What inspired you to found the “Do Better” Campaign?
I was actually a victim in high school. Then, it happened again in college when my water was drugged. Both experiences were incredibly traumatic and I wanted justice, but I knew I wouldn’t be believed and justice wasn’t really an option. The responses from campus security and other protective bodies on campus was dismissive. That’s when I connected with Shannon and Maddie, the other two founders, to create an Instagram page for the other survivors on campus to have a platform where their stories will be heard.
Who was your role model and/or inspiration?
A big inspiration for me and the organization is the group of women involved in the “Me Too” movement, and any individual who has come out and spoken up about their experience and be vulnerable like that. John Lewis, Georgia’s former Congressman, is a personal role model. He is a Civil Rights Hero, and his philosophy is to create good trouble. We don’t necessarily have to do things by the book and we can do things out of the ordinary to get something done.
What does your future look like? What do you plan to do?
For the campaign, we are forming into a nonprofit corporation. We are trying to grow on an national level and exist as a platform for survivors everywhere. Personally, I want to pursue a masters in Economics or Public Policy. Ultimately, I want to continue doing advocacy work.
What is the best piece of advice have you received that has helped you be successful?
You are enough, and trust yourself. That doesn’t mean to not take advice from others; there are people who are more experienced and knowledgeable in so many different ways. Be receptive of those advices, but at the end of the day you know your passion and what your voice is so trust yourself and love yourself
What motivates you?
Knowing the things that I’ve gone through, knowing that all of it is preventable, and trying my best to make the world a safer place. Being able to reassert my voice and my power.
How has your life and daily routines in regards to your company changed as a result of COVID-19?
We started the campaign in January of 2020, we were very new when COVID hit. But, even with a pandemic, gender based violence is still a problem and is always going to persist unless we make a change. The campaign has been lucky enough to grow virtually and gain support from people during such a difficult time. The goal for the organization is to maintain empathy and compassion through action and awareness. We need to prioritize empathy more than anything else.
What do you do in your free time?
I love my cats, painting, and spending time with my friends. I also love Denver and all that it has to offer.
What’s your favorite tv show at the moment?
Ms. America and The Politician
If you could go back in time, is there, if at all, anything you’d do differently?
The failure and the hard circumstance that I’ve gone through have helped me to be the strong person I am today, so I don’t think I’d change anything.
What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?
I think my strengths are that I’m creative, compassionate, and I’m good at working with people and finding solutions. My weakness, I would say, is that I struggle to stay focused and paying attention to the details. I’m better at looking at the bigger picture, not so much the smaller things.
If you could know the absolute truth to one question, what would you ask?
What has my cat named me?
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
Vienna by Billy Joel
In your opinion, who do you think is the most impressive person in the world right now, and why?
Malala because she’s such badass. She’s fought for every single woman in this world, while being so young and driven. She’s given a voice to so many people everywhere which is so incredible and inspiring. Also, John Lewis because despite the adversity and obstacles he has faced, he’s never stopped being an advocate or fighting for what’s right; he’s never lost sight of what needed to be changed in this country.
What advice do you have for fellow or younger students?
Don't let the fear of failure prevent you from going after your dreams and passions. We all fail, and as uncomfortable or scary as it is, that's where you will learn the most. It's really hard to grow from within your comfort zone.