The Summer Gen Z Girls Turned Amazing!

Aug 25

Loving every The Summer I Turned Pretty meme beach-blanketing your feed right now?

Same here. But not just for the fun – for the phenomenal things girls accomplished this summer! Three days ago, when I threw out the simple query what did you do this summer to girls previously featured by Être, I didn't know what the tide would bring in. But all weekend long joyful responses about internships and innovation, global treks and hometown visits, magic made with audiences and solo moments of peace filled my inbox. As we head into a holiday week and watch August wane, take a fast look with me at how 42 global girls filled their summers.

One important note - you'll be struck not only by what they're telling you, but how they're telling you...with unabashed pride, unfiltered delight and unapologetic goals.

Soak it in - it's a mini-mentor masterclass, reminding us how to tell the world about what lights us up.

This was the summer that girls turned amazing. Get ready to be pretty impressed:

(Alphabetical from A to Z; ages from 10 to 21)

“As a passionate mental health and health equity advocate, I was able to expand my interests through multiple mediums! I worked as a Programs Coordinator for Headstream, a program of SecondMuse that focuses on youth well-being; continued working on my organization, The Reconceive Project, which promotes youth involvement in health advocacy; and presented my research project as an Emerging Scholar at the Active Minds conference!" - Aliza Lopez

“This summer I was crowned a winner in America Little Miss, provided preschool kids with lunch bags, documented foster kids’ adoption journeys, and worked to inspire others with my harp music!” - Allison Zheng

“My summer was amazing! I had the opportunity to travel for dance, attend the Spelman Leadership Program, study accounting in collaboration with Deloitte, and participate in the National Association of Black Journalist Career Fair and Convention.” - Amariyah Mallory

“This summer I worked on a movie this summer called Soul Cirque about aerial arts, featuring over 100 talented kids. The fun part is that at just 10 years old, I got to contribute to the script and write and record songs for the soundtrack!” - Anastasia Patoka-Smith

“This summer, I went on tour with the Canadian Musicians Co-operative on their Barns2Beaches Music Tour, performing original songs and Canadian classics across Ontario — an unforgettable experience that helped me grow as an artist.” - Anna Goldsmith

“I had an incredible summer of dance as a CORE Assistant with SOL Dance Collective, an ICON Assistant with Ignite Dance Convention, and an Ambassador with Nexxus Dance Challenge — attending workshops, assisting choreographers, mentoring younger dancers, and growing as a leader. I also trained in street dance styles at Footnotes Academy, performed with her crew The Clique at So You Think You Can Dance North York, and became the youngest supervisor at my local Tim Hortons, balancing my part-time job with my passion for dance.” - Andrea Matei

“This summer, I attended the Conference on National Affairs and Speech and Debate Nationals, where I had the opportunity to connect with high schoolers from across the country. I also had the opportunity to travel across the United States and visit places like Boston and Washington D.C.!” - Anvika Jain

“This summer I made the Dean’s List in Creative Industries, renewing my scholarship for Ted Rogers Future Leaders! Then summer really began with being hired as the Creative Director for the Ted Rogers Pride Alliance at Toronto Metropolitan University. I also taught dance to students (kindergarten to grade 8) in a program created by one of my mentors, Carla Tucker, called Moving Art in the Schools. It is exciting to have the opportunity to share my love for dance with students who may not have been able to take dance before!” - Arianna Goarley

“This summer I had the opportunity to represent my state New Jersey at the Miss International competition! As Miss New Jersey International, I was able to advocate my platform Enhancing Educational Equity that provides educational resources to high school students. I currently have 15+ mentors in my program that are providing guidance to over 70+ active students!” - Asmi Kaushal

"This summer I was in club soccer and volleyball. I had games most weekends and practices during the week, but got to hang out with my friends and filmed a lot of TikToks and Reels. My family also traveled to Pismo beach for a weekend gateway. It was so fun!" - Brielle Lopez

“After traveling to Barcelona, I dedicated myself to implementing prototypes to expand knowledge about digital inclusion and inspire young women to follow STEM careers in Ecuador.” - Brittany Loor

“This summer I was an intern for the Library of Congress where I helped plan for a new exhibit and wrote for their blog.” - Cacelie Gooden

“This summer, I was a Global Affairs Intern at OpenAI where I worked across the intersections of AI, policy, and education. As the Founder of Her Rising Initiative, I also spent the summer building the next Girls Who Code but for policy and entrepreneurship with my team. We now have 90+ chapters worldwide!” - Cherie Animashaun

