Category: Featured

The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: Simone Aptekman is using her platform to support models undergoing financial duress while providing them the Model’s Bill of Rights

…One scenario I documented was truly appalling. A model did many hours of work, mind you overtime work, for a large automotive brand. The job was lucrative. Months went by…no payment from her agency. Upon reaching out to her agency, they purported that the client had not paid. The model contacted the automotive company and they had sent her a photo of a check that was sent 4 months prior and it been redacted immediately by the agency. Last time I checked, this is blatant fraud. The model was then paid a smaller portion of what was due to her because the agency fabricated expenses. Worst thing about this scenario was that the agency threatened to deport the model if she took action. She filed a claim in a small claims court to receive her money and had to spend thousands of dollars on a lawyer which etched away at her payment for the job which was rightfully hers! As someone who concentrated in Contract Law in college, I was beside myself that models are falling prey to predatory contracts, myself included. This is when I began to draft the Model’s Bill of Rights.

As a part of my series about social media stars making a social impact, I had the pleasure to interview Simone Aptekman. Simone is a Model, Artist, Writer, Business Owner and co-founder of the Model’s Bill of Rights Movement. In 2016, Simone was the youngest female to attain her master’s degree from The F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business and was Valedictorian of her graduating class. Shortly thereafter, Simone relocated to New York, and her journey as a multifaceted entrepreneur, model, activist, writer, and artist began.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Thank you for taking an interest in my ambitions and my work! Let’s start from the beginning. While I was studying at Babson College, I was simultaneously modeling for a small but lovely agency in Boston called Maggie, Inc. I remember speeding down the highway with exam study guides sprawled all over my lap, trying to make it in time for a Daniela Corte Bikini cover shoot for the Boston Herald. I went on to be the youngest female in Boston to attain her Master’s Degree in Business. I was deeply entrenched in the rigor of a full time master’s program, so I was constantly forgoing modeling opportunities. I decided to make a pact with myself: upon graduation, I would move to New York, enter into a larger market and allocate my full time to modeling and building my brand.

But I’ve got to be honest with you… I was very conflicted. I felt emotionally tied to take a role in my family’s business upon finishing grad school. This sense of obligation arose after my father suddenly passed when I was 14. My mother immediately took on running the family business which was now a robust, international chemical manufacturing company exporting automotive treatment products. She was grieving and working simultaneously while my brother and I trudged through school, our confusing teenage years, feeling incredibly numb and broken. I knew that my hard work in school would need to be centered on a succession of my family business (http://magazine.babson.edu/2015/05/11/small-talk-with-simone-aptekman/).

But I decided to stay true to myself, and the fact that I had a brilliant brother stepping into the business but my qualms at ease. So… I moved to NY! A week later, I found myself at an art opening where I was scouted to be the model for a month long fashion editorial/art collection shoot in Vietnam, China, Cambodia, and Laos…and I agreed to it, and off I went! The shoot was an incredibly poignant moment in my life of self-discovery as a person as well as a model. The set was unconventional — every day the terrain would change. My tolerance to any possible set situation grew beyond proportion. Most models cannot say that their first shoot took place in a third world country for 1 month — so I was experiencing something that others would possibly experience well into their career. I was learning as I went and began to truly develop as a model in Vietnam. Today, these art pieces are displayed in different galleries around the world (https://www.artrabbit.com/events/raphael-mazzucco-an-odyssey) and feature my typewriting over mixed materials, which was the beginning of establishing myself as an artist.

Back in New York, after being represented and working for an agency that I didn’t feel aligned with (which eventually paved the way for The Model’s Bill of Rights), I was scouted at a restaurant by the owners of The Industry Model MGMT and began to really identify with modeling. I am currently represented by The Industry Model MGMT NY, LA, Miami as well as MP Management Atlanta.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?

So as you’ve read so far, my career truly began with two chance scoutings that you tend to only read about in fiction novels or see in films. So the most interesting aspect to my career was definitely how I started and then how I signed with my most recent agencies.

As aforementioned, the first interesting story involves being scouted at an art gallery for the month long fashion editorial in the most rural parts of a third world country (Vietnam), Laos, China, and Cambodia. I had literally just moved to New York. I knew that I wanted to pursue modeling but I didn’t know how I would get there. My plan was to do it rather formulaically via open calls and setting up meetings. But instead, my career began in the most spontaneous and least formulaic way. I took a risk and decided to go on the trip and that sort of zest and commitment to carving my way into the industry in my own unique way, is what i believe gave me an edge and gave rise to my distinct identity as not just a model but an artist, writer, and activist. Everything that I experienced from that day forward (the day I was scouted), I incorporated into my identity and career.

To be scouted once is rare, but twice is definitely a combination of fate and being in the right place at the right time. I was wrapping up dinner at a restaurant in Soho, NY, and began to traverse to the coat check. I was in a great mood and instead of walking, I was almost gliding across the restaurant. At this exact moment, Federico Pignatelli (owner of Industry Model MGMT Group and Pier59 Studios) as well as the late Brunella Casella were having a work dinner, they noticed me and invited me to have a meeting at Pier59 Studios the very next day. Thereafter, I signed with Industry Model MGMT NY & LA followed by being placed with MP Atlanta and Industry Model MGMT Miami.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Haha! You will definitely find this funny… although at first it was super sad for me but now that time has passed, we can talk about it! Okay, so I had a shoot at Pier59 Studios and prior to the shoot I went to get a quick blowout. Before I paid and left the salon, I went the restroom and placed my favorite handbag down on the counter. When I went to go pick it up after washing my hands, the purse was stuck to the counter! WHITE WET PAINT!!! The sign on the door had fallen off, so I had no idea. I got frazzled and freaked out and began to try to peel the purse off the cabinet and in the process was getting white paint all over my hands, cheek, and legs. Eventually, the purse came off… but the paint would not. But I had to head to Pier59, I was running late for my shoot! I showed up to the shoot… A TOTAL HOT MESS. I was covered in paint that wouldn’t come off and there was nothing I could do about it. Truth be told, I did cry in the cab so I also had puffy red eyes. But hey, I had to trudge through, and the majority of the photos in my portfolio are from that shoot. SO the lesson from this story? Turn a whoops into a WOW! And never give up.

Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?

So I use my platform to connect with models undergoing financial duress and share their stories while providing them the Model’s Bill of Rights as an educational resource so that they are aware of their rights. I myself had been undergoing grievances (mainly in the form of withheld payments) in my previous representation. While in an SLT pilates class, I overheard a few models talking about similar experiences and I became privy to the fact that I wasn’t alone and that in light of the Me Too Movement, financial duress was for sure another form of abuse. I decided to host a symposium in my apartment and invited 12 models from different agencies. They shared their stories; I documented them all. A lot of these models were on 01 Visas sponsored by their agencies and therefore were scared to speak up in fear of deportation, so I became the voice for them. Thereafter, in collaboration with Federico Pignatelli (owner of The Industry Model MGMT Group and Pier59 Studios) we founded The Model’s Bill of Rights which sets specific standards and guidelines to mitigate financial duress, protect models’ fundamental rights, ensures safe working conditions, and promotes education for models to understand the legalese in contracts. I was the voice for the models, having had documented an entire manuscript of grievances, and Federico had the wheelhouse to expose this reality as he is a major industry leader.

Wow! Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?

One scenario I documented was truly appalling. A model did many hours of work, mind you overtime work, for a large automotive brand. The job was lucrative. Months went by…no payment from her agency. Upon reaching out to her agency, they purported that the client had not paid. The model contacted the automotive company and they had sent her a photo of a check that was sent 4 months prior and it been redacted immediately by the agency. Last time I checked, this is blatant fraud. The model was then paid a smaller portion of what was due to her because the agency fabricated expenses. Worst thing about this scenario was that the agency threatened to deport the model if she took action. She filed a claim in a small claims court to receive her money and had to spend thousands of dollars on a lawyer which etched away at her payment for the job which was rightfully hers! As someone who concentrated in Contract Law in college, I was beside myself that models are falling prey to predatory contracts, myself included. This is when I began to draft the Model’s Bill of Rights.

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

Absolutely! First, I think spreading awareness by having more conversations surrounding financial duress. When conversations start at the top, they are prioritized and that significance trickles down. Second, many models are international and therefore granted an 01 Visa. The truth about transferable 01 Visas is critical. Models are made to believe that the agency that sponsors their visa has grounds to terminate the visa or deport the model. Often times, agencies use this to their advantage by withholding payments with no accountability which in turn puts the model in a powerless position. Third, I believe there is potential for SAG to partner with modeling agencies and have everyone abide by the same payment standards for talent at large.

What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause? Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for a social good?

I recently went live on a podcast for iHeart Radio where I discussed the purpose and goals of The Model’s Bill of Rights Movement and thereafter promoted those conversations via my Instagram page in the form of posts, stories, and highlights. Also, I recently took part in a press conference during New York Fashion week and was interviewed by the Associated Press and Bloomberg as an ambassador for this movement. My hope is to see heightened transparency regarding contracts, working visas, payment, and taxes so that models have more control over their career in order to protect their present and future and I am happy to see that the movement is gaining significant traction. In terms of using social media platform for social good, if you want to bring awareness to something that may not match your theme/content, use the story feature. I personally am very passionate about animals and whenever I see that there is an animal that needs to be rescued/adopted, I post the information on my story and have had success in finding a pup a forever home! I have close to 20,000 followers and so I feel empowered and obligated to use my special platform for social good. Regarding the Model’s Bill of Rights awareness and content, I aggregate all of that press and information to my highlights.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

1. Dieting does not mean suppressing food intake!

Unfortunately, I think many models implement diets and workout regiments that are not sustainable. The word ‘diet’ is totally tainted. People have misconstrued diet to mean suppression of food when in reality diet is nutritious consumption. Relating to nutrition, my motto is: just as quickly as you lose, is just as quickly as you’ll gain. If you are starving and working out intensely to look good for those swim digitals coming up, you may very well shed weight and look the way you want for those snaps. BUT, you will quickly bloat and gain back even more…your body will punish you! TRUST ME, I’ve been there. Instead, you want to change the composition of your body over time by implementing realistic and healthy measures that work for YOU. It’s not a one size fits all and it really is all about being consistent. So don’t go extreme when your agent/booker says to tone up… take your time, and do it in a healthy & sustainable way! Your journey is personal to you! Keep your goals realistic to your own personal body composition and be the best version of YOU. Find exercise that makes you happy and patterns of eating that are doable and healthy! For me, its pilates, barre, smoothies in the morning, yummy chicken and kale salads, and a fatty fish for dinner (or sushi!).

