GIRLS Magazine | Issue 2

girls magazine the "it" girls volume 1 | issue 2 | june 2017

"WHAT YOU DO MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND YOU HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT KIND OF DIFFERENCE YOU WANT TO MAKE." JANE GOODALL

"WHEN THE WHOLE WORLD IS SILENT, EVEN ONE VOICE BECOMES POWERFUL." MALALA YOUSAFZAI

"TO ALL THE LITTLE GIRLS WATCHING NEVER DOUBT THAT YOU ARE VALUABLE AND POWERFUL AND DESERVING OF ANY CHANCE AND OPPORTUNITY IN THE WORLD." HILLARY CLINTON “IF YOU DON’T GET OUT OF THE BOX YOU’VE BEEN RAISED IN, YOU WON’T UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH BIGGER THE WORLD IS.” ANGELINA JOLIE

Table of Contents EDITOR'S NOTE | ADRIANNE RAMSEY | PAGE 2 WOMEN CAN MAKE MOVIES TOO | MARIA VERA ALVAREZ | PAGE 4 A LADY WHO LAPTOPS | JOY OFODU | PAGE 8 THE WILL TO LIVE | JACEY LAWSON | PAGE 11 BEAUTIFUL BLOGGING | HELEN JÓNSDÓTTIR | PAGE 15

Girls Mission Statement GIRLS IS A REVISED PORTFOLIO OF INTERVIEWS FROM A NATIONWIDE COMMUNITY OF REAL, STRONG WOMEN. IT'S A MAGAZINE THAT IS 100% ALL WOMEN, WHICH IS BEAUTIFUL IN ITS RARITY - THE MAGAZINE IS A SAFE SPACE FOR WOMEN ABOUT WOMEN. CREATED BY ADRIANNE RAMSEY, IT SERVES AS A CONTENT DESTINATION FOR MILLENNIAL/GEN-Z WOMEN. READ ON FOR AN ENGAGEMENT OF FEMINIST VOICES AND A COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY FOR INDEPENDENT GIRLS TO DISCOVER, SHARE, AND CONNECT.

EDITOR'S NOTE From a young age, I was a very serious writer. I’ve always had an eye for words and been a content nerd: books, newspapers, and magazines.

By the time I was seven, I started creating mini-magazines and newspapers, as well as writing stories. I would show them to my parents, teachers, friends, and really anyone who would listen. When I was nine, my mother let me subscribe to American Girl Magazine, and I would get lost in the pages. I was so fascinated by everything: the cover stars, layout of the magazine, and creative content. I remember at one point dreaming of working for the magazine, and that’s when the seed was planted: I wanted to either write for or create magazines.

I signed up to take Journalism in my sophomore year of high school, and it was there that I really learned the behind-the-scenes production of a publication. My high school’s newspaper staff was supposed to release roughly three issues a semester, with a total of six issues per year. However, I was sorely disappointed with how lackadaisical the editorial staff was. Three of the editors, including the Editor-in-Chief, were seniors who were more interested in ducking out of school early instead of making sure deadlines were met. I picked up how to write an article fairly quickly, and by the second half of the first semester I was upgraded to a staff writer. I wrote two articles for the second issue of the paper, which clearly rubbed some of the editors the wrong way. I didn’t care that my fast progress bothered them – I’ve always been an insanely hard worker and fiercely independent.

BY ADRIANNE RAMSEY

The editors were so slow to release the paper that one day in December I nonchalantly mentioned to the supervising teacher when the rest of the issues should be released so we could make the six-issue expectation. He was impressed with how freely I expressed my opinion and how entrepreneurial I could be. The Associate Editor overheard our conversation and pulled me aside to tell me to back off. He didn’t intimidate me in the least – just because others were lazy didn’t mean I was going to be as well.

By the end of the school year, the editors had completely checked out and the fourth issue was still under production. One of the layout editors and I stepped up to the plate and stayed after school for two weeks to get everything done: I coordinated with staff and edited articles, and she did the entire layout. That fourth issue was released on the last day of school. The supervising teacher asked me if I wanted to be the Editor-in-Chief for next year...and I declined. Sometimes I look back and wonder if I should’ve taken the job. I think I was exhausted from doing 3x more work than I thought I would and tired of constantly arguing with the editors. But I also had a new project that needed my attention: Lit Mag. It was also in my sophomore year that I discovered there was no content destination for the fine arts at my school. I started brainstorming and found out that my high school had previously had a literary magazine, but the club had gone downhill and the magazine eventually folded.

