Whether it be their determination, fearless leadership, relentless activism, or profound creativity – young women near and far continue to show the world that they are stronger than ever!
In celebration of International Day of the Girl on October 11, a youth-led movement for gender equality and justice and youth activism, Fossil Group hosted seven young changemakers – ranging from ages 13 to 23 – in our offices around the globe (Basel, Hong Kong, and Richardson) to share their stories of innovation, empowerment and the challenges that all girls face in modern society.
Standing on a stage, looking on to a packed room filled with employees, community members, and young girls like themselves, the female guests took listeners on a journey of how they became authors, coders, inventors, STEM champions, and entrepreneurs. Additionally, the Richardson office hosted a special STEM workshop, led by 14-year old scientist Hari Bhimaraju, for the young people in attendance to unleash the techie in them.
“These ladies are not only changing the world now, but they are also our future,” said Janiece Evans-Page, Vice President of Global Philanthropy and Sustainability. “This event is all about the young ladies in this room and beyond – helping them to understand how they can unleash their superpowers.”
After the speaker series, Fossil Group hosted multiple volunteer events, from beaded jewelry making in support of Girls Inc., to stuffing totes with donated feminine hygiene products for That Time of the Month – an organization that assists women in need.
Fossil Group is committed to becoming a leader in women’s empowerment by 2020, and creating opportunity for women and girls within and beyond our four walls. Learn more about our speakers and listen to their stories first-hand below.
Richardson, TX
-
Aija Mayrock
Activist. Spoken Word Artist. Teen Author.
Known as a spoken word artist, activist, and author of the best-selling book The Survival Guide to Bullying, Aija is passionate about inspiring young people to use their voices to make an impact.
“Today is a new day. Stand up, don’t back down and be brave.”
-
Sophie Houser
Coder. Feminist. STEM Champion.
From creating the “Tampon Run” video game to writing Girl Code: Gaming, Going Viral, and Getting It Done, Sophie and her co-creator Andy Gonzales challenge girls to ask the question “what if there were more women in technology?”
“I had this vision of myself that I wanted to do something great. That I wanted to make some sort of impact on the world.”
-
Hari Bhimaraju
Scientist. Change-Maker. Advocate for the Visually Impaired.
A presenter at the 2016 White House Science Fair, Hari seeks projects that combine her passion for science and technology, and her desire to help the visually impaired.
“The field of tech impacts all of our lives, so it’s only natural that everybody, regardless of their gender, influences it.”
Hong Kong, China
-
Hillary Yip
Independent Learner. CEO. Visionary.
Founder and CEO of MinorMynas, 13-year-old Hillary aims to help kids learn languages from each other in fun, engaging ways.
“We all should be willing to take the first step…even if we don’t know where it will take us.”
-
Michelle Kwok
Educator. Storyteller. Social Bridge-Builder
Michelle won the Social Innovation CEO Competition for her social enterprise proposal to hire senior citizens as local tour guides.
“Throughout this whole experience, my takeaway was fail fast but to learn faster.”
Basel, Switzerland
-
Ciara Judge
Scientist. Superhero. Social Entrepreneur.
A young scientist and entrepreneur from Kinsale, Ireland—Ciara uses science and technology to tackle issues like the global food crisis and preemptive diagnosis of disease in healthcare.
“Sometimes with young girls an investment of faith is just as important and more effective than an investment of money.”
-
Andrea “Andy” Gonzales
Coder. Feminist. STEM Champion.
Together with her co-creator Sophie Houser, Andy developed the “Tampon Run” video game and co-wrote Girl Code: Gaming, Going Viral, and Getting It Done.
“It’s hard to make products for women when there are only men in the room.”