2. Don’t compare yourself to other models, especially on social media!

I do believe that the beauty ideal has totally gotten unrealistic and morphed, specifically how it is presented on social media. I would tell girls and women to not conflate that with real life and not to become dysmorphic about their image as compared to an altered/photoshopped image on Instagram. Beauty really does shine from within. If anybody is curious about great workout studios, skincare, or nutrition, please DM me (@simoneaptekman) and I would be happy to chat! I am happy to say I have implemented a healthy lifestyle that works for me and would love others to achieve the same.

I can honestly say that modeling has heightened my awareness of body image. As a result of modeling and the pressure, I have become critical of myself but luckily today I channel this awareness into healthy solutions. I do wish that I had more resources and guidance prior to entering into a bigger market like New York. I worked so hard to break into the industry, and was elated to get my start, that I did not carefully read my contract and instead placed a lot of trust in others. I urge models to exercise due diligence and take their time reading and signing anything. That is why I co-founded The Model’s Bill of Rights — I want other models to break into the industry, informed and empowered.

3. Keep track of your jobs/hours/payments

If the model is experiencing financial duress, I would advise her to send detailed statements to her booker and CC the accounting department that show date/client/hours/rate to exemplify that she is keeping track of all of her jobs. If payment is withheld past the contractually promised pay period, this is material breach of contract and enables the model to be released from the contract if she so chooses. I would advise the model to then refrain from accepting work until she is paid what is rightfully owed to her because there is no evidence that she will be paid for future work and will be continually taken advantage of. If the model is mistreated on set, she should immediately notify her booker/team and communicate her concerns. She should not have to tolerate anything that makes her feel uncomfortable or in danger; feeling safe trumps losing one client — there are plenty!

4. Don’t rush to sign ANYTHING!

I hope any aspiring model reading this takes a copy of her contract home when she is offered representation and reads the contract before signing, amending it in any way she sees fit. In the past, I have made the mistake of not reading through a contract thoroughly and signing it on the spot! Which is totally embarrassing as I concentrated in contract law… sometimes you really learn things the hard way! Always read through any document you sign. Just do it!

5. Always be prepared and casting ready!

Okay… this may seem trivial but it is super important: once you start going to castings, your chart can change throughout the day on a very short notice. When you’re in town and available, it means you are available. Unless you book out, you are AVAILABLE. Meaning, always have a pair of plain black or nude heels handy, nude polish on fingernails or no polish at all, something that will pass as a casting outfit, and your IPad or book (whichever way you store your portfolio). You may get a great opportunity and only have an hour to get there. The fashion industry will keep you on your toes, so don’t fall behind and always be ready!

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

Thank you very much! I have inspired a movement and I am so happy to see that The Model’s Bill of Rights is gaining significant traction. I believe it is a very timely and relevant movement. Many models have come forward, sharing their grievances related to sexual harassment. Financial duress is another form of abuse. We have held numerous press conferences at Pier59 Studios where models and many key industry figures attended, as well as the Associated Press and other media outlets that have circulated the movement. I can say that not all agencies pledged to implement The Model’s Bill of Rights as a practice. These agencies thrive off of predatory contracts. But hosting these symposiums, press conferences, and starting this conversation has enabled the model to have resources and education. I hope any aspiring model reading this takes a copy of her contract home when she is offered representation and reads the contract before signing, amending it in any way she sees fit. These are the kinds of conversations and suggestions we offer to models when we host press conferences and gatherings.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

It is a very simple but positive life lesson: TURN A WHOOPS INTO A WOW! Life presents us with so many decision points. Inevitably, you may make what seems to be a “wrong” decision. Don’t ever submit to that defeat; rather, turn that whoops into a wow! Find solutions to eradicate the situation, to make it better, maybe even better than it would have been if you had done it “right” from the start. Be creative because everything is subjective (this is the artist in me shining through!)

This is super relevant to my life…and always has been! I started to live by this motto in the 2nd grade. We had a school-wide bookmark competition (grades 1–9), I began to draw and immediately realized that I had made a mistake. I got the attention of a faculty member and asked her for a fresh bookmark to which she informed me that every student only gets one. I was dismayed and super disappointed (from a young age I was always a perfectionist!) The teacher proceeded to tell me to turn a whoops into a wow. The curved line I had mistakenly drawn, I turned into a bumble bee and created a collage of different bees and butterflies and nature related figures. I proceeded to write “Make a Whoops into a Wow” on the bookmark. That year, I won the bookmark competition. 600 students, mind you, students that were also 14/15 years old participated. I was 7 years old.

Nowadays, I am a busy, modern renaissance woman. I possess a zest for modern advances, progressive schools of thought, but simultaneously have an extremely old soul. I wear many different hats and am constantly saying YES to life! But with this fast paced lifestyle, there are LOTS of forks in the road and I am constantly making decisions. To be at peace with my decisions, I know that I can always be creative with the aftermath of every decision I make.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

I would love to have a private breakfast/lunch with Cher. Cher is a self-made, confident, beautiful, intelligent, and unique woman. She has gravitas, she is rock-and-roll, and she totally carved her own path. She does not follow, she leads! One word: ICON. In many ways, I am also taking risks by truly being the architect of my future instead of listening to naysayers!

I have been to many of Cher’s performances. I recall being very young and going to her concert in Maine. My mother, father, brother, and I drove out to Maine from Cape Cod. I was mesmerized by Cher! I think she noticed because she ended up tossing her white sailor hat to me! When we were leaving the venue, I remember clenching that hat in my small hands, protecting it with my dear life!

I have always had this vision of starring in a film with Cher about her journey and career. Cher is Armenian-American and I am Armenian-Russian; we have similar features 🙂 I hope this message can be passed to Cher and we could meet up!

How can our readers follow you on social media?

I am most active on my Instagram page: @simoneaptekman so feel free to follow me there to keep up with me 🙂 Also, check out my website: www.simoneaptekman.com

My future entails a continuation in building my brand, what makes me Simone. Thank you for reading and be well!

This was very meaningful, thank you so much!

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The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: Simone Aptekman is using her platform to support models… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

An Interview With Candice Georgiadis

…It has to feel personal. There is no “one size fits all” approach to hospitality. Customers are increasingly looking for truly personalized, one-of-a-kind experiences that feel as though they’re made just for them. This is why it is essential to create and foster a culture that is focused on people serving people — one where team members are inspired and empowered to go above and beyond for customers. Add to this the fact that customers are more and more willing to share their data (within reason), and we have a prime opportunity to truly understand who our customers are, what they like and why they’re traveling — and to do something positive with that information.

As a part of my seres about the future of travel, I had the pleasure to interview Jonathan (Jon) Witter. Jonathan (Jon) is Chief Customer Officer of Hilton. In this role, Jon ensures the innovation, design, marketing and delivery of distinctive, consistent, high quality, branded experiences that delight customers and drive superior returns to Hilton and its owners. Jon oversees the global Brands, Marketing, Loyalty & Partnerships, Hilton Reservations & Customer Care, Technology and Strategy teams. Prior to Hilton, Jon served in a number of senior roles where he specialized in transforming the operational and strategic models of businesses undergoing significant customer-, technology- or market-driven disruption. Most recently, Jon served as President of the Retail and Direct Banking divisions of Capital One Bank during its transition from a traditional local branch-based bank to a national marketing- and technology-led challenger business. He was responsible for $3.1 billion in revenues, 13,500 associates and 10 million customers. Prior to Capital One, Jon served as Managing Director and President of Morgan Stanley Private Bank NA and Chief Operating Officer of Morgan Stanley’s Retail Banking Group. Immediately following the Great Recession, and during a period when the company was acutely focused on expanding its retail banking businesses, Jon was accountable for the strategic direction and overall success of the business. Jon provided day-to-day leadership over product management, mortgage, information technology, operations and CRA. In the early days of the digital revolution, Jon served as EVP and Head of General Bank Distribution at Wachovia Bank. In this role, Jon helped implement Wachovia’s vision of designing and delivering a true multichannel experience for customers. Jon led many of the bank’s distribution channels (phone, ATM, Internet) and the deposit and retail credit product teams that managed product features, functionality, services and profitability. He also led the company’s branch and network management function, playing a major role in new market entries in Texas and California. Prior to Wachovia, Jon served in a number of roles with McKinsey & Co, Applied Predictive Technologies and Deloitte & Touche. Jon received an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business, where he was a Palmer Scholar. He received his B.A. magna cum laude in Economics from Vanderbilt University. Jon recently served as Chairman for the Washington Corporate Council of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as a member of the Board of Directors for Goodwill of Greater Washington, and as a board member of the Economic Club of Washington D.C. He resides in Washington, D.C. with his family.

Thank you so much for joining us Jon! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Having started my career in consulting before spending many years in the banking industry, my arrival in hospitality probably seems unexpected — though in reality, it actually makes a lot of sense. During my banking career, I specialized in building, growing and transforming traditional operating models in the face of significant industry disruption. Most recently, I was President of the Retail and Direct Banking divisions of Capital One Bank during its transition from a traditional branch-based bank to a national marketing- and digitally-enabled business — a shift that is not too dissimilar to what’s happening in hospitality.

When the opportunity presented itself to join Hilton, I had two thoughts. First: this is an industry that is at an incredible crossroads and Hilton — the company that defined hospitality as we know it — has a tremendous opportunity to determine the future of travel. And second: I have stayed in a lot of hotels across many brands, and as a frequent customer who has also made a career out of obsessing over what customers want or need, I have some suggestions for how to tackle the disruption we are seeing today.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

In a past life, I was charged with building a new physical retailing concept in collaboration with experts who had great industry knowledge. Instinctively, we made many good decisions at the outset — but we knew we couldn’t (and shouldn’t) go it alone if we wanted to achieve the best possible outcome. So we made sure our process included a rigorous, iterative and common sense way of engaging with our customers so we could truly understand their needs. The result was that we co-created the concept with our customers — creating the product they wanted, and leading to a big commercial payoff for the business. If I were a betting man, I would say the product turned out about 50% as experts thought it would, 30% was largely as expected with very important nuances, and the last 20% would never have occurred to the experts but was wildly important. That kind of customer centricity, or customer-inspired innovation, is something I have aimed to replicate every day since.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”? Can you share a story about that?