A light bulb went off in my head: I could re-start the club! So I did my research, recruited friends as staff members, found a supervising teacher, registered the club, and held my first Lit Mag meeting in January 2011. Being the Editor-in-Chief of a publication requires one to be an operator and a visionary; this can be difficult, but it’s all about balance. You also have to be very creative and have an entrepreneur side. I really did everything myself and ran the club: leading staff members, being in charge of fundraising, marketing, and sales, collecting and editing content, and creating the magazine. We released yearly, and for the first issue I taught myself Photoshop and designed everything on Microsoft Word. I had no idea what I was doing, but I did know that I had a knack for creating content and the kids on this wild ride with me were just as passionate. I was Editor-in-Chief of Lit Mag until I graduated, and I did eventually return to the journalism program on my own terms as a guest writer. Embracing Lit Mag was a great life choice because it made me realize two things: I’m missing the gene that tells you to be afraid of putting yourself out there and I want to be my own boss.

I did write for school newspapers throughout college, but I didn’t return to magazine production until the second semester of my senior year. I created GIRLS for an Art & Design elective I was taking; the first issue’s theme was about young women fighting back against the current political climate and the rise of Donald Trump. Because I had done pretty much every job while working on Lit Mag, by the time I did GIRLS I was able to really understand what I should/shouldn’t focus on and what the right direction to go in was.

EDITOR'S NOTE

BY ADRIANNE RAMSEY

Right as I was wrapping up production, I got an email about USC’s Symposium for Scholarly and Creative Work. I decided to submit GIRLS on a whim, and a month later I was standing on stage getting my picture taken because the magazine won 2nd Prize in the Arts Category. That wave of euphoria that I hadn’t felt since Lit Mag came over me again, and I realized that GIRLS could make a real difference in people’s lives.

So, there you have it – several paragraphs that explain my creative background and bring me to the most important part of this essay. The positive responses I received about GIRLS were so overwhelming that I’ve decided to continue it as an official publication and launch a website. Because honestly, what am I waiting for? I’ve learned that sometimes you just have to follow your dreams and get things done, no matter what it takes. I think the reason why GIRLS resonates so much with people is that I’m sharing the stories of incredible women who are so positive and are inspirational figures in their own way. The theme of GIRLS’ second issue is about finding something you love to do and gaining experience in it, whether that’s getting paid or creating your own experience. In the following pages, you’ll meet four kick-ass girls who are doing amazing things, like creating their own websites (Helen and Joy), having an amazing film she made screened at Cannes (Maria), and using her platform as a cancer survivor to organize a race that supports children suffering from lifethreatening illnesses (Jacey). They’re making a real difference right now, so prepare to be inspired. If you don’t know what you love to do, I would suggest identifying something that has always been constant in your life and do a lot of research on the types of companies/people that passion represents. For me, it was realizing that I’ve always been a voracious publication reader and a pop culture and politics obsessive.

Think like an entrepreneur by growing your skill, putting in the work, and being unstoppable.

WOMEN CAN MAKE MOVIES TOO

At nineteen, Maria Vera Alvarez calls the shots in her career as the founder of her very own film production company, MVA Films. She talks to GIRLS about how her life changed once she stepped behind the camera.Â

