Yasmine Baldo, 17

Yasmine Baldo, 17

Racial stereotypes have greatly impacted my life. My racial and ethnic identity has left me disadvantaged at many times. Having to witness my immigrant parents receive dirty looks for speaking their native tongue has developed an underlying shame of my culture. Not growing up with any prominent women of color has made it difficult for me to envision myself in a position of power. Conversely, these struggles have allowed me to find a community of people like me. Creating friendships where we can support each other with shared struggles has helped guide me through life as a black woman in a stereotypical and patriarchal society. I hope to one day become a figure that young black individuals can use as motivation to succeed in a world where many odds are against them.

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Audrey Lee, 18

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Vanessa Louis, 19