A day like no other
From the moment Step Up teens entered the room where after-school programming was taking place, there was an infectious energy in the air. The air was pierced with giggles and whispers. To kick-start the day, Coach's Executive Director, Corporate Responsibility & Coach Foundation Margaret Coady and Step Up's CEO Jenni Luke gave a warm and welcoming speech. Girls looked on in anticipation. Something big was coming. Coach's CEO Victor Luis stood up and shared his story with the teens. He immigrated to the U.S. with his family when he was seven-years-old and is the first in his family to graduate college. He credits this achievement to being motivated by teachers, hard work and having big dreams. Hearing this was inspiring to the teens because like Victor, many teens will be the first in their family to attend and graduate college.
"We [Coach] wanted the Coach Foundation to put a special focus on helping girls dream big about their futures, and connect girls who can make the most of opportunities with a pathway to realize their highest hopes for themselves." – Victor Luis, CEO, Coach Inc.
Mentoring moments with Selena
Now the moment to unveil Step Up's special mentor for the day. The doors opened and Selena Gomez walked in, smiling ear-to-ear. "The moment when I pushed open the doors, I had butterflies!" shared Selena. All you could hear were screams, gasps and giggles. Participating in a mentoring moment with Selena Gomez was a dream-come-true for so many of Step Up's teens. They can relate to her and see themselves in Selena. When Step Up teens see what Selena's accomplished through hard work and dedication, it is motivating. Teens can't be what they can't see.
The first activity involved a game of "Human Bingo," in which teens and mentors look for others at the table who fit various criteria on the bingo sheet. For instance, "Loves to sing," "Wears contact lenses," etc. It was a great ice breaker activity. "The Step Up teens were so welcoming. They really embraced me!" exclaims Selena.
Superheroes among us
The ice breaker was followed by teens and Selena learning more about girls' education in other parts of the world and the initiatives other girls have taken to create change as part of a "global girl community" – the topic for the day's Step Up program. It was an opportunity for Step Up teens to consider their own responsibilities as members of a worldwide community of girls. After hearing the stories of girls going to school in Kabul, Afghanistan and their challenges each day as students, teens and Selena were overcome by how determined the young girls are, their career goals (surgeon, teacher, etc.), intelligence and that teens girls are very similar regardless of nationality and religion. Girls are determined to break the mold!
After learning about the girls in Kabul and how they're rising up and fulfilling their dreams of going to school, Step Up teens and Selena began thinking about their own qualities that make them resilient and superheroes. Each teen and mentor decorated their own superhero cape and many reflected qualities of motivation, determination, passion and crushing goals. A number of Step Up teens want to study medicine, become teachers or join ranks of the FBI. The overarching theme is that they have a passion for helping others. Spending the day with Selena, hearing her story, sharing their own stories and passions left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
"I have a mantra for myself that I want to share with Step Up teens—'Love yourself first.' You all can be more, so never give up on your dreams. I am so grateful to have met you and you're truly an inspiration to me and my friends at the Coach Foundation." - Selena Gomez
"Selena! Selena! Selena!" chanted the teens as the day's closing credits. Step Up teens went home feeling more empowered thanks to two new "accessories"—Selena's mentoring moment and an off-white leather Coach backpack in the perfect size for storing notes about crushing goals and meeting Selena Gomez.
Empower the next generation of professional women
Follow Selena Gomez's lead and get involved with Step Up! Make a tax-deductible donation of $75 or more and become a Step Up member or gift a membership to a special woman in your life. Being a member gives you the opportunity to mentor Step Up teens and attend exclusive events with ambitious women like yourself. You can mentor at your own pace—once per month, once per school semester, whatever fits your schedule. It's an investment in our shared future.