I am a big believer that we all thrive in different ways and that as leaders, it is our job to ensure we are offering the flexibility and support our teams need to be at their best every day. For me, that means carving out time every morning for a run or a cycling class — even if it requires getting an extra early start on the day, or fighting with some serious jet lag. Not only do I physically feel better and more energized when I start my day with a workout, I have also found that some of my best ideas come when there’s nothing to distract me but the open road. With my kids getting closer to college age, I also make sure I build in quality time with them while they are still at home — whether that’s an NFL football game with my son (Go Panthers!), or checking off another destination from our family’s 50-state, 7-continent bucket list (we’re at 35 states and 4 continents). But like I said, it’s different for everyone — the only way to avoid burn out is to know what’s important for you, and to work with the people around you to ruthlessly prioritize. That means focusing on the points of greatest leverage, building a great team and culture, and working in a job and industry that you are passionate about.

Let’s jump to the core of our discussion. Can you share with our readers about the innovations that you are bringing to the travel and hospitality industries?

Innovation is a big topic — but at its core, it is about creating new sources of value for customers, inspired by customers. At Hilton, innovation starts with our physical products — the brands and hotels we offer, which are each unique in their own right. Whether you are looking for a tried and true meetings-focused hotel for an event, a resort for a family getaway or an affordable lifestyle option with an urban vibe, we are constantly striving to bring you those products in ways that are valuable for you.

Beyond the physical product, we are also innovative in the service and programming we deliver and the ways we bring our Hilton hospitality to life. While some of our trademark offerings vary from one brand to the next — such as the signature warm DoubleTree Cookie at check-in, the Embassy Suites Manager’s Reception, or Tru by Hilton’s “Top It” breakfast bar — our Team Members never waver. They are the kindest, most compassionate and hospitable people you will find in our business, and they are empowered to do whatever it takes to show our customers how much we value them.

Then there is what everyone thinks of when they hear the word “innovation” — the data, technology and digital side of things. While our product and service are critical pieces of the equation, so too is technology. That’s why we are focused on offerings like Connected Room, which is the first truly mobile-centric hotel room that allows our customers to do everything — from controlling the lights and temperature, to ordering room service, to customizing the art on the walls — from the palm of their hand. This is a unique source of value that, when combined with fantastic products and unmatched service, makes Hilton truly stand out.

And tying it all together is the most important piece of the puzzle — the people and culture that bring all of this to life. By fostering an environment where people are encouraged to think differently, where they know you are invested in their success and that it is okay to fail sometimes, and where they have the support they need to dust themselves off and try again, you build the kind of company that can stand the test of time. A place where people are proud to work and commit to something bigger than themselves.

Which “pain point” are you trying to address by introducing this innovation?

At the end of the day, travel is hard. It often involves some combination of planes, trains and automobiles, and any number of things can go off course before a customer ever arrives at one of our hotels. The end result is that travel is inconsistent and full of partially met expectations. It tends to feel impersonal and unfamiliar, like you are on this journey alone and there is nobody looking out for you or helping you connect with the things that matter to you. It has also been largely the same industry for the better part of the last century, with conventions and practices that have historically “worked” for the industry but may no longer serve customers as well as they did in the past.

So travel is inconsistent. It’s hard. In some ways, it feels like it’s time for an evolution of what we have come to expect. And yet, our customers travel for some of the most important moments of their lives — those moments when they need to be at their best. That paradox is something we cannot overlook. By offering a truly valuable experience — one that is distinctive, high-quality, consistent and branded — we help our customers see that Hilton is different. They can depend on us, wherever and however their travels may take them. We are looking out for them.

How do you envision that this might disrupt the status quo?

The hospitality industry is at a pivotal moment in time. The world is moving faster than ever before, and with disruptive forces like digitization, globalization and automation transforming business as we know it, hospitality — like many industries — is at risk of commoditization. If there is nothing to distinguish one company or brand from another, then why would customers pay a premium? It is simple — they wouldn’t. That is why we are investing in innovation and customer-centricity like never before, so we can stay firmly ahead of the disruptive forces that want to unseat our industry. The standard we hold ourselves to is that customers say “it just feels different at a Hilton.”

This is not just for the benefit of customers and Hilton. If we are successful, we impact lives and communities. Think about it this way: over the last 100 years, Hilton alone has served 3 billion guests, employed 10 million Team Members and contributed $1 trillion in economic impact. If we were to let our industry, or ourselves, get disrupted, all of that impact — and all of our future positive impact — would be lost.

Can you share five examples of how travel and hospitality companies will be adjusting over the next five years to the new ways that consumers like to travel?

The thing I love about consumers is that they are never 100% predictable, so the things we “know” to be true today will almost certainly evolve over time. That said, if I were to peg five travel trends that are definitely not going anywhere any time soon, they would be:

1. Experiences will continue to trump things. Customers are spending more money on travel and less on material goods — obviously a trend that is good for our business. Our award-winning Hilton Honors loyalty program is leaning into this in a big way with its new Experiences Platform, which lets customers cash in hard-earned points for once-in-a-lifetime experiences that they can’t get anywhere else.
2. It has to feel personal. There is no “one size fits all” approach to hospitality. Customers are increasingly looking for truly personalized, one-of-a-kind experiences that feel as though they’re made just for them. This is why it is essential to create and foster a culture that is focused on people serving people — one where team members are inspired and empowered to go above and beyond for customers. Add to this the fact that customers are more and more willing to share their data (within reason), and we have a prime opportunity to truly understand who our customers are, what they like and why they’re traveling — and to do something positive with that information.
3. Seamless integration of physical and digital is critical. Travelers will always look for that outstanding travel experience — the hotel employee who made them feel extra well cared for, or that knockout property, or a “can’t miss” view. At the same time, our society is becoming more digital in everything we do, and it is important that we use technology to help digitally connect customers to those physical components of their guest stay. For example, we offer a digital check-in experience for those guests who want it, where they can check-in, pick their room, request an upgrade and unlock their door all through our Hilton Honors app. Not only does this offer our guests an option to check-in when and how they like, it also frees up our team members to focus even more on what they do best: delivering exceptional hospitality.
4. Physical design is more important than ever. Customers have a discerning eye for design, and they are increasingly telling us that they want their hotels to feel less homogeneous. There will always be a place for brand standards and consistency, but you will see more hotels getting creative with how they reflect their communities in their design.
5. Customers want to spend money with brands that share their values. According to a survey of 72,000 Hilton guests, social, environmental and ethical considerations are central to their buying preferences, especially guests younger than 25 years old. We have always been focused on investing in the people and communities we serve, and last year we laid out ambitious new goals to significantly increase our impact by 2030 by cutting our environmental footprint in half and doubling our social impact investments.

You are a “travel insider.” How would you describe your “perfect vacation experience”?

My perfect vacation experience is one that feels different. While the definition of “different” varies from one person to the next (and sometimes, one trip to the next), it starts with consistency and reliability in the sense that I am getting what I expect with no negative surprises. If you have positive surprises, I’m all for it. I want to feel that there is a great culture among the hotel team — that they have a service orientation, and they feel proud and inspired by what they do. I tend to be pretty informal, but I still want to feel like any potential friction is eliminated from the experience. I want it to feel easy and stress-free, with a personalized touch here or there. To me, that type of “different” can make or break a trip — whether it’s my own travel, or that of our guests.

Can you share with our readers how have you used your success to bring goodness to the world? If you could start a movement to bring the most amount of good to the most people, what would that be?

One of the things I feel very passionately about is that it is important to start with questions, not solutions. Most people probably never think about it, but all too often we prescribe an answer without fully understanding what we are trying to address. Customers are telling us something, but we are only hearing half the story. Everyone wants to be heard and valued, and that is why our leadership team at Hilton is deeply focused on changing how we think about solutions — not just for the sake of the business, but for the people we are here to serve.

For example, our customers have long told us that they care about sustainability, and together we have made great progress over the last decade — including reducing carbon emissions and waste by 30% and energy and water consumption by 20%, saving more than $1 billion in operating efficiencies. That said, we are always looking for ways to help our guests make their stay more sustainable. By asking questions like, “Are we making it easy enough for them to implement sustainable actions during their stay? Are there more meaningful ways guests would like sustainability to be a part of their experience with us?” By asking questions like these, we are able to better understand our customers and offer the solutions that actually work for them. A great example is Connected Room, which among other benefits, allows hotels to power down devices like the TV, HVAC and lights when guests are not physically in their rooms (about 70% of the time), dramatically reducing energy usage.

On a broader level, I think this type of approach could bring a lot of good to the world. Instead of trying to force policy or economic solutions because they seem like the “best” or “easiest” or “fastest” approach to an issue, let’s get to the heart of that issue first. Maybe it’s something simpler than we ever imagined, or maybe the issue we think we have is not really the issue at all.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

I don’t personally have a big social media presence, but you can follow the latest from Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

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Hilton’s Jonathan Witter: “The future of hospitality has to feel customized and personal” was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Narrow your efforts — The key to finding the right influencer on Instagram is not to cast the net too wide. When you start your search, have a very defined set of goals and metrics to help identify the right people quickest. We use econometric modelling to optimise the return you can get on your influencer investment with the right number of effective influencers.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jenny Tsai. Jenny is the CEO and Founder of Wearisma, an AI influencer marketing platform that helps brands foster trusted and successful relationships with the right influencers across the globe. Tsai has been pivotal in driving the renaissance of trust and transparency between consumer and influencer across social media platforms. Recently listed in Talking Influence’s Industry Leaders of 2018, Tsai continues to shape social media and influencer strategies for the biggest brands in the world.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

A pleasure! I have always been driven by innovation. Having completed an engineering degree at Princeton University, and a development master’s degree at Cambridge, I embarked on a career path within the digital media industries. Before launching Wearisma, I fronted international digital strategy for magazine publisher Hearst, and was the company’s then youngest Digital Media Director, for which I grew and monetised audiences for magazines including Elle and Cosmopolitan in over 50 countries.

As my career developed, I noticed that global brands could do so much better in leveraging social media influencers on platforms like Instagram. Speaking 6 languages, I knew that local influencers were under-utilised by brands looking to expand globally, while remaining locally relevant. So, I founded Wearisma.

My vision was to develop intuitive technology to tackle these issues within influencer marketing. What I love about Wearisma’s platform is that is uses technology to really drive home the importance of human intuition and human creativity.

Can you explain to our readers why you are an authority about Social Media Marketing?

Wearisma was created with the specific intent of helping brands to leverage use social media influencers to achieve their commercial and brand goals. We work with the biggest luxury, fast fashion and beauty brands in the world to help them shape their influencer strategies.

