Startland

🎉 Calling All Educators in Rural Kansas! 🎉 Here’s your chance to bring innovative strategies into your classroom with the Entrepreneurial Educator Innovation Lab! A partnership with KU and The Patterson Family Foundation. This FREE 3-day workshop is designed to empower educators with practical tools to implement Design Thinking and enhance real-world learning for your students. 🗓️ January 15, 16, 17, 2025 📍 Capitol Federal Hall, University of Kansas No need to be an entrepreneurial educator—this hands-on training is open to ALL educators looking for fresh, interactive strategies that can make a difference. You’ll leave with the tools and confidence to bring innovation to life! 👉 Register now and secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3U2jdmF Let’s bring innovative learning to every classroom! 🚀 #InnovationLab #RuralEducation #DesignThinking #ProfessionalDevelopment #StartlandEdu #KU #RealWorldLearning #PattersonFamilyFoundation

Please join me in welcoming Briasia, Leanna, Alexis, Riley, Fayth, Sara, Tamia, Avaya, Ellie S, Neha, Isabelle, Maria, Mikaya, Valerie, Ellie J, Solange, Mallory, Rayghan, Elizabeth, Andrea, Ania, Moira, Claire, Elma, Medha, Kendyll, and Alexandria. This group of passionate, driven, and visionary young women are ready to transform the world! 🌍This incredible cohort is made up of future leaders, thinkers, and changemakers who believe in the power of collaboration and creativity to address the most pressing issues of our time. Over the next 8 weeks, these talented young women will dive deep into human-centered design, explore innovative solutions to social challenges, and develop the skills to lead with empathy, courage, and impact. 💡🤝 Their journey is just beginning, but their potential to create lasting change is limitless. Together, we’re not just imagining a better world—we’re building it! 🚀 If you're looking for a space for your young people to share their voices while attaining an MVA, send them our way next semester. #HumanCenteredDesign #DesignThinking #SocialChange #MVAAttainment #IAmHer

🌟 I Am Her: Greta Thunberg 🌟 Greta Thunberg’s fearless advocacy for climate action has sparked a global movement. Starting with a solitary school strike, Greta’s unwavering dedication to fighting climate change has inspired millions to join the cause. Her powerful speeches and persistent activism highlight the urgent need for environmental responsibility. Greta’s courage to stand up for our planet showcases the profound impact of one voice in the fight for a sustainable future. Her leadership is a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we stand up for what we believe in. 🌍✨ #IAmHer

🌟 I Am Her: Alicia Garza 🌟 Alicia Garza’s work as a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement has reshaped conversations about racial justice and equality. Her dedication to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and advocating for systemic change has sparked a global uprising for justice. Through her tireless efforts and commitment to social activism, Alicia has shown us the power of grassroots organizing and the impact of fighting for what’s right. Her leadership and vision continue to inspire and mobilize communities toward a more just and equitable world. ✊🏽✨ #IAmHer

🌟 I Am Her: Malala Yousafzai 🌟 Malala Yousafzai’s story is a beacon of courage and change. Defying threats and violence, she stood up for girls’ education in Pakistan, advocating for the right to learn. After surviving a brutal attack, Malala's voice only grew stronger. Her bravery led to the creation of the Malala Fund, empowering girls worldwide to pursue education. Malala’s unwavering commitment to social change reminds us that one voice can make a powerful difference. She embodies resilience and the relentless pursuit of justice. ✨ #IAmHer

🌟 I Am Her: Amanda Gorman 🌟 Amanda Gorman’s poetry resonates with power and hope. As the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, her words at the 2021 inauguration captured the spirit of resilience and unity. Through her poetry, Amanda addresses pressing issues like social justice and inequality, inspiring change and igniting conversations across the globe. Her remarkable talent and dedication to activism remind us of the transformative power of words. Amanda’s voice is a testament to the impact one person can have on the world. ✨ #IAmHer

