As a 30-something woman I still can get as ridiculously excited as a 4 year old child. And if there was anything to jump up and down about it’s how, in about two weeks, Get Smart has reached young women all across this country and attracted a team of 11 virtual (and some in person) interns.

The recruitment process was nothing short of invigorating. As each of these young women told me their stories and why they wanted to be part of our mentoring internship, each one was as uniquely inspiring as the next. And how did we get to this level? We were brought here by one of our former interns, now Intern Program Coordinator Mia James. An organization is only as solid as what it inspires others to do. Mia approached me at the end of the summer to really kick this internship into high gear and start growing the program. None of this would have been possible without her enthusiasm, grace, and brilliance. Mia is a graduate student at NYU pursuing a masters in High Education and Student Affairs. She is employed by NYU as a graduate assistant for new and transitioning student programs. She is also a trailblazer, a beautiful beacon of light inside and out, and a gift to Get Smart! Because of her, please meet the following 11 young women we are proud to now call “Get Smart Gals.”

Meet Sheri, Caitlin, Nicole, and Diandra

Sheri: Hello all! I am a full time student at Full Sail University studying for a Masters in Creative Writing. I live in NYC with my 2 sons and husband. I love to write. I am a published author under my publishing company Diamond Studded Publications. I hope to motivate and inspire any one who needs to be encouraged. I wish I had a mentor growing up!

Caitlin: I am absolutely ecstatic to be a part of this group of women. I’m a senior at The College of New Jersey and a Women’s and Gender Studies Major. I would very much like to work for a non-profit much like Get Smart one day. I love the way Get Smart utilizes that forum to spread their message.  I love reading, listening to music and drinking coffee…yes I definitely count that as a hobby! Although I suppose at 22 years old I’m considered an “adult”, I love One Direction, boy bands, and all things pop culture!

Erin: I’m so happy to work on a more than worthy cause with such a wonderful group of women. I’m a graduate student in the English department at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. When I’m not looking at student papers or doing research, I am failing miserably at flamenco, reading anything that has nothing to do with American literature, quilting (like a boss), getting lost on clearly marked nature trails, tracking the St. Louis Cardinals. I appreciate Get Smart Mentoring’s mission and the genuinely positive approach to empowering and inspiring young women. The ability to unite women from all regions and walks of life into an active community has so much potential to change so many things!

Johanna: I’m so excited to be a part of the team! I’m currently a senior at Montclair State University. I’m an English major with minors in Creative Writing and Journalism. I love to read and write. This internship caught my eye at first because it was local and convenient for me as a student with a 30-hour per week job. However after learning about Get Smart and the kind of work they do, I fell in love with the opportunity. Being a part of an organization that motivates young girls and women to be the absolute best they can be means a lot to me. My hobbies and interests include books, music, TV, (I love anything pop culture and entertainment) and animals. I love to eat but am not the best cook, although I can bake some pretty good peanut butter cookies.

Charlotte: I’m named after the book “Charlotte’s Web,” thus beginning my love for reading. I studied English and Classical Studies at Virginia Tech (GO HOKIES) where I am now getting my M.A. in teaching English as a second language. I was highly involved in service during college like volunteering with refugees or Special Olympics, and I was really plugged into my service sorority. More than that, I was really involved with campus ministry, still am, and my faith is very important to me. I am also a HUGE movie nerd and foodie, so if you ever want to talk about your favorite flick or food, “you had me at ‘hello.'” I wanted to become part of this project because women’s education and empowerment are very important to me. I think that educating and empowering women can fight hunger, slavery, AIDS, broken economics, terrorism, and so much more. I am overjoyed to see what we can all do together!

Shradha: My name is Shradha and I am originally from Mangalore, India. I studied there up to my senior year of high school. I moved to New york approximately three years ago and I am currently a junior in New York University. I am a Politics major with a minor in Business Studies and Sociology. I am an outdoorsy person but I also have my lazy days where I like to sit on the couch with a book and read all day. I love to travel and I never miss an opportunity to explore new places. I am also passionate about helping people especially women. By being a part of such a wonderful organization, I hope to inspire and be inspired by everyone I meet, to encourage and guide women, and bring out the best in them!

Meet Ashley, Devyn, & Rasha

Ashley:  I’m a recent graduate from Cabrini College with a B.A in English and a concentration in creative writing. I’m an avid reader (Currently reading Outlander for anyone that’s curious!) and author, working on writing my third novel. Reading and writing are my two passions in life; they seem to make everything better. I really loved the idea of this opportunity because it allows people to connect and relate with one another on varying topics. It also opens the door to different conversations that many people may not be having with others or even with themselves. Through this experience I’m hoping to inspire readers with my ideas and viewpoints, perhaps even start some new conversations, and ultimately leave my own mark!

Devyn: I am from Southern California, but currently attending Northern Arizona University. I am majoring in Strategic Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations, and minoring in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics.My hobbies and interests include archery, volunteering, and off-roading in my Jeep. I love being outdoors! I have always been passionate about helping others. With Get Smart, I hope to inspire, help, and support women on their way to accomplishing great things!

Rasha: I’m still in disbelief that I am actually going to be apart of this program. I am a Senior studying Sociology with a minor in American Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NC. Helping others has always been a big passion in my life and when I heard about the Get Smart Mentoring program, I definitely wanted to try my luck to be a part of such a great group of people. After being a resident advisor on both a campus and regional level, I fell in love with higher education and student affairs and felt that was the right career path for me. By being apart of this process, I hope to not only be an strong advocate for empowering young women but to become a positive role model altogether. When I usually get a break from life, I  like to go out and have fun, go shopping, out to the movies and I’m such a big foodie  I’m looking forward to getting to know each and everyone here!

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