In particular, our AI technology offers key insights to match brands with their most suitable influencers across the full spectrum of social media platforms.

We evaluate many different metrics including followers, engagement, suspicious activity and relevancy to understand who will truly amplify a brand’s message on social media.

What’s more, following some close scrutiny within the influencer marketplace, our work has helped rebuild trust and transparency across all social media platforms by empowering the brands we work with to carry out adequate due diligence.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?

We were working with a national institution in the UK, helping them source influencers for their different good causes.

We used our AI matching process to identify influencers most relevant to their social presence as a representation of their brand identity. We ranked the top influencers who matched this representation most closely and created a visual mood board.

It was really interesting to see the emotional reaction that the mood board evoked despite it being an accurate representation of their social content… “That’s not us!”, “We are much more socially focused than that”.

This contrast ultimately triggered an internal brand review on what they stand for and how to communicate — with the end new set of influencer matches being in line with their future strategy rather than their current image.

This example shows that the best outcomes from influencer strategies are when data is used not to dictate the actions, but to inform one’s intuition. Wearisma is built on a solution that combines the best of data insights and human judgement.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

It was a couple of years ago in the run up to a large presentation that I had at the British Embassy in Tokyo. I went climbing a day or two before my flight and broke my leg! There was no way I could fly to Tokyo, let alone present! I could not believe it.

I asked one of my team members to be my substitute and they did an absolutely excellent job — not that I expected anything less! The lesson I learned is that a great company should never be about a single person. The best companies are about trust, teamwork and brilliant people.

Which social media platform have you found to be most effective to use to increase business revenues? Can you share a story from your experience?

Instagram is of course a real focus for most brands. However in reality, each social media platform offers its own unique capabilities and opportunities to unlock depending on different business goals. And each platform varies by region.

For instance, our platform offers a unique partnership with Weibo — China’s largest social media platform. For brands with Chinese presence looking to crack the Chinese market (and most are) Weibo is a crucial tool. Considering that there are over 1 million influencers on Weibo with 10k followers are more, the Chinese marketplace is rife with opportunities for brands to increase business revenues.

Let’s talk about Instagram specifically, now. Can you share 6 ways to leverage Instagram to dramatically improve your business? Please share a story or example for each.

Instagram is certainly the centerpiece of the influencer marketplace and is, therefore, an incredibly powerful tool to master. Marketers and businesses using influencers should try and stick to these key piece of advice on instagram:

1. Focus on trust and transparency — Consumers are very aware, and sometimes sceptical of paid posts. The real power of using the right influencers on instagram is boosting transparency and maintaining the trust that is sometimes lacking within advertising. Wearisma can detect suspicious activity in reach and engagement for brands to investigate fully before working with an influencer.
2. Find your perfect currency — Make sure you know your ideal metric to measure success. This will allow you to optimise your time and measure results more accurately. If brand buzz is your goal, then ‘followers’ is a great metric to use. However if you are ultimately aiming to build an authentic network of conversations around your brand, then an Influencer’s ‘relevancy’ and ‘engagement’ are key areas to look into.
3. Mitigate your risks upfront — Identify those influencers that are truly ‘on-brand’ and don’t be tempted just to go for those with the most followers and engagement. These metrics alone will not define the success of the partnership.
4. Use local intelligence — Like any other social media platform, behaviour patterns on Instagram vary from region-to-region. Use local influencers for local areas. They know the market better than anyone — even online. We have local analysts in every market we operate in to get the latest on the ground insights and human verification of relevant influencers to constantly enable our Machine Learning System.
5. Maximise the potential of micro influencers — Similar to local influencers, do not discount ‘micro’ influencers. Although they may have a smaller reach, they have a VERY loyal base. This means that they hold a greater capacity for relatability and authenticity, which is crucial in propelling a brand’s narrative.
6. Establish long-term relationships — Long-term relationships with influencers are great for cultivating trust and transparency with your audience. If a brand uses a lot of different influencers often, it does not always translate well. Find someone who suits the brand and stick with them.
7. Narrow your efforts — The key to finding the right influencer on Instagram is not to cast the net too wide. When you start your search, have a very defined set of goals and metrics to help identify the right people quickest. We use econometric modelling at Wearisma to optimise the return you can get on your influencer investment with the right number of effective influencers.

Because of the position that you are in, you are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

I am really passionate about making the internet more open, a good example of this can be found in the solid movement (https://solid.mit.edu/). They advocate for radically changing the way web applications work today, resulting in true data ownership for those who create content as well as improved privacy.

It is something I think about a lot as CEO of Wearisma and my background in digital media. I strongly believe that an open internet should mean truly open, and data ownership should belong to those who create it.

Some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them

If I had to pick just one, I would have to say Tim Berners-Lee. He literally invented the internet, and is there anyone in alive today who can say they are created something as revolutionary as this? As someone who has worked in the digital world my whole life, none of it would have been possible without the World Wide Web.

On a purely practical level, I would also love to pick his brains on making the internet a more open space.

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Jenny Tsai of Wearisma: How to Use Instagram To Dramatically Improve Your Business was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: Autumn Murray is an abuse survivor who is inspiring her readers to ‘Choose Love’ in all aspects of their lives

It would be wonderful if politicians would stop dividing the country by political parties. When addressing the media or posting their opinions on social media, it would be refreshing if they went by the creed “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Stop blaming what is going on in this country on one party or another and come to together to fix what is broken. We have more in common than not but yet we put all our attention on the few things that cause this division. I want everyone to make the effort to Choose Love and not division. Make the effort to Choose Love regardless of someone’s religion, political party, race, and whatever else that seems to be dividing not just our country, but the world.

As a part of my series about social media stars who are using their platform to make a significant social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Autumn Murray. Autumn lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and two children. She is a travel addict, self-professed foodie and has an obsession with cycle/spin classes. She is an abuse survivor and is passionate about her online lifestyle magazine — Simply Amazing Living — where she dedicates a section of her site on overcoming the obstacles of her past and sharing her experiences of making the conscious choice to Choose Love in all aspects of her life.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

I worked in public relations and communications for a five-star hotel brand for nearly twenty years and I left to be a stay at home mom. In 2015, I discovered blogging through my friend Stacie Connerty who has had her blog for over 10 years. She knew my career history and asked me to write articles for her blog — Divine Lifestyle. After going on a few media travel destination trips for her I was hooked! I love being able to travel and to write about my experiences, so I started Simply Amazing Living.

For years I have been contemplating whether to write a book, a play, or a movie based on my life experiences. I decided that I could dedicate a section on my blog about on my life experiences. The section is called “My Story.” I also have a section dedicated to social justice as it is something I feel passionate about.

One day soon I will write my book, play, or a movie (or all three) on my life. I would like to talk to a few industry people before taking that step and getting their advice on how and where to start.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?

I can say that the most interesting aspect of my blogging career is being able to interview celebrities and professional athletes.

It is a humbling experience for me to meet and interview people that I never thought I would meet let alone interview.

I have interviewed Octavia Spencer, Chris Evans, Shannon Sharpe, Keegan Michael Key, John Cena, Judy Greer, and a host of others. My dream is to interview Michelle Obama and/or Oprah.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Who volunteers to cover an event on social media without actually knowing details of how social media works? Me, that’s who.

In 2016, I was on social media but I wasn’t familiar with how to use it to its full potential. I had Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, but I rarely used them. I was only active and familiar with Facebook.

I was asked to attend and cover the 142nd Kentucky Derby for Divine Lifestyle in 2016 because Stacie was not able to attend. She asked me if I wanted to attend for her the day before the flight to Kentucky was scheduled. I had never been to the Kentucky Derby before and couldn’t turn down the chance for a VIP experience. It was a scramble to get everything together so quickly, but I was able to do it.

This was the first event that I was covering for Stacie, all of the other trips that I had been on were media travel destination trips. Upon arrival in Kentucky, my contact for the Kentucky Derby experience gave me a list of hashtags and a list of companies to tag in the post. I had never used a hashtag or tagged anyone on Twitter or Instagram before. However, I did not tell anyone this.

So, I went to my hotel room and Googled why and how hashtags are used and how to tag someone on Instagram and Twitter and spent the night familiarizing myself with best social media practices. I didn’t want anyone thinking I didn’t know what I was doing!

My motto is — when in doubt, Google it!

Everything worked out well and by the end of the event, I was a social media pro.

Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?

I developed a “Choose Love” campaign in 2018. Every day, I send out a tweet with a positive message encouraging people to “Choose Love” above all else in every aspect of life. The tweets include a quote and a picture of individuals wearing my “Choose Love” t-shirts.

I also post regular articles focused on diversity and inclusion and on simple steps people can take each day to make the conscious effort to “Choose Love.”

Wow! Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?

The individuals who have purchased my “Choose Love” t-shirt are always sending me messages about receiving compliments on the sentiment of the shirt. This world needs love more than ever before, and I want to be a leader in the “Choose Love” movement.

Was there a tipping point the made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?

Even though I have always lived my life by focusing on the positive and not the negative and making the choice each day to “Choose Love,” my tipping point was after the 2016 presidential election and all of the divisiveness that ensued after the conclusion.

Hate crimes are on the rise in America and something needs to be done to get people to love and respect each other regardless of our differences. My goal is to work hard at getting my “Choose Love” message across to get people to respect each other. I would love to get celebrities and athletes to join in on the “Choose Love” movement and help to bring about unity.

My past has always driven me to help others. I specifically want to help those who have been abused and/raped to let them know that they can lead a successful loving life regardless of what was done to them. Ultimately, my goal is to be a resource in the field of sexual abuse and discrimination.

I am open to supporting multiple charitable causes and have a dedicated section on my blog called “Sharing is Caring” promoting charitable organizations.

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

It would be wonderful if politicians would stop dividing the country by political parties. When addressing the media or posting their opinions on social media, it would be refreshing if they went by the creed “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Stop blaming what is going on in this country on one party or another and come to together to fix what is broken. We have more in common than not but yet we put all our attention on the few things that cause this division.

I want everyone to make the effort to Choose Love and not division. Make the effort to Choose Love regardless of someone’s religion, political party, race, and whatever else that seems to be dividing not just our country, but the world.

What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause? Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for a social good?

I use social media as my platform in spreading my positive message of “Choose Love.” Social media is key at reaching a broader audience vs. blog posts only.

The key is to post quality over quantity. Yes, you should post on a regular basis. But, if your posts are not impactful and/or relevant, your message will get lost.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

1. Key ways to use social media to get your message across.

There are so many options in regard to social channels. Finding what channel(s) work best for you and focusing on them vs. spreading yourself too thin and too many channels that you can’t post consistently on.