MARIA VERA ALVAREZ HAS A LOT TO CELEBRATE THESE DAYS. IN THE PAST YEAR, HER SHORT FILM “FROM MY HEAD TO HERS,” WHICH DEPICTS THE HAIR DONATION PROCESS, HAS RECEIVED NEARLY 300,000 VIEWS ON YOUTUBE AND WON THE “GOOGLE BREAKTHROUGH IN TECHNOLOGY” AWARD AT THE SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. TWO OTHER SHORT FILMS, “PRISONER’S SKIN,” WHICH LOOKS AT UNFAIR BLAMING OF SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS, AND “THE MARCH,” A DOCUMENTATION OF THE 2017 LOS ANGELES WOMEN’S MARCH EDITED TOGETHER WITH A RUPI KAUR POEM, ARE MAKING WAVES IN FEMINIST CIRCLES. MARIA’S LATEST PROJECT, “CÉLINE,” WAS RECENTLY SCREENED IN THE SHORT FILM CATEGORY AT THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL. BUT EVEN WITH ALL THAT SUCCESS, MARIA IS INCREDIBLY DOWN-TO-EARTH AND HUMBLE. “MY DREAM CAREER IS TO BE A FILM DIRECTOR, BUT MY ULTIMATE GOAL AS A FILMMAKER IS TO CHANGE PEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVES. IF MY FILMS CAN DO THAT TO AT LEAST ONE PERSON IN THE AUDIENCE, I FEEL LIKE I’VE ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING IN MY WORK,” SHE SAYS. SHE CHATS WITH GIRLS ABOUT CREATING MVA FILMS, UTILIZING A FEMALE-ONLY CREW FOR “CÉLINE,” AND WHY MORE FEMALE FILMMAKERS NEED TO EMBRACE THEIR FEMINITY.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! I was raised to see life through the lens of a camera. My dad is a fashion photographer, so I grew up on the sets of his photo-shoots, which got me thinking creatively at a young age. When I was in middle school, my older sister came home with a Flip camera. Being the jealous little sister I was, I immediately wanted one. When I did get one, I would film virtually everything, ranging from extremely awful Ke$ha music videos to montages of all my friends’ 13th birthday parties. As I got older, I found a passion for film beyond the superficial and branched over into making short films.

Putting yourself out there in terms of your career is an extremely valuable lesson. The film industry is a tough world, so it’s all about creating and seizing opportunities for oneself. I absolutely cringe whenever I have to watch my films in front of other people, but what is so great about film festivals is that they are a creative paradise where you get to meet so many other talented individuals and see how your film can open up someone’s eyes to a new viewpoint.

DIRECTOR INSPO From a very young age, I felt very inspired by the work of Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams. While I still look up to these directors, I admit that during my youth I was unaware of successful female directors.

It wasn’t until I entered high school did I become aware of the plethora of talented, brilliant women working in the film industry behind the closed doors of blockbusters and action flicks. Things are changing for women in film, but it is deeply important that more women rise to the top in order to motivate and embolden aspiring young female filmmakers. Look at Reed Morano and Sofia Coppola. Morano’s path from cinematography to directing exemplifies the exact trajectory I want to take on with my own career.

She’s a very strong woman who speaks her mind and has a clear uncompromising vision, which I deeply respect. Coppola just won Best Director at Cannes, making her the second woman ever to receive this honor. She has such a beautiful breadth of stories on her plate and creates such incredible work. I’d love to spend a day in her shoes and see what she’s working on next.

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS… I major in Film and Television Production at USC, and while that will definitely open doors for me, I know that I will really have to be the one that kicks it open. Graduating from USC will give you connections, peers to work with, and open up doors, but that's it.

You have to be the one seeking the opportunities to meeting those incredible connections, getting to know the most talented people in your year, and opening all those doors. A degree from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts doesn’t grant you automatic success. In the film industry, opportunities and experiences won’t just come knocking on your door. You have to create your own in order to achieve success. Not only is it important to seek out your own jobs and films, but by starting your own company you have the opportunity to write your own rulebook and define the morals that matter the most to you. Luckily, I’ve only gotten extremely positive responses about creating my own company because people have shown respect that I’m working towards my career goals from an early age. If more women took on his approach, little girls could look up to the hundreds of established female CEOs and directors instead of today’s culture in which most successful women are treated like a rare lottery winner.

BEING MY OWN BOSS I started working a lot of different freelance jobs creating advertisements and public service announcements for local businesses when I began high school. As the work started piling up, I decided to create my own company in order to represent my work. This also branched over to become attached to all of my short film work. As the head of my own production company, I’m in charge of connecting myself to brands and companies that are looking for visual content.

Because I function as the director/cinematographer/editor on most of my freelance work, MVA Films is currently a onewoman show. I’m extremely open and excited about creating content for brands, so it’s all a matter of putting my work out there to brands I identify with. If I reached a place where I was hiring peers to help me out with producing or shooting, I would definitely be open to adding more people to the MVA team.

OVERCOMING SEXISM IN THE FILM INDUSTRY “CÉLINE” is a narrative film that depicts how when a young woman’s toxic relationship falls apart the night of their third anniversary, the notion of an unforeseeable future pushes her to the brink of insanity and crime.

Choosing to use only female filmmakers [for “CÉLINE”] made me aware of the lack of numbers in comparison in men.

