbled into an opportunity that would change the course of my life. In seventh grade, I left a world of dilapidated buildings, over-crowded classrooms, outdated textbooks, and metal detectors for a world with outdoor learning spaces, inquiry-based teaching and learning, trees for bird-watching and seminar classes.

In this new world, I learned the value of social-emotional learning and student-centered learning pedagogy. I was encouraged to unfold - in the hallways, in student-led classroom discussions and projects, on lacrosse lawns and in student-curated performances.

I came away with a deep love for learning that has taken me to an Ivy League university and law school – but one question has remained – what about the girls that I left behind? Weren’t they just as worthy?

Girls Taking Up Space is a labor of love, for which there is no greater gift. It's a chance for girls living on the margins of society to be brave, bold and unapologetic. I want our girls to speak loudly and confidently - take ownership of their learning, tell their own stories and use their resiliency to change the world. 

It's time. Take. Up. Space.

xoxo, 
​Sakeenah