For me, I had to step away from Snap Chat and put my time and focus on the platforms that work best for me.

2. It takes time to build your following. Stay true to what your vision is and don’t compromise it because you think you will get more followers if you try to do what might be working for someone else.

As I stated above, I tried using Snap Chat to gain followers. I only tried it as my friend has thousands of followers on her Snap Chat, but that is the only social channel she is active on. For me, I just don’t have the time to spare for it to be successful.

3. Invest in the Yoast plugin for SEO.

The Yoast SEO plugin is worth every penny as it guides you on a step-by-step basis on what you need to do for the best SEO for blog posts.

I struggled with SEO as I was just writing my posts without focusing on it. The Yoast plugin gives you suggestions as you are writing your blog posts on what the best options are for SEO.

4. The blogging life is all about the hustle. Pitching for sponsors/brands is something every successful blogger has to do to in order to make money.

Take a writing class to boost your creative writing skills.
I struggled with my pitching (it is a work in progress) until I took an online creative writing course in addition to getting advice from PR experts on what they are looking for in a pitch.

5. Most importantly, don’t compete with other bloggers.

There is enough profit for everyone to go around. In fact, the more you network and partner with other bloggers — the more your business will thrive. We can all learn from each other as well as support each other.
I attend blogging conferences so that I can network with other bloggers and meet up with brands.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

To continue to bring awareness of my “Choose Love” campaign. It would be wonderful if compassionate and influential leaders like Ellen DeGeneres could help drive awareness and take the campaign to the next level.

Ultimately, I would like to raise money with the “Choose Love” campaign and to donate to organizations like Youth Villages. Youth Villages is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping emotionally and behaviorally troubled children and their families live successfully.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

My favorite Life Lesson Quote is “Choose Love.”

If everyone could make the effort to Choose Love and not division. Make the effort to Choose Love regardless of someone’s religion, political party, race, and whatever else that seems to be dividing not just our country, but the world.

If someone with my past can make the effort to “Choose Love,” anyone can. I have been physically abused, sexually abused and discriminated against because I am bi-racial (my birth mother is white, and my birth father is black). I was adopted by a white family in midwestern farming town with a population of 2,700 and I was the only minority in a sea of white people. Throughout my fifteen years of living with my adopted family in the small town, I had crosses burned in front of my face, was told I couldn’t sit next to a boy because I was black, and a long list of other racially discriminating incidents.

The family that adopted me did so because they saw signs of abuse from my birth mother. However, the sexual abuse that I encountered by my adopted family was worse than any physical abuse could have been. Regardless of all this, I still Choose Love.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

Hands down — Oscar winning filmmaker, comedian and actor — Jordan Peele.

I have been wanting to meet him for years! I recently interviewed Keegan Michael Key in Vancouver, Canada and I wanted to tell him my story and get his opinion and contact information. But, I was working, and I wanted to remain professional and not disrespect my sponsor with my own interests.

As I stated above, I want to write a book, play, or a movie (or all three) on my life’s experiences. Jordan would be the ideal person to talk to about this for obvious reasons — Oscar winning filmmaker. However, he is also biracial and would understand some of my discrimination experiences on certain level. I believe he would have the best advice on how I should move forward and possibly take on the task of making my movie.

Additionally, as we all know Jordan is a comedian. I want whatever it is I do with my life story to have a comedic aspect to it. I don’t want the entirety of it being so dark with only focusing on the facts. I want my story to be told in a way that is educational and inspirational. Humor and music are what got me through my childhood experiences and they both continue to help me navigate adulthood as well. Jordan Peele is a master at creating unique horror films with a message and I am open for my life story being made into a horror movie with a subjective ending or whatever Jordan recommends as I trust his professional opinion and expertise.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

Website: https://www.simplyamazingliving.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplyamazingliving/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumninatlanta/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/autumnatlanta

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/autumnatlanta/

Please follow me on Twitter for daily inspirational posts about love and inclusion @autumnatlanta. You can also join the “Choose Love” movement by purchasing a “Choose Love” t-shirt and promoting a positive message of love and inclusion everywhere you go. “Choose Love” t-shirt purchases can be made HERE.

I encourage people to post pictures of themselves wearing the t-shirts and tagging me @autumnatlanta on Twitter, @simplyamazingliving on Facebook and/or @autumninatlanta on Instagram. I include all of the photos I receive on my social media posts and/or on Simply Amazing Living.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much!

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The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: Autumn Murray is an abuse survivor who is inspiring her… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: Vanessa Gordon is using her platform to help provide safe havens for families in crisis

A movement I wish to influence and inspire is for us all to once and for all stop feeling like we have to be a certain way and follow the herd. Be a leader, not a follower, my grandfather always told me. When we believe in ourselves and what we can do, that is what sparks the change.

As a part of my series about social media stars who are using their platform to make a significant social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Vanessa Gordon, Publisher and Founder of East End Taste (@EastEndTaste). East End Taste is an online publication based in the Hamptons that focuses on the high-end lifestyle of the East End of Long Island as well as luxury travel destinations from around the world. Vanessa is also the Founder and Host of the annual Hamptons Interactive Brunch (@HamptonsInteractiveBrunch), an annual invitation-only event held in July.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

I started East End Taste in 2014 about four months after my daughter was born. Beforehand, I was teaching English as a Second Language and private tutoring and was ready to step back into my role as a writer. I started the website for fun, or as a way to showcase what I did, where and what I ate, and more to friends and family who lived outside the Hamptons. Before I knew it, East End Taste took off as its own online publication. The demand has grown significantly since and I now have a small freelance and part-time editorial staff as well as an assistant. I am thrilled that every day I do what I love and feature businesses and brands that I love and support.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?

Certainly it has been who I have learned reads and follows East End Taste! I have learned that many notable celebrities and Hamptons personalities read my website regularly. I was humbled and honored at the same time upon learning this.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

In the beginning for me, it was all about communication. Oftentimes, I found myself thinking one thing, and not explicitly requesting/stating what it was that I was looking for in an email, with the recipient becoming confused by the miscommunication. For example, when I was starting out, I would request a media lunch/dinner in exchange for a business profile/review, and sometimes that was not clearly stated as such. Also, my emails used to be a lot longer and well, rather wordy.

The lesson: My advice is to keep it short and simple. It will be much easier to read and respond to. Stick with the facts. Now I can appreciate when I receive shorter and more direct emails especially now that I receive hundreds in a day.

Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?

I have always supported non-profit organizations that I care most about. It particularly started when I was in undergraduate school and I participated in several volunteer programs, including working in soup kitchens in the New York City metro area and mentorship programs for children in inner city schools. I also regularly attended the NGO (non-governmental organizations) meetings at the United Nations and was always deciphering the most effective ways to create the biggest impact.

I knew that in order for me to have a meaningful impact, I needed a strong base/platform and this is what East End Taste ultimately has become.

As I have a significant reach with my East End Taste’s social media account, I have and will be partnering with a few non-profit organizations this year, including a recent partnership with Save the Children.

For this year’s 2nd Annual Hamptons Interactive Brunch, our efforts are supporting Bideawee, one of the first no-kill animal shelters in the country and one that is local to our community, based in Westhampton Beach. Last year, the event benefited The Retreat, a non-profit that provides a safe haven for families in crisis. Though the event is and will rotate non-profit organizations over the years, I personally continue support the endeavors of these phenomenal organizations in any way I am able.

I do anything I can with the resources I have at hand and extend that fully. I want to see the Interactive Brunch grow so that it may be able to have an even greater positive impact on the missions of organizations I care so deeply about.

I am also involved with/hosting several small events leading up to the Brunch and some happening afterward. In lieu of a fee to attend these smaller events, I ask for donations to Bideawee.

Wow! Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?

Not necessarily a particular individual per se, though many have personally reached out to me by letters or by email, stating how they were so moved by my efforts and generosity with my time and resources. I have also received many notes of which stated that they were inspired by my initiations and want to support me and my efforts going forward. I never realized how many people you can reach with social media, for example. I receive several DMs (Direct Messages) per day of those reaching out and telling me their own story (a nod to The Retreat in particular). After I supported them last year, many family members and women wrote to me and told me their own stories of how they overcame hardship and appreciated that I utilized my platform for the greater good.

Was there a tipping point the made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?

In 2018 when I decided to put together this annual event, in collaboration with my phenomenal event planners of Ticket2Events, I knew I wanted to support a non-for-profit. I knew that if I could raise awareness in any way possible, show support, and even potentially raise funds towards that organization, I wanted to do it. We were blessed with a number of raffle/silent auction donations that were given to The Retreat. We had beauty and fashion vendors on site that donated a portion of their sales to The Retreat, and so much more. Everyone that was involved with last year’s event was on board to help in any way they could and that too meant so much to me. I could feel the momentum and excitement for this year’s beneficiary, Bideawee. One of our special guests who will be revealed in June is already a huge supporter of Bideawee.

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

The first step is seeing the issue at hand and acting quickly. There are so many animals who need homes and we first must try to encourage adoption. Second is to start by helping the cats and dogs in your own town who need shelter and a forever home. Third is to continue to stay vigilant and not give up or give in. Animals do not have the voice that we have and we must stand up for them. And if you have to, leap out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to go above and beyond the call of duty when it is for a cause that you truly believe in.

What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause? Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for a social good?

First and foremost: word of mouth. Connecting and being open with those that are like-minded about your cause and efforts to make a change. I utilize my email newsletters and social media. Not only sharing, but constantly connecting and genuinely sharing your desire for change, while tying in personal anecdotes. Connecting with brands and sharing your mission also could never hurt. For example, I am currently in touch with a couple of organic pet food brands who share the same interests.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

1. No one has time for flowery-language emails. Keep those emails as short as possible. Stick to who, what, when, where, and why, just the facts. Save the small talk for another time. We have less and less time to funnel through tasks, so it is important to keep it as simple and direct as possible. I learned not to write long, lengthy emails and find responses are much faster with a short introduction.

2. Stay true to your values. Don’t focus on how others are working, focus on developing and fostering your own abilities and true to what you believe in. When you focus and put yourself first, great things will happen.

3. Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions. I always remember holding back because I thought my questions were silly and then I felt even sillier when I was then asked the questions and didn’t have the answers that I should have had! When in doubt, ask!

4. When in doubt, have it in writing. Personally and professionally, especially if there are grey areas that could be of concern, make sure everything is clearly noted in an email/in writing so there is no confusion and or discrepancy later on.