The main test was finding enough women, but it never hindered or caused problems on set. In fact, it was one of the smoothest, best on-set experiences I’ve ever had.

With a crew of all women, we were extremely open to anyone’s opinion and it became such a comfortable, caring open space for collaboration and creativity.

Having a female crew completely subverted the aggressive energy that perpetuates the whole masculinity of the film world, and this allowed for my actors and crew to deliver incredible performances. A lot of women feel the need to hide their feminity on set in order to feel respected. I definitely have fallen into the exact same trap, but instead of trying to dress or behave in a masculine way, women should continue to embrace their feminity & change the stigma surrounding it.

GIRLS RULE While there are different ideologies and forms of feminism, I am a staunch feminist and strongly believe in the core of its meaning: that women and men should have equal rights.

Growing up, I always saw all of this great artistic work coming out of the 1960s and 70s documenting political movements. I felt moved and invigorated by these incredible photographs. So when the Women’s March reached Los Angeles, I knew that I wanted to attend the march as a feminist, but also a filmmaker.

In result, I went around the whole day filming women of all ages, backgrounds, and styles to capture the essence that was that day. “The March” is a documentary piece whereas “CÉLINE” is a longer feature, but both films gave me the same feelings of determination and conviction surrounding representing women on screen. It’s really important for women to see representations of themselves on screen that are completely unobstructed of overt sexualization and misogyny. More than just this, I wanted to focus on creating two shorts that are seen through the perspective on women. The responses I’ve gotten back on both of the pieces have been incredibly positive, and people are really excited about the idea of working with a 100% female crew.

WHAT’S NEXT? I’m currently working on a feature script this summer, and I just moved to New York City for the next three months to intern on an independent feature film shooting out here. In my free time, I’ll be working on my feature, creating little shorts in the city, and developing my junior thesis film for the fall. My goal is to direct and shoot my feature script next summer. I’m extremely passionate about female coming of age stories. I love watching realistic, relatable films about teenagers and young adults, but I grew up always relating to ones of boys. I really want my first feature to be a female coming of age story so that I can have something out there for young girls to relate to.

Check out Maria's work at:

www.mvafilms.com

A LADY WHO LAPTOPS There is no secret as to why Joy Ofodu is making waves in the digital world: she is smart, tough-as-nails, and ready to make a name for herself in this busy industry.

WITHOUT A DOUBT, JOY OFODU KNOWS HOW TO SPARKLE. SHE IS A POWERFUL WOMAN THAT DOESN’T LOOK FOR VALIDATION FROM ANYONE AND GOES INTO EVERY PROJECT BEING SUPER CONFIDENT. “MY DREAM CAREER IS TO DEVELOP STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS FOR FILM STUDIOS TO EMPOWER MULTICULTURAL AUDIENCES,” SHE DISHES. THE TWENTY-YEAR OLD IS A COMMUNICATIONS MAJOR AT USC, PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER, AND RUNS HER OWN WEBSITE, “FROM JOY TO THE WORLD.” SHE OPENS UP TO GIRLS ABOUT HOW PUTTING THE SPOTLIGHT ON HERSELF HAS PAID OFF IN THE LONG RUN, MEETING OPRAH, AND WHICH BLACK GIRL BLOGGERS MOTIVATE HER. TAKIN’ PICTURES When I was younger, I was always fond of running around with point-and-shoot cameras.

My first experience with a DSLR happened at USC, and it was magical. Once I saw the quality of what I could produce with solid lighting and Lightroom/Photoshop, I never looked back. Now I love capturing micro-expressions and highlighting natural beauty. I specialize in natural light photography for all occasions and uses, such as graduate portraits, anniversaries, modeling, LinkedIn headshots, etc.

There’s really nothing like shooting outside with new faces, and I have a steady stream of clients during the school year. I’m always flattered when someone I’ve never met tells me that they’ve seen my work and are intent on hiring me – it’s the coolest feeling!

PURSUING MY PASSIONS “From Joy to the World” is a 50/50 split between photography portfolio work and my stories, with “Entertainment,” “Professional,” and “USC” sections.

About half of my stories come from USC. FJTW is a highly visual collage of content I’ve tailored to entertainment lovers from my generation. I currently am the only one running it and plan to keep it that way for a while. I’ve always wanted to own my own page, and Word Press provided me with that opportunity.

