From Good Girl to Great Woman

Here at The White House Project we have a poster on our wall that reads, “If all you’re told to be is a good girl, how do you grow up to be a great woman?” Girls today, more than ever, need guidance, not placation. They’re savvy, cosmopolitan and smart and they are who we count on to rise to the top. Everyday, we work to make women’s leadership in all sectors a reality … and our girls will be the ones to enter the doors we open, fill the spots we create. Below is a list of ways to encourage young girls to stand out in the crowd ... a primer on growing into a great woman.

1. Don’t take your passions lightly. Invest your time in whatever it is that you love. Are you totally into reading mystery novels? Are you happiest on the soccer field? Whatever your thing is, become an expert. You never know when one of your talents could help you start a business, rise to the top, or help you get into college.

2. Find a mentor. Not the traditional sense, where you meet for a proper lunch every Saturday in chic clothes. (Let's be real folks!) Find a family friend, a godmother, an old teacher, or acquaintance to bounce ideas off of. Get real life advice from someone who is more experienced and can help you make decisions. Ask them your “stupid questions” you wouldn’t dare ask anyone else. Don’t underestimate how important a second opinion is.

3. Make connections. Get peoples' emails, phone numbers, or screen names. When you’ve met someone, don’t just say you’ll “keep in touch”—actually do it. People make their mark by knowing everyone they can. The best way to know everyone is to start now; you’ll never know where your connections can take you.

4. Give the 411. Make others aware of the issue that matters to you. The best place to start is your group of friends, your youth group, or your school. Start small conversations about issues at lunch or over coffee. If your friends aren’t aware, inform them. Raising awareness about issues starts from the ground level.