5. Time is money. I used to be more generous with my time but I soon realized that time is money. I cannot give away my hard-earned knowledge and efforts away. I used to be so much more generous with my time. But when I realized that I am spending less and less time with friends and family, I had to do something about that. Time is precious and your work has tremendous value, especially with experience. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

A movement I wish to influence and inspire is for us all to once and for all stop feeling like we have to be a certain way and follow the herd. Be a leader, not a follower, my grandfather always told me. When we believe in ourselves and what we can do, that is what sparks the change.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“The past has no power and the future is changeable.” That was told to me by an old friend who was a psychic medium. We all have the power to clear a new path towards our future; don’t let any weight of the past hold you back. The past does not define who you are today.

Another one I must share is “If you want something done, you have to do it yourself.” Nobody else will do it just the way you want it done, except you.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

Hannah Shaw, aka Kitten Lady. I admire her efforts and very strong social platform. We would have lots to chat about and could certainly learn more from her words of wisdom and kindhearted spirit. Leela Hazzah is another individual I admire. I am visiting Tanzania and Kenya for the first time next year and her work to protect lions in Africa is incredible to say the least.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

Find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @EastEndTaste. For more information about the Hamptons Interactive Brunch, follow @HamptonsInteractiveBrunch on Instagram.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much!

Thank YOU!

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The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: Vanessa Gordon is using her platform to help provide… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Future Of Travel: “Guests will be able to control all in-room appliances, from their phone” Alex Kirkwood & Candice Georgiadice

We are excited to see what the role the IoT movement (internet of things) will play in the future of hotels. Guests will be able to control all in-room appliances, AC, roller shades, and tech from their mobile phone and we want to be on the cutting edge of this trend.

As part of my series about “exciting developments in the travel industry over the next five years”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alex Kirkwood. Alex is a Former 20th Century Fox Marketing Executive turned Real Estate Entrepreneur who develops and operates boutique hotels in iconic California vacation destinations. His company is the Kirkwood Collection. Applying Fortune 100 marketing strategies and first-rate creative materials that achieved over 2.7BB in domestic box office results to the hospitality industry generates compset and market leading performance. He is pioneering the convergence of traditional hotel and modern vacation rental models, capitalizing on the meteoric rise of Airbnb paired with the services and amenities expected of boutique hospitality.

Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

I believe the intersection of objectivity and creativity is the most valuable real estate in life. My career started at 20th Century Fox producing creative content in the film industry. Developing boutique hotels is a holistically similar endeavor as the results of each are an experience to a viewer or a guest. Both patrons walk away with a little different and hopefully better perspective than when they walked in. At 26, I was promoted to Director of Creative Advertising, the youngest in the department at that time. At 27, I co-acquired and co-developed The Palm Springs Hotel with industry relationships I had cultivated at Fox. It is now a TripAdvisor top-10 boutique hotel in Palm Springs. At 30, I left Fox to pursue hotel development full-time and 3 years later, I am proud to have grown our family-owned and operated Kirkwood Collection to a portfolio of 5 properties and over 40 employees in iconic California destinations such as Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, San Luis Obispo Wine Country, and our headquarters in Culver City. The newest addition to our portfolio is the design-driven Hideaway Santa Barbara (www.hideawaysantabarbara.com), which we are currently launching and introduces a new standard of understated luxury to the area. Housed in a 1908 California Craftsman, the intimate hotel is comprised of deluxe guest rooms and spacious suites in a great location nearby The Funk Zone and ocean.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

Transitioning from Hollywood Executive to hotel owner & operator was a terrifying leap of faith at that time. I left a highly sought-after job to pursue an entrepreneurial career in a capital intensive, high-risk industry and all while getting engaged and planning to start a family. Based on that experience, perseverance is the most important quality I look for when expanding our team.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I chased a deal in one of the worst markets in the Pacific Northwest because the cost per key was so low. It was idiotic as the property was massive, ugly, dated, and featured some of the worst performance metrics I’ve ever seen and as the boutique hotel guy, I would have failed if I moved forward. As Warren Buffett says, finding your circle of competence and staying within that strike zone is one of the most important business traits you can have. I burned $10,000 pursuing that project and a month of time. I didn’t have either to waste. Sometimes, the best deals are the ones you never make.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

Dialing in our core competency in terms of the markets we pursue and hotel characteristics we find appealing makes us unique to the cookie-cutter boring brand standard mentality of the past. It’s interesting to watch the larger hotel brands attempt to go ‘boutique’ with their sub-brands.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”? Can you share a story about that?

During the development of The Palm Springs Hotel and running three campaigns at Fox, I was working 18–20 hour days and absolutely approached burn-out. It’s a dangerous place to be, and I thank my fiancée Michelle McClory for teaching me that a work-life balance is very important for both personal and professional betterment.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?

My immediate family were my founding investors. Back in 2011, I sat my mom, dad, sister and brother at the dinner table of the house we all grew up in and proposed we raise $10,000 ($2,000 per member + monthly contributions) with the intent to acquire real estate. I said “we’re stronger together than we are apart, and together we can afford property we could never afford individually.”

It has taken far more than $10,000 to arrive at the $20,000,000 in assets under management, but that dinner table meeting was the vision, spark, and engine that landed us here today.

Let’s jump to the core of our discussion. Can you share with our readers about the innovations that you are bringing to the travel and hospitality industries?

Our focus is bringing better tech to hospitality, primarily in the form of in-room entertainment with Apple TV, 55” Samsung LED displays, blazing-fast wifi, mobile check-in and mobile keys for guest room entry. With the internet of things booming at home, hoteliers need to start integrating new and better tech to continue providing a ‘home away from home’ experience that can eclipse residential offerings.

Which “pain point” are you trying to address by introducing this innovation?

Deploying our Apple TV solution — a primarily residential device — with full Airplay capability is a networking challenge in a commercial setting. However, the guest response has made it all worth it. Guests are thrilled to bring their own devices and content into our guest rooms and stream to their in-room displays without having to sign in to hotel-owned devices has been a huge success for us.

How do you envision that this might disrupt the status quo?

We are seeing guests begin to prioritize hotels providing the latest and greatest in-room tech as part of their booking decision. This is shifting the market in favor of hoteliers investing in these offerings.

Can you share 5 examples of how travel and hospitality companies will be adjusting over the next five years to the new ways that consumers like to travel?

1. Our guests will soon perform the check-in process and verification from their mobile device including a mobile key for entry without the need for a proprietary app. We will always have clerks available for traditional check-in, welcome champagne, and any other assistance, but most of our guests prefer the SMS communication with our concierges vs direct calls or emails.

2. We are integrating 100% of our hotel portfolio’s suites onto Airbnb and vacation rental channels tapping into the demand for ‘home away from home’ offerings.

3. Wifi is completely free at all of our properties. We believe charging for wifi usage will become a thing of the past.

4. Our Apple TV deployment allows guests to securely utilize their own content and/or devices with ease streaming to large format LED displays within our hotel environment.

5. We are excited to see what the role the IoT movement (internet of things) will play in the future of hotels. Guests will be able to control all in-room appliances, AC, roller shades, and tech from their mobile phone and we want to be on the cutting edge of this trend.

You are a “travel insider”. How would you describe your “perfect vacation experience”?

My perfect vacation experience involves water (ocean or lake), mountains, intriguing architecture, and walking distance to the locale’s best attractions. We are really excited to debut Hideaway Santa Barbara (www.hideawaysantabarbara.com) this summer as it hits all of those chords in a city like Santa Barbara with the West Beach location, mountain views, and walking distance to The Funk Zone and ocean.

Can you share with our readers how have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

We make a concerted effort to preserve and restore some of California’s most interesting and historically significant architecture. Most developers would shy away from the cost of such endeavors or bulldoze completely, but it has become our defining ideology to preserve historic resources for future generations to come.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

I want to inspire more people to travel and experience different cultures and perspectives. Most people don’t realize, you can travel internationally on a shoe-string budget. In 2015, I backpacked throughout Southeast Asia for 6 months spending less than $5,000 all-in. It was the most influential experience of my life.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

Kirkwood Collection Brand:

Instagram: kirkwoodcollection

Facebook: @kirkwoodcollection

Twitter: @KirkwoodHotels (Kirkwood Collection didn’t fit)

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!

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The Future Of Travel: “Guests will be able to control all in-room appliances, from their phone”… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: Haley Findlay is using her platform to amplify the message of charities making the world a better place

One of the biggest movements I would love to continue to support and encourage others to support is helping everyone have access to clean water. Any charities or intimidates that support clean water or providing clean water to countries is a passion of mine. Anyone who is reading this now that is a part of a big movement, please reach out! 🙂

As a part of my series about social media stars who are using their platform to make a significant social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Haley Findlay. Haley is a successful social entrepreneur who is revolutionizing the social media industry by leveraging her savvy business smarts and fast-growing platforms to create a community dedicated to connecting the world so we can all thrive together. Along with Haley’s commitment to fostering the growth of female entrepreneurs and women focused brands, she has now expanded her attention to uplifting charities as well as corporations worldwide.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

My career path has never been set in stone. I went to college for Hospitality, specifically Event Planning because I loved coordinating, planning, connecting, creating, and most importantly executing. I like to get things done. Once I graduated, I was working a normal job and I realized how terribly bored I was because it lacked the creative stimulation I was used to. Being a recent graduate, my job opportunities were limited. However, through my job I made countless connections and met hundreds of people every month so I began giving advice and talking strategy with any CEOs, CMOs, or Founders that came across my path. I am a natural connector, and I can pick up a conversation with absolutely anyone. I became fascinated with helping people with their brands and giving them creative strategies on how to position themselves through social media and branding as a whole. After a few months of natural conversation, I had 10 offers on the table for digital strategy and marketing roles. I thought, ‘Woah, I must pretty good at something”, so I declined them all and countered with an outsourced social media marketing role in which I could handle all of these clients at the same time. With a focus on social media growth and content creation, not only did my clients grow but so did my platform. After a few years of working with several different companies to build up their social media presence I felt like I had lost sight of what was important to me. So I wiped my plate clean and started fresh. I began working on my platform full time because I wanted to have influence and use it for social change and amplify messages around the world. Within a month of starting over, I met my current business partner and we co-founded Exclusively Social: A Global Collective for Women of Influence. Exclusively Social is the top platform to educate, connect, and inspire women and brands of influence. We built this business off social media alone and $500 for a website. All of the brand partnerships, women in the community, events…etc have come from our favorite little app called Instagram. From here, I realized, social media could power ANYTHING and it validated my love for social change around the world. I am currently working on a social series that will connect and uplift charities and corporations around the world. So as you can see, my career path has been anything BUT traditional; however, learning and evolving along the way has led to me to where I am today.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?