When I arrived in Los Angeles, I had so many amazing experiences on red carpets and with CEOs and clients that I wanted to document. I think the insider perspective is what draws readers – I have direct quotes from and original photos of Tony Goldwyn, John Legend, Issa Rae, etc. My audience is humble yet global.

By owning and creating my own content I’ve been able to break news before major outlets can get their hands on it. I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback about FJTW. You’d think it would just be my closest friends reading, but I’ll get random comments in passing from peers, advisors, and educators that they have read a post from top-to-bottom. That’s the most heartwarming thing.

FACING MY FEARS I’ve been approached with a few different offers from brands – I turn down those that don’t fit, but I’m open to working with more that fit my brand identity. It’s always dismaying when love becomes labor…I occasionally find myself wanting to run for the hills. I become paranoid and critical.

There’s so much to say and I start to fear that no one wants to hear it, and I don’t always have the time to get it out there. It takes hours to structure engaging content. But it’s worth it – my site is an interactive walk through my career, and employers have definitely noticed. It’s like putting a spotlight on yourself, so you have to ensure that you like what’s under it. I want to do the best that I can and make it original; I don't want to tell stories that have already been written or take shots that people have already seen.

JUST A LITTLE ADVICE I am a woman in advancement of women in the workplace, education, government, sports, medicine, and Hollywood – I’m not shy about that. I am a feminist and want to see women on the rise in all facets of life.

However, it’s not for me to critique anyone else’s journey. If I were to offer a word, it would be for women to create some kind of digital portfolio for their work as they make it and before it disappears.

Check out "From Joy to the

BLACK GIRL MAGIC I get inspired by other black girl bloggers like Zuri Hall, Jackie Aina, XONecole, Shantania Beckford and Kiitana. It’s great to see ladies who look like me advocating for themselves, promoting healthy relationships, and selling their own brand. Recently at work, I found myself in the presence of Oprah. I was stunned into reverent silence, and everyone around me bugged out. Let me be Oprah for a day. I want to bless people by appearing in random public spaces.

World" at:

www.joyofodu.com

THE WILL TO LIVE Some people assumed that Jacelyn “Jacey” Lawson wouldn’t be able to lead an extraordinary life when she was diagnosed with cancer as a child. This is the story of how she proved them all wrong.

TWENTY-ONE YEAR OLD JACEY LAWSON LOOKS LIKE SHE LIVES A PRETTY SIMPLE LIFE: SHE IS A DOUBLE MAJOR IN GENDER STUDIES/HEALTH AND SOCIETY & POLICY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, POSTS CUTE PICTURES WITH HER SORORITY SISTERS ON FACEBOOK, AND LOVES EXPLORING THE MIDWEST. THAT’S WHY IT’S SO HARD TO FATHOM THAT WHEN SHE WAS FOUR, SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH STAGE IV WILMS TUMOR KIDNEY CANCER. JACEY HAS BEEN IN REMISSION FOR SEVERAL YEARS BUT NEVER FORGETS THE GRUELING TREATMENTS THAT SHE ENDURED AS DOCTORS WORKED RELENTLESSLY TO CLEAN HER BODY OF THE HORRIFIC DISEASE. BUT WHAT’S AMAZING ABOUT JACEY IS HER OPENNESS ABOUT BEATING CANCER AND REFUSAL TO SEE HERSELF AS A VICTIM. “I ALWAYS SAY THAT CANCER IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ME BECAUSE I WOULD NOT BE WHO I AM TODAY WITHOUT IT,” SHE SAYS. SHE IS THE NAMESAKE OF JACEY’S RACE, A NON-PROFIT STARTED IN 2001 BY HER MOTHER’S BEST FRIEND IN ORDER TO HELP HER AND HER FAMILY. THE ORGANIZATION IS MADE UP ENTIRELY BY VOLUNTEERS WHO GENEROUSLY SHOW UP EVERY YEAR TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. JACEY TALKS TO GIRLS ABOUT KICKING CANCER IN THE ASS, WHY SHE REFUSES TO LET HER DIAGNOSIS LABEL HER, AND HOW IT’S REFRESHING TO WAKE UP & FEEL EXCITED ABOUT WHAT’S NEXT. A DIFFERENT KIND OF HUMMINGBIRD Shortly after my diagnosis, I began chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The cancer had spread to my lungs before diagnosis and had no intentions of stopping there. I underwent full lung radiation & was administered three separate chemotherapy agents (Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Adriamycin). I had a grapefruit sized mass removed from my abdomen, two marble sized tumors taken from my lungs, and my right kidney was surgically removed.