“This summer, I've been busy working even more on my podcast, Story Central, which now has reached people in 27 countries (compared to 19 before summer). I've had the honour to interview Max Fosh (YouTuber), Andrea Matei (dancer), Samantha Berger (author), Payton Obert (teen philanthropist), Kylie Montigney (podcaster), and Sam Gower (YouTuber). I've also been interviewed on the Talk of Fame podcast (by Kylie Montigney) and KidNuz podcast (Kid CEO episode).” - Ditya Viral

“This summer, I volunteered with the Red Cross as a donor ambassador at blood drives, started writing the first draft for my Ted-Ed talk, and finished a research fellowship! I also got to spend time with my friends, read books, and go to ILC for HOSA, which was an amazing experience!” - Eesha Vanamala

“This summer I wrapped post on my short film No One Will Believe You, which is now heading into the 2026 festival circuit after months of script workshops, crowdfunding, and a 25-person shoot. I also interned at NEER Motion/Films, handling artist management, research, and digital assets, while sitting in on production meetings and interviewing AC Rising Star nominee Sarah Whelden.” - Eleanor Smith

“At 13, I began writing a short film about teenage girls navigating loss, the power of friendship and realizing that it's okay not to have everything figured out. This summer, at 16, I’m incredibly grateful to bring that story to life with an amazing team and I can’t wait to share it with the world soon!” - Ellivia Gold

“’The summer of no summer’ was spent averaging 80 hours a week as I dedicated myself to completing my short animated film while finishing the Animation Diploma program at Vancouver Film School, which I successfully graduated from on August 22nd. My next goal is to have my film accepted into the Cannes Film Festival in 2026.” - Esabella Strickland

“This summer I spent lots of time at the beach, hung out with my friends, and released a song about having fun, not taking life so seriously and just living for experience!” - Francesca Tarantino

“This summer I lit the torch part of a pre-game ceremony for women’s professional soccer team Gotham FC in New Jersey, alongside Ciara & Kylie Kelce!” - Honor Smoke

“I traveled with my club teams to play soccer in California, Illinois, Virginia and North Carolina. Also, I got a chance to surprise my grandma by visiting her in Buffalo, NY.” - Isabella Reibarkh

“I have explored Northeast Ohio showing families things to do with their families to make the most of summer and the perfect memories. I also started a job to help me continue to grow and achieve my goals.” - Jayda Lee

“This summer, I completed an intensive 10-week research internship through the American Cancer Society Internship for Mentored Projects Advancing Cancer Translation (IMPACT) program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where I investigated the immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stromal cells in Dr. Magali Fontaine’s lab. Beyond the lab, I presented my research at multiple forums, attended regional retreats such as the 15th Annual Cancer Biology Research Retreat, the Mid Atlantic Trainee Exchange (MATEs) Retreat, and the first-ever DMV-ACS Cancer Research Internship Retreat, and shadowed physicians across neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, urology, and hematology—further reinforcing my path as an aspiring physician-scientist aiming to specialize in neurosurgery.” - Jehan Idsassi

"This summer I embarked on a 64 mile backpacking trek through New Mexico’s mountains, immersed myself in the culture of conservation in Costa Rica, applied computational biology to research lichen microbiomes as an intern at Caltech, and poured time and heart into growing WOW! That's STEM with my awesome team!" - Katelyn Liu

“This summer, I had the opportunity to work in the Bureau of Elections with the New Mexico Secretary of State. I received hands-on experience in voter software, campaign finance, and all the behind-the-scenes of what goes into running elections!” - Lila Quezada

“This summer I did research at Penn Medicine, where I worked developing stem cells and focusing on how to improve their maturation for insulin production. I presented this work at the Latinx Summer Symposium at Penn, where I earned first place. I also participated at the Harvard Quantum Initiative Short contest, where I earned an honorable mention!” - Luisa Fernanda López Monzón

“This summer I was an intern at Microsoft, conducting research evaluating AI systems such as LLMs and AI companions for child safety risks!” - Neha Shukla

“This summer, I spoke at the UN Financing for Development 4 (FfD4) conference in Spain, where I highlighted the perspectives shared by youth during the ECOSOC Youth Forum and emphasized the importance of carrying those contributions into the FfD4 discussions. In addition, I am researching at Stanford's Schnitzer Lab working on NeuroAI research.” - Nishka Sharma