Since I have insight into the influencer side as well as the brand side in this digital era, the most interesting thing that has happened since I began my career is that I realized there is a severe lack of knowledge on both sides of how to effectively use social media, measure the results, and engage in brand activations digitally. That is why I co-founded Exclusively Social because we wanted to bridge the learning gap and empower content creators and brands with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the social media realm.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I would consider myself a rather organized person; however, when my platform began to grow I had hindered of brands offering free products or gifting. In the beginning, I said yes to a lot because I couldn’t wait to share the products digitally and build up the brands. When they all arrived, it was like my birthday as there were packages everywhere. I opened them all up and made a mess and realized in doing so, I mixed up all the brands, the products, the instructions, you name it. It took me over 3 hours to sort everything back in its place. My lesson was to be organized and systematic with anything that you do.

Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?

I am using my social media platforms to share uplifting messages, support brands with world changing missions, and build communities. There are so many ways people are already impacting the world, they just need a platform. I personally LOVE to be engaged in a lot of different things, which is why I create communities with everything that I do. Communities listen, they support, and best of all they share. Through community, our social impact reach grows exponentially.

Currently I am doing the following:

Exclusively Social: We foster the growth the female entrepreneurs, women owned businesses, and female focused brands through a series of tools and resources and free workshops. We host events to allow the community to create genuine friendships and meaningful connections. We connect to women and brands all through Instagram.

New Social Series: Through a series of interviews, videos, and my experiences around the world I am working with charities and corporations to highlight their efforts to make the world a better place, while amplifying their message through my platform and connect them with the right infrastructure to advance.

The title and pilot will be available July of 2019.

My platform opens up a lot of doors for me so instead of simply advertising, I want to share my experiences and missions globally for the greatest world impact.

Wow! Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?

I like to make big waves in whatever I do. I can say happily there is not just one particular person impacted by my efforts but thousands. I hope to continue to connect and inspire individuals and communities around the world. I believe in the power of networking and while not everyone has that natural networking ability, I feel my talents lie in helping bring these connections to the right people in hopes that a mutually beneficial partnership is born.

Was there a tipping point the made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?

The tipping point was September 2018 when I was going through a breakup as well as losing many of my clients. I had to re-evaluate (again) what made me happy. I had already done this a year before and it led me to meeting my business partner and launching Exclusively Social. Yet even though I had achieved many successes, I was still feeling unfulfilled. So, I dug deep and realized that my passion has always been right in front of me. I realized I love helping people. I have traveled the world all my life and everywhere I go I am involved in philanthropy income way, shape, or form. I am a natural connector.

Hence my direction and passion was re-energized. It was only natural that I took Exclusively Social to a global community.

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

1. Corporations, companies, and politicians can help by allowing an interview on their global efforts to help change the world.
2. Charities can reach out for a story feature or interview so we can amplify their mission.
3. Communities can suggest charities or corporations to interview and follow along and subscribe.

What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause? Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for a social good?

My biggest tips:

1. Be authentic and excited about what you are doing. People can sense when a message is off or you aren’t behind it 100%.
2. Stand by what you do. It may sound cheesy but it really helped me. I stood by my mission and I knew my worth.
3. Diversify your platforms. The more platforms you have the bigger your reach, the bigger your impact.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

I don’t have 5 things, but what I do wish is that I had started sooner. I wish I began investing in my platforms sooner to create my brand because it has brought me to where I am today.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

One of the biggest movements I would love to continue to support and encourage others to support is helping everyone have access to clean water. Any charities or intimidates that support clean water or providing clean water to countries is a passion of mine. Anyone who is reading this now that is a part of a big movement, please reach out! 🙂

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

I love mantras and practicing being present. One mantra I say every morning is: “I am grateful for where I am today”.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

Oprah Winfrey

How can our readers follow you on social media?

Instagram: @haley.findlay Website: http://haleyfindlay.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWkY2XGdYKiOJQWYd48uAqw

Email: [email protected]

This was very meaningful, thank you so much!

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The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: Haley Findlay is using her platform to amplify the… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “Carrie Berk is helping to combat bullying by inspiring people to be their most fearless self”

People do not realize the severity of bullying, especially how much it impacts children. It has truly reached epidemic proportions with devastating results. According to non-profit No Bully, bullying and harassment often cause “lasting physical and mental harm, marginalize diverse students, and negatively impact the entire school culture.” Children should be taught as soon as possible — by parents as well as schools — that bullying is not okay. The sooner we can tackle the issue, the better chance there is to eradicate it in the future. No Bully has launched a great campaign, The Power of Zero, to “reshape early learning for a connected world.” It provides early educators and families with the learning materials they need to prepare children starting at age zero for the technology and connectivity they will experience in their lives.

I had the pleasure to interview Carrie Berk. Carrie is the bestselling children’s book author of three middle school series — The Cupcake Club, Fashion Academy, and Ask Emma — as well as the creator of the style empowerment website Carrie’s Chronicles (www.carrieschronicles.com). She is an influencer, lifestyle journalist and a passionate anti-bullying crusader.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

When I was eight years old, my favorite book series was Judy Moody, and I used to write my own sequels to all her stories. One day, I met the author, Megan McDonald, at a Barnes & Noble book signing. She thought that it was great that I loved her characters, but she encouraged me to create some of my own, not borrow hers. That was the first spark of inspiration in my writing career. I went to school the next day and came up with the idea for a book called Peace, Love and Cupcakes about four middle-school outsiders who come together to form a cupcake club. In the process, they discover that what makes them different is what makes them special, and as their baking business is on the rise, they put an end to bullying in their school. The bullying plotline came from what I witnessed happening every day in my own school. I was truly inspired to spread positivity through Peace, Love and Cupcakes and thought that by writing a book, I could get the anti-bullying message out there. I was on a Disney cruise when my mom received a phone call from her literary agent in the middle of the ocean: a publisher was interested in not just one book, but a whole series! With my mom as my co-author, I wrote 12 books in total for The Cupcake Club, selling more than 300K copies worldwide. Years later, I published two other series as well: Fashion Academy and Ask Emma. Ask Emma, my latest book, particularly strikes a chord for me, as it follows the story of a teen advice blogger who faces cyberbullying. As a social media influencer and content creator, I’ve experienced my share of online bullying. I know what Emma is feeling, and I channel my feelings into her character.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?

This story isn’t just interesting — it was one of the most exciting experiences of my life! The summer of 2018, I was working as an intern for Girls’ Life Magazine and was asked to cover the red carpet at the Teen Choice Awards. At just 15 years old, I was working as a legitimate journalist, standing alongside People Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and other media outlets, interviewing celebrities for Girls’ Life’s live Instagram story. I was so honored to be wearing a press badge and asking the stars questions — it was truly a dream come true (and an experience I hope to repeat this year!). The icing on the cake was snapping a pic and chatting with Cole Sprouse from Riverdale. I’ve been crushing on him since The Suite Life of Zack and Cody!

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I was at a Bvlgari jewelry event for influencers and press, and Nina Garcia was there. I have always looked up to her as the editor-in-chief of Elle, and I admire the honest feedback she gives fashion designers on Project Runway. Though I was a little intimidated, I decided to muster the courage to go up and talk to her. I strutted over in my sequin dress and matching gold clutch and stuck out my hand to introduce myself. Just as Nina was about to reply, my bag — which I had been holding under my arm — fell to her feet, and my business cards, phone, and makeup splattered across the floor. I was mortified, but I picked up everything and stuffed it back in my purse. Then I smiled, shook it off, and had a great conversation with her about the fashion industry — phew!

Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?

I decided to launch a style empowerment website called Carrie’s Chronicles in December 2017. My goal was to encourage readers to practice unapologetic individuality and celebrate their style without worrying what others think or say. I always preach, “take on the world in your own, one-of-a-kind way!” The site covers everything from fashion and beauty to food, fitness, and exclusive celebrity interviews. The “Carrie’s Q&A” section in particular spotlights people who are boldly pursuing their dreams, making a difference, and standing up for what they believe in. Bullying is rampant, especially among the younger generation, and we often feel judged or oppressed by our peers. I decided a long time ago that my style is my superpower, and I should never let anyone dull my sparkle. My way of channeling the pain of bullying into something positive was through creating Carrie’s Chronicles. My goal for every article I publish is to spark new ideas and creativity while helping you be your most fearless self.

Wow! Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?

Yes — me! When I was younger, I was bullied for my sense of style. People would tell me that my pink glitter sneakers were too “out there” or that my newsprint joggers were “too extra” for school days. For a while, it made me feel really insecure, and I even simplified my wardrobe to boring, muted hues in middle school to attempt to fit in. I didn’t feel like myself anymore, and I truly missed the excitement of being creative with my closet.

Was there a tipping point the made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?

As time passed, I grew to realize that there’s nothing more beautiful than owning who you are. Although people still sometimes give me the side eye when I walk down the halls in a bold outfit, I’ve learned to ignore them. If someone says something snide about my outfit, I just smile and keep walking. Why focus on haters? Instead, surround yourself with people who love you just the way you are, people who lift you up rather than tear you down. When you do, you’ll realize your self-worth doesn’t depend on others, and the negativity just bounces off of you. As for a moment when I embodied this attitude: I went to meet Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour at The Met Costume Institute. I waited in line with dozens of other fashion fans, but I was the only one there “dressed up.” I wore a fancy floral dress and high heels when everyone else was in shorts, tees, and flip flops. When it was finally my turn to greet her, she scanned my look, head to toe, and smiled. “I like your dress,” she said, and my heart skipped a beat. It was like complete redemption: the queen of style loved my look!

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

1. People do not realize the severity of bullying, especially how much it impacts children. It has truly reached epidemic proportions with devastating results. According to non-profit No Bully, bullying and harassment often cause “lasting physical and mental harm, marginalize diverse students, and negatively impact the entire school culture.” Children should be taught as soon as possible — by parents as well as schools — that bullying is not okay. The sooner we can tackle the issue, the better chance there is to eradicate it in the future. No Bully has launched a great campaign, The Power of Zero, to “reshape early learning for a connected world.” It provides early educators and families with the learning materials they need to prepare children starting at age zero for the technology and connectivity they will experience in their lives.
2. Make anti-bullying education a part of school, camp, and sports curriculums to teach children empathy and compassion, with organizations like No Bully guiding the way on how to prevent and respond to bullying. Again, knowledge is key. The more we are taught to choose kindness, the less bullying there will be in the world.
3. Social media platforms should better educate users as to what constitutes “hate speech” in order to promote positive posting. Instagram’s algorithm and community guidelines — making toxic comments disappear before they ever show up under a photo — epitomizes this. All social media outlets need to get on board and teach their users what is and what is not acceptable.