What I recall about this time in my life is a mixture of pain and fear, combined with significant happiness.

I didn't like not knowing what to expect, being told I couldn’t be with my friends at preschool, and having a needle stuck in me every time I needed a treatment.

The nurses tried to call the needle a butterfly but to me it seemed like a hummingbird; after insisting that it be called that, my treatments were more tolerable. Both adults and children accompanied me to almost every chemo/radiation session. I didn’t like feeling sick after the treatments but I did like all of the attention I received. I remember getting gifts from visitors and even being allowed fast food, which I was not otherwise offered.

WISH GRANTED I was granted a wish from the Make-a-Wish Foundation when I was five. My wish granters were absolutely amazing and played a huge role in my family’s ability to cope with everything we were juggling. Our family was given one week at Disneyworld to grant my wish of swimming with the dolphins. We were transported to the airport via limousine and then spent a magical week at a place called “Give Kids the World.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation organized the entire trip. The Wish grantors were confident, kind, and gave my parents an opportunity to breathe in the midst of all the stress and anxiety. Every family staying at “Give Kids the World” was dealing with a life threatening illness and every child was treated as a prince or princess. It was a special time where we could put the hospital behind us for a moment and focus on all that makes childhood and being a kid so fun! The Make-a-Wish foundation provides hope and lightens the burden that families are facing, even if only temporarily.

BOUNCING BACK I view my ninth birthday as my true start to remission; from that date on I only needed to see my oncologist once a year.

There has been no cancer recurrence since. However, I do live with some health issues that were a result of the lifesaving treatments I endured at a young age. As a likely side effect of chemotherapy, I have some digestive issues that are manageable yet distracting at times. I have moderate scoliosis, probably because of the muscle damage done during all of the surgeries required. I have clips in my lungs after the tumors were removed, which could theoretically impair my lung capacity, but I did cross country so I do know they are nestled comfortably, which allows me to have a healthy and productive life.

As a cancer survivor, health worries will never go away and I have to be careful with how I treat my body. I have met many people along the way in various stages of their cancer journey; not all have survived, yet all have touched me in some way. I am grateful for all the opportunities to know these people, to have attended cancer camp when I was younger, and am forever grateful for the brilliant and compassionate oncologist who, without a protocol to follow, guided my health care team and treatments to an outcome that allowed me to survive childhood cancer. I am willing to share my experiences with others and am happy to help other children find their way through the cancer maze into being an adult cancer survivor.

RACING FOR INNER STRENGTH My family and I chose to continue Jacey’s Race after that first year because it was so valuable to my recovery and us as a family. Most people see it as an impossible task, but when I tell them that there is a community to make it happen, they understand how it is possible. The purpose of Jacey’s Race is to primarily provide a moment of fun and hope amidst a difficult time in a family’s life. It allows other people to “do something” at a time when they are feeling helpless as they watch a friend or loved one endure the unthinkable – severe illness in a child. A volunteer board of directors plans the event and approximately 100 volunteers make it all happen. The event begins early in the morning and is a timed 5K race, which attracts serious and recreational runners of all ages. It also has a 1K race for others who would like to participate but may not have the health necessary to run a 5K. Those entering the 1K often walk, push a stroller, or even a wheelchair to the finish line of that event. In addition, there are clowns, balloons, face painting, a dunk tank, silent auction, and other festivities for nonrunners to participate in. The beneficiary children are all treated like royalty during the event – they have special shirts that they wear and are given presents by the volunteers to open during that day.

COMING TOGETHER My mom primarily organizes the race every year; attending the first Jacey’s Race was a turning point in my treatment and we both want to provide that hope and inspiration to others. Past beneficiary families join us on the board, meeting about twice a month starting in January to organize the annual event. My job is to help facilitate and be the race ambassador. I meet with the new beneficiary families to tell them about the event and my story, providing hope for a future after their severe illness, and am responsible for social media and website updates. Over the years I have done race registration, arranged the silent auction, solicited sponsors and prizes, recruited and organized volunteers, and visited children in the hospital to prepare them for the event. An important task of mine is to create a beneficiary tribute. Like I said previously, not every child survives their diagnosis.

We want to make sure we honor all of the children who participate in Jacey’s Race, so every year I create a new tribute to those who have died as well as to those who are still alive.