🌟 I Am Her: Jenny 🌟 She grew up in a difficult home, surrounded by hidden challenges that left deep scars. Without a consistent father figure, her mother did her best, unaware of the real dangers in their household. Despite the support of extended family, only she and her sisters truly understood the reality they faced. The physical and emotional wounds were heavy, and the words she heard convinced her she was destined for less. But instead of letting those words define her, she used them as fuel to rise above. In 2001, she put herself through cosmetology school, working multiple jobs since the age of 15 to support herself. Today, she’s built a thriving career, with loyal clients who have stayed by her side for 23 years. In 2022, she took a leap of faith, purchasing a lot in her hometown. With her husband by her side, they designed and built her dream salon from the ground up, sacrificing nights and weekends to create something lasting. Now, she’s building a legacy for her children and planting deep roots in her community. #IAmHer

Meet Morgan. At 14, I met a boy and grew close to him and his family. My mom allowed me to stay over on weekends, and after a few months, he wanted more. I agreed out of fear he’d leave, and by 15, I was pregnant. By 18, I had two children. Those years were tough—losing friends, balancing school, work, and raising kids, all while dealing with poor mental health. My family doubted I’d make it, and a teacher even said teen pregnancy was an embarrassment. But I proved them all wrong. By my senior year, I had nearly all my credits, graduated in 2011 with a 3.5 GPA, and earned certificates for the honor roll. After high school, I became a CNA but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. I eventually found my passion in early education and have spent the past 12 years working in the field. This is my second year at Truman High, supporting teen parents and their children. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of the women of Truman's teen parenting program. They knew I was pregnant before I told my mom and made me feel cared for and supported when I needed it most. My dream now is to open an organization that supports teen parents, helping them navigate parenthood and adulthood. Join Morgan's pursuit of social change in this year’s all-women Social Change Cohort; the deadline is September 13th. https://bit.ly/4cPE9nt Tag us in your story or share it with us christina@startland.org. #IAmHer

Meet SCI Alum, Moira. I am her. Growing up, she struggled with finding comfort in herself and her surroundings. Although she radiated confidence with her loved ones, she felt shy and awkward amongst her peers. Her natural curiosity was overshadowed as she suppressed herself to fit in with those around her. Over time, this need to conform became ingrained into her identity. It wasn’t until she encountered a few extraordinary educators that she began to ask herself, “Who am I?” These teachers encouraged her to embrace her own, unique voice. This revelation marked a turning point in her journey, igniting her true passion: social change. She wanted to be a role model for others, just as her teachers had been for her. When she discovered Startland’s Social Change Internship (SCI), she found a space where her creativity was welcomed. After collaborating with other like-minded, passionate peers, she was able to push past her self-doubt and focus on solving real-world problems. Entering into her senior year, she has taken all that she has learned from SCI, leading several initiatives around her school and the Kansas City community. She plans to serve as a student mentor this fall, helping others find their voices just as she did. Join Moira’s pursuit of social change in this year’s all-women Social Change Cohort; the deadline is September 13th. Link in bio. Tag us in your story or share it with us christina@startland.org. #IAmHer @moira.schirk

Meet SCI Alum, Elise. I am her. Born and raised in Kansas, she often felt restrained in her small town. Her progressive and outspoken attitude made her feel like an outsider in a community that seemed to exclude her. Her innate passion and drive for social change, combined with her past, set her up for a life in social entrepreneurship. Now, with a passion for leadership and social impact, she strives to create spaces where young voices can be heard and valued. Through Girls Lead Co., she is dedicated to empowering young women to overcome barriers and embrace their potential. She is focused on amplifying their voices and helping them step into leadership roles that will shape a brighter future. Join her in this mission. Encourage young women you know to be part of a transformative journey with Girls Lead Co., where their voices matter and their futures are full of possibilities. The Fall 2024 application is open, and the deadline is September 13th. https://bit.ly/4cPE9nt