Success Stories
WriteGirl has helped thousands of teens over the past two decades
While WriteGirl is a creative writing organization, WriteGirl is really about creating the next generation of leaders, as it is through self-expression and the power of a caring mentor that young people gain confidence in themselves and a passion for wanting to make a difference in the world around them.
Many of the teens we work with come from underserved communities and face significant challenges. WriteGirl is a rare and supportive community at a time when they need it the most.
Here are a few inspiring stories we’re excited to share:
Amanda Gorman
Inaugural Poet
WriteGirl Alum Amanda Gorman entranced the entire country when she read her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. She is the youngest inaugural poet in history, and since that day has gone on to become an award-winning, NY Times-bestselling author (several times over), and a household name. She credits WriteGirl support with helping her chase her dreams as a writer.
“WriteGirl has been pivotal in my life. It’s been thanks to their support that I’ve been able to chase my dreams as a writer. Special shout-out to my former mentors Michelle and Dinah. I couldn’t have gotten here without you!”
Lovely Umayam
Nuclear Security Expert
WriteGirl Alum Lovely Umayam graduated from Reed College on a full scholarship and earned a Master’s in Nonproliferation and Terrorism at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.
Lovely is a nuclear security research analyst and the founder of the award-winning Bombshelltoe Policy and Arts Collective, a creative organization pushing for an active exploration of arts, culture and history to promote nuclear nonproliferation, arms control and disarmament. In 2013, the organization was the first-prize recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s Innovation in Arms Control Challenge. Lovely is still in close contact with Allison Deegan, her original WriteGirl mentor.
"My mentor not only challenged me to explore new literary forms, but she also dared me to imagine beyond my shy little shell in middle school and dream big dreams. WriteGirl's work goes beyond what you see on paper; it encourages young girls to expand their imagination as writers and as individuals.” – Lovely Umayam, WriteGirl Alum
Jamilah Mena
Attorney
Jamilah Mena attended Dartmouth College, and now works as an attorney in San Francisco. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles as the daughter of two hard-working Garifuna-Honduran parents, she said she strove to excel academically to break the cycle of poverty; WriteGirl assisted her in developing the necessary technical writing skills and confidence, and in the process helping her achieve far-reaching goals.
"WriteGirl afforded me the opportunity to build technical skills as a writer and provided a safe environment so I could develop confidence in myself as a Woman of Color with a lot to offer the world. The one-on-one coaching sessions with my mentor solidified the skills I acquired during the workshops and helped me fine-tune the art of self-advocacy through writing."
Melina Zuniga
WriteGirl alum Melina Zuniga, MD, a Resident Physician at Tulane School of Medicine in New Orleans, can see the lasting impact of being part of the incredibly supportive WriteGirl community. “Because of WriteGirl, I am more confident,” Melina says. Today, while specializing in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, she draws on her WriteGirl public speaking experiences to embolden herself in professional speaking settings. “I was speaking in front of bigger crowds at 16 than I am now!” she says. She adds that the soft skills she saw modeled at WriteGirl – like openness, vulnerability and courage – make her a better doctor.
"My mentor was so wonderful. She made adult life feel doable.”
Khaila Amazan
WriteGirl alum Khaila Amazan attended UC Irvine, and went on to become a screenwriter represented by Verve Talent & Literary Agency who also works developing independent films at Netflix. Her involvement in WriteGirl helped her know that this path was possible, and to be able to imagine herself as a professional writer. Before attending WriteGirl, she thought she was the wrong “type” for that, too loud and excessive. As part of WriteGirl, she found that the only qualifier was enjoying writing, so she “was able to be as Khaila as possible.”
“I’m just constantly reaping the dividends of that experience. I didn’t know then how it would shape my psyche.”