It is emotionally difficult to create this tribute every year, but I am told it is highly valued by all who attend the event.

ROLE MODELS My mother and grandmother played a huge role in shaping who I am today. My mother owned her own business and taught me that anything is possible, whether you are male or female. My grandmother always supported my endeavors and taught me what it meant to fight for what you believe in.

My oncologist, Dr. Lorrie Odom, taught me what it means to be a true boss lady. Her intellect was out of this world and she never let outsiders influence her ability to make powerful decisions and influences. She also taught me that a woman could be a boss ass bitch and still wear heels and clunky earrings. I’ve also looked up to musicians such as India Arie, Nina Storey, and the Dixie Chicks.

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN I feel so empowered and hopeful by women creating their own companies and experiences. I know what hard work it takes for a woman to succeed in today’s day and age. I am consistently in awe at the women who are able to climb their way to success. I believe that the fate of our nation depends on the success of women. Women in the workplace have proved to be nothing but beneficial to all parties involved. As a female fighting gender ideals, I think it is so important to lift and educate those around us in order to get to where we want to be. If I am going to succeed, the people around me need to succeed.

I AM MORE THAN Allowing myself to be vulnerable and express my experience as a cancer survivor has opened countless doors for me. Over the years, I have met some of the most inspirational people who have taught me to view my cancer as something positive. Hard situations teach us to grow and make a difference in the world. However, one negative experience to being open about my childhood cancer is that I am occasionally judged and/or treated differently. Not every child has the same experience with their illness and what looks like a total recovery on the outside may in fact be very different than it appears. Once people learn that I am a survivor, I often feel their expectation of me rises. “If she can survive cancer, she can do anything,” is what I perceive them to be thinking. But the truth is that I am a human being with a wide range of capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. My cancer history is a part of me but I desire to be judged for who I am and what I do today to make the world better for others. I want to try, even if just for a moment, to provide the world with a moment like Jacey's Race or Make-a-Wish does -- a moment of hope where life just feels better!

Jacey’s Race is always the second

Sunday of July. The 2017 event is

on July 9th. Please see

www.jaceys-race.com for

details.

BEAUTIFUL BLOGGING New to the blogging atmosphere, Helen Jónsdóttir invites us into her world for a revealing chat about starting her own website, her glamorous lifestyle, and why she’s no longer afraid to put herself out there.

IF YOU FOLLOW HELEN JÓNSDÓTTIR ON INSTAGRAM, YOU’LL GET AN UP-CLOSE LOOK AT A PRETTY FABULOUS LIFE: PHOTOS OF HER HANGING OUT WITH HER FRIENDS OR SORORITY SISTERS, HAVING FUN IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS – BERKELEY, LAS VEGAS, BARCELONA, & LOS ANGELES, OR GORGEOUS SELFIES IN A SUPER-CUTE OUTFIT. BUT SOCIAL MEDIA DOESN’T TELL THE FULL STORY OF THIS TWENTY-ONE YEAR OLD: SHE STRUGGLED FOR YEARS WITH REVEALING HER SECRET DREAM OF CREATING HER OWN LIFESTYLE WEBSITE. “SINCE HIGH SCHOOL I HAD MADE AND DELETED COUNTLESS BLOGS. SOME OF THEM I SENT TO FRIENDS TO LOOK OVER, OTHERS I JUST WROTE CONTENT FOR AND NEVER TOLD ANYONE ABOUT,” SHE ADMITS. BUT IN LATE FEBRUARY, HELEN DECIDED TO OVERCOME HER FEARS AND MAKE HER LIFESTYLE WEBSITE, HLJONS, PUBLIC. SHE GIVES GIRLS THE BACK-STORY ABOUT WHO PUSHED HER TO PUBLISH HER WEBSITE, KEEPING HERSELF GROUNDED AS SHE CHASES HER DREAMS, AND BUILDING HER OWN BRAND. GOING PUBLIC My dream career is to work for myself, either in entertainment or fashion, and I’ve wanted to create my own website for a long time. I love the idea of having a creative outlet and building something that is for me, by me, that I can choose to share with others. Fashion and beauty are two worlds that I have been immersed in for a long time, but haven’t been able to share that passion with a wide community.