“This summer was truly special for me! I published my third book, 13 Lessons I Wish Everyone Knew at 13, and gave life to my childhood dream—That Teen, my brand or platform to help teens become exactly who they want to be. I also produced and directed a docu-drama, That Teen: The Movie, showcasing the lives of teens doing meaningful work worldwide, set to release in 2025, and began preparing for my Être TED Talk 2025 with my mentor, Kate Kelley.” - Nitya Lohiya

“This summer truly felt like a rollercoaster. I learned so many lessons along the way. After three years, I finally spent an extended time in my hometown, where I reconnected with people and old friends. It gave me a completely new perspective on life and a sense of inner growth. It was also a much-needed break from all the chaos. Though I lost a few things and connections, I can’t complain, I’m grateful to be back on my feet again, feeling stronger and happier.” - Ratna Singh

“This summer, I participated in the Bossgirls program at the Zahn Innovation Center in NYC, where I learned about the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and how to start a business. I applied my knowledge into creating a platform called MBARK, which provides stay-at-home moms with flexible job opportunities, and I won 2nd place in our finale pitch competition!” - Rhea Shah

“This summer, I focused on expanding our Re-Defined community — launching our membership page and platform, bringing sponsors and partners on board for our Newcomers Collision 3.0 Conference happening on Sept 20th. I also hosted an in-person Toronto Summer Social for 150+ international students at the Deloitte office, and started a series of hosting 'FREE career chats' at Yonge & Dundas square to provide accessible guidance and support to immigrants.” - Ritika Saraswat

“This summer, I conducted research at the University of Arkansas on the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), focusing on its roles in metabolism and clinical significance, while also traveling to London and Paris. I also spent a week in Guatemala on a medical mission trip, providing care and support to underserved communities.” - Riya Patel

“This summer, I traveled to NYC and Niagara Falls, and I also interned at a biopharmaceutical company!” - Saanvi Doshi

“This summer I've been a particle physics summer researcher at Argonne National Laboratory's High Energy Physics division. I'm part of the Intensity Frontier group, working on a project in development called Mu2e (Mu2e stands for the Muon to Electron Conversion Experiment, and as the name implies, is being developed to detect a muon-to-electron conversion). I am mentored by a couple of experimental particle physicists, and I am working on two major projects...I work a lot with magnetic fields, and it's honestly the coolest thing ever. Two major highlights of my internship are the real-world experience I obtained and the connections I made! Also, at the New Perspectives event, I won an award for having the best talk in my session, which was an insane boost of confidence. I've also met some incredible people, mentors and fellow interns alike. Now I have a good idea of which direction I would like to head next. As much as I love particle physics, having this experience made me realize that my astrophysical pursuits are a much better fit for me.” - Siddhi Raut

“This summer was filled with projects and emotions: I graduated high school as valedictorian, was accepted into a NASA program, and competed nationally in dance. I also began leukemia research rotations, joined a National Leadership Program, and was invited to share my story on TV and radio to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams.” - Sofia García Chávez

“During the summer, I have hosted a neighbourhood discussion session about fast fashion and what we think the future of fashion is. Also, I hosted an awareness session at my nearest library about fast fashion and carbon emissions.” - Stuti the Activist

“This summer I was accepted into an entrepreneurial course fully sponsored by CCNY and Standard Chartered Bank and participated in their pitch competition where I won first place! I also worked on my app, Remini, to prepare it to launch in September!” - Tanya Shah

“This summer I spent 24 days in Thailand. For those 24 days I completed different service projects in 3 Karen villages in the northern part of Thailand. I completed service projects such as building a security hut for a village and making two water tanks for another.” - Tucker Benedict

"I had a very enlightening summer! I attended the National College Leadership Conference, earned a certification in Alternative Dispute Resolution, and interned at the Korean American Coalition. In my internship, I supported community programs and events that foster leadership and civic engagement. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of advocacy, cultural identity, and representation, while also strengthening my skills in communication and teamwork. - Viva Lee

“This summer I committed to working full time on my company Sunu Body. I traveled to Senegal to meet with suppliers, hosted an internship program, and built community!” - Zainabou Thiam

“This is so cool! This summer I participated in SMTI 2025 at USC, and I was a part of Beetlejuice Jr at Workshop theater.” - Zoey Land

Cool, indeed - every single one.

This was the summer I turned pretty impressed - join me in following these future leaders, innovators, writers, researchers, performers and peacemakers with the links they provided, as we charge ahead towards our own goals this fall.

Looking forward,

Illana