Everyone has a story to tell, and I want to share my stories and passion with others. It wasn’t until my third year of college that my roommate saw that I was making a secret blog again and told me that if I didn’t share it then she would. She assured me that it was finally time to share all the drive and passion I had for blogging; it was then that I decided to go public. I run the website myself, but I hope to eventually need people to help run it because I want to expand the website and name. All of the responses I’ve gotten have been incredibly positive and supportive – I’m still convinced that all my views and content engagement is just my mom refreshing the page!

GO BEARS I received an Associate of Arts degree in Communications from Santa Monica City College and am currently attending UC Berkeley, majoring in Media Studies. My major includes marketing, advertising, public relations, and visual communication, which all contribute to the ways in which I build my website. What I study has given me a keen eye for and attention to aesthetics, as well as teaching me ways of getting HLJONS out there.

CREATING CONTENT HLJONS is a one-stop-shop for all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. There are segments called “Trend Watch” and “Beauty Break” in which I seek out current fashion trends or beauty secrets and find a variety of different brands and products that people can use to stay on trend. The fashion and beauty world often face backlash for being surface-level and shallow, so I want to make sure I share personal stories and identify with anyone that may stumble across my site. My favorite section is definitely the fashion tab; I’ve always loved red carpet events and admiring the many celebrities and designers that put so much work and effort into each one. I also love noticing trends popping up here and there, so I share personal looks and ideas on HLJONS. There is also an interior tab to showcase different home décor trends and inspiration; also included are lifestyle posts for health and wellness. I hope to use it as a portfolio for future jobs, or even just as a platform people can go to for inspiration. I want people to know that there is a real persona running the website and curating the content, a real person with real experiences, stories and knowledge…that also likes to binge watch “The Bachelor” and won’t miss a red carpet!

GIRLS WHO BLOG There are a ton of female bloggers I look at for inspiration and new ideas, simply because they are women who are fulfilling their passions and making their lives happen. Danielle Bernstein of WeWoreWhat has always inspired me due to her entrepreneurship, individual style, and badass qualities. She didn’t wait around for her passions to turn into a career; rather she worked hard to do so. Julie Sariñana of SincerelyJules, Chiara Ferragni of ChiaraFerragni and YouTuber Lauren Elizabeth are a few others that have been inspirations to me in strength and growth. I also look at Instagram because I find health tips, 60-second videos of workouts, day-to-night outfit transitions, how-to for makeup looks, and home décor DIYs all within one application.

WHO INSPIRES ME There is quite a big age difference between my sister and I, so when I was growing up, she was establishing herself in the world and I thought everything she did was profound and brand new.

Whether or not it was, her confidence and constant drive instilled in me that anything is possible if you actually work at it.

My mom is my best friend and has influenced me in every way imaginable; she raised me with European values and ideals, which taught me patience, selflessness, and gratitude. She is a huge source of inspiration in my personal fashion style and her independence has also been something I hope to obtain. I have always thought of my dad to be the greatest man to ever walk this earth, and my biggest wish is that every single person was able to know him. He taught me how to be humble, proud, and a hard worker. Outside of my family, I love Chrissy Teigen. She uses her platform to promote not only her personal ideas, but also causes that are bigger than herself as a celebrity. She voices her opinion about our political climate, provides intimate insight into her life and marriage, is unapologetically herself, and doesn’t take herself or “fame” too seriously.

GIRL POWER I am a feminist and believe that women and men should have the same rights and opportunities, as well as make the same amount of money for working the same jobs. It is incredibly inspiring to hear stories about women creating their experiences and sharing them, taking their passions and building them, and using their voice and projecting it. In such a societally progressive time, I think the emergence of women finally having their voices be heard and their experiences taken seriously will build a foundation on which the corporate world will flourish. Women from all over the world have so much knowledge, experience and insight that must be shared. There is so much power in the evolution of women in the industry, and I want to be apart of it.

Check out HLJONS at:

www.hljons.com

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girls magazine the "it" girls volume 1 | issue 2 | june 2017

"MY FAVORITE POSITION IS CEO." LAUREN CONRAD

"IF I STOP TO KICK EVERY BARKING DOG I AM NOT GOING TO GET WHERE I AM GOING." JACKEE JOYNERKERSEE

"YOU CAN WASTE YOUR LIFE DRAWING LINES. OR YOU CAN LIVE YOUR LIFE CROSSING THEM." SHONDA RHIMES

"I DON'T GO BY THE RULE BOOK; I LEAD FROM THE HEART, NOT THE HEAD." PRINCESS DIANAÂ