What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause? Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for a social good?

I talk to as many people as possible about my style empowerment platform — I’m never afraid to share my own experiences with bullying and cyberbullying, even though they are painful to recount. I feel like I have a responsibility to turn a negative into a positive and teach others that you can and will overcome obstacles in your life. No one can hold you back or bring you down unless you let them. For those who want to use their platform for social good, I recommend finding something you’re passionate about, researching it extensively, and not being afraid to take a stand. I know it can be scary to speak out, but I promise that your courage and truth will be applauded.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

1. Rejection is part of the process. I have been turned down for so many social media collaborations, but I’ve learned that when one door closes, another one opens. Being turned down just permits new opportunities to come through.
2. It takes up a huge chunk of your time. Between school, dance, and social time, it’s really difficult to strike a balance while maintaining strong self-care. Thankfully, I’ve learned to budget my time wisely, but it takes a lot of planning to lead a busy lifestyle and make all the pieces fit together.
3. Some people who you once considered your friends may not support you. I was shocked to see a few girls who I once considered my BFFs ice me out as my social media platform grew. At first, it really hurt, but I’m glad to have found a group of people who support me and understand what I do and why I do it. One of my closest friends now, a fellow influencer as well as a singer, told me to “find my tribe.” That’s so important. These are the people who will propel you forward because they get you.
4. Bring at least 50 business cards to every event. Recently, I was at a Hollywood Reporter party with a ton of celebs and media personalities, and I didn’t think I’d be brave enough to go up and talk to them. I only brought about a dozen business cards in my purse, and when I found myself in conversations with Gayle King, Martha Stewart, Michael Strahan, Al Roker, Carson Daly, and others, I realized that I had made a huge mistake not bringing a bigger stack. I ended up passing out my publicist’s cards instead or jotting down people’s emails on my phone to follow up — a little embarrassing!
5. Taking risks is crucial in order to reach your goals. You can’t be timid! I recently walked around Beautycon, connecting with thousands of fans, brands, and bloggers, urging them to check out my platform. I’ve also signed books at Bookcon and I’m always going to events in NYC and LA, eager to meet new people. Although I was initially scared to be so assertive (I’m only 16 after all), I realized that it was a necessary step to take in order to reach and inspire a wider audience.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

A social media movement encouraging others to join Carrie’s Chronicles in promoting its message, “Your Style, Your Superpower.” I’d love to see people posting images on their social media celebrating individual style in all its shapes, sizes, and colors with the hashtag “#yourstyleyoursuperpower.” It would be amazing to see how much creativity, originality and brilliance is out there just waiting to be seen and heard.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Anna Wintour once said, “Remain true to what you believe in.” Authenticity takes courage, which is something I’ve learned over the course of becoming an author/influencer/activist. Sticking to your core beliefs when others around you try and sway you or bully you into doing otherwise takes a lot of determination and self-awareness. I don’t think I could ever do what I do if I didn’t believe in it 100 percent. My career may grow and evolve, but at the heart of all I do is my belief that staying true to who you are is the key to success.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

Anna Wintour! I have been inspired by her for as long as I can remember. She is truly superwoman — the way in which she manages all affairs at Vogue and has such a creative eye when it comes to fashion blows my mind. If I had the opportunity to have afternoon tea with her, I would have so many ideas to contribute and so many questions to ask her. I would be honored to hear her perspective on the fashion industry and the world in general.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

Instagram: @carrieberkk

Website: www.carrieschronicles.com

Twitter: @carrieberkk

Facebook: Carrie’s Chronicles

Pinterest: Carrie’s Chronicles

This was very meaningful, thank you so much!

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The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “Carrie Berk is helping to combat bullying by inspiring… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “Kate Kerner is inspiring her followers how to live an attainable & healthy lifestyle”

I try to show my followers how to live an attainable & healthy lifestyle by sharing with them a glimpse into my daily life. As a young woman who recently left her corporate job, I still manage to wake up at the same time- 5:00am everyday to go to the gym before heading to my two jobs. My followers often have asked how I manage to get up so early to go to the gym, work two jobs and then workout again. I explain to them that I am so motivated and energetic when I wake up so early to start my day. As a woman who is constantly on the go, I also try to impart to my followers that sometimes it’s necessary and perfectly okay to take a break and not follow your routine. Especially as New Yorkers, we often feel rushed so taking a break is necessary to reconnect to yourself, your thoughts, your body, and your intention.

As a part of my series about social media stars who are using their platform to make a significant social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kate Kerner. She is a graduate of Penn State with a major in Telecommunications. With a love for people and dance she spent several summers at French Woods Performing Arts Camp in upstate New York as a camper, counselor and dance instructor. Upon graduation, she moved to NYC to work for Bloomberg Media in Advertising Sales and went on to become a Senior Sales Associate for a FinTech startup dedicating her creative and business skills to aid the founders. Kate prides herself on her dedication to fitness and wellness, as she is an influencer (@kateandkale), trainer at Box & Flow, and all-around health conscious. She recently joined the Panda PR & Marketing team in Spring 2019.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

About two years ago I was sitting with my boyfriend who is in Finance and asked him what he thought about the idea of me starting a fitness & wellness blog. He said GO FOR IT! I’ve always loved sharing my workouts & foodie finds with my friends and family so why not share it with the rest of the world J The name Kate & Kale came about because 1. I love kale & 2. It sounds catchy!

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?

Amanda Whitcroft, Founder of Panda PR & Marketing, sent me an email in regard to a campaign. We hopped on a phone call and the next thing you know, I joined her team at Panda PR & Marketing J It’s so interesting how one conversation can open so many doors.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I was a perfectionist…until I started teaching at Box & Flow. I learned early on that not every class is the same. Even though I may do the same routine, the participants bring their own spin to it. During one class I assumed that two students were a “couple” and I referred to them as boyfriend and girlfriend. It turns out this was only their second date. Here’s the lesson, don’t assume too much.

Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?

I try to show my followers how to live an attainable & healthy lifestyle by sharing with them a glimpse into my daily life. As a young woman who recently left her corporate job, I still manage to wake up at the same time- 5:00am everyday to go to the gym before heading to my two jobs. My followers often have asked how I manage to get up so early to go to the gym, work two jobs and then workout again. I explain to them that I am so motivated and energetic when I wake up so early to start my day. As a woman who is constantly on the go, I also try to impart to my followers that sometimes it’s necessary and perfectly okay to take a break and not follow your routine. Especially as New Yorkers, we often feel rushed so taking a break is necessary to reconnect to yourself, your thoughts, your body, and your intention.

Wow! Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?

One of my followers acknowledged me in the gym. I was in shock; a situation like this has never happened before. She admired how authentic I am and how it is very noticeable through my captions and photos. It’s really important to recognize that what I post on social media truly does influence others. Therefore, it is important for influencers to post honestly. Influencers often live a seemingly “unattainable” lifestyle that leave many scrolling through their feeds feeling discouraged that they don’t have the same life. With that being said, I am aware that people look to me for motivation which is why generally I show all aspects of my life and don’t always post “perfect” photos…sometimes I look extremely very messy and I feel like a bag lady carrying my gym bag, computer and grocery bags.

Was there a tipping point the made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?

When I became a fitness enthusiast, I traveled throughout the city taking classes at different types of studios. I got the urge to blog about my journey. During my visits to different classes I met various teachers and students who are devoted to fitness in a very healthy, positive way.

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

1) Fitness should become more affordable so that classes are not viewed as “elitist”, but rather accessible to everyone.

2) Healthy foods also need to be affordable and advertised in communities in which people struggle with health issues.

3) I would love to help create health and wellness fairs for youth, millennials, and seniors alike.

What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause? Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for a social good?

Be authentic, be you, be bold and be an advocate.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

Don’t trust everyone.

You will not be liked by everyone.

Don’t worry about the “likes” you receive on your post.

Be careful of fake accounts.

Be mindful of your core values and stick to them.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

Entrepreneurship Movement in universities nationwide. As a college student, we are often told to find a REAL job after college: a corporate job from 9–5. I would like to express especially to young women and men that a corporate job isn’t for everyone. No one should feel forced to do something they don’t enjoy. Instead, students should follow their own inner voices and surround themselves with others who have positive voices too. Nobody will ever succeed at something without trying!

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

My dad always tells me to “be a leader”. If I never took this advice, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

Michelle Obama — she is fierce! What a confident, strong & intelligent woman. As First Lady she started the “Let’s Move” campaign that continues to inspire children to be physically active, eat healthy, stay positive and stay focused.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

@kateandkale

This was very meaningful, thank you so much!

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The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “Kate Kerner is inspiring her followers how to live an… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: Andrea Bazemore is helping school districts, teachers, and leaders teach diversity and social justice in ways they can directly apply in their classroom setting

Don’t doubt, just do- There have been so many times where I have second guess myself and said, “Am I really doing the right thing?” That doubt has sometimes led me to not posting something or waiting until I could muster up the courage to possibly confront negative feedback. Just put it out there, yes there might be criticism and controversy from people who don’t agree with you, but in the end, by not putting it out there you are sacrificing yourself and your goals.

As a part of my series about social media stars who are using their platform to make a significant social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrea Bazemore, a diversity and social justice educational consultant. She also writes curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade with an emphasis on social justice, diversity, and rigor. In addition, her company Diverse Kids Read strives to bring gently used books with people of color and diversity to Title I students.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

My first year as a teacher, I felt completely lost on how to connect with my kids. Every week it seemed like I was trying out a new teaching strategy and failing epically. I kept teaching in ways that I knew weren’t connecting to my students and was inauthentic to myself.

One day, I heard a kid rapping, he was saying inappropriate things, but I didn’t focus on that, I focused on the fact that he could remember the content of the lyrics. I finally realized that was my gateway to connect with students; we had a shared interest.

I was always fascinated with hip-hop and loved rap music. I also knew I was good at parodying songs (a skill no one knew I had), so I decided to merge both of my loves and give it a try. The first rap I did was about merging poetry and hip-hop over the Fresh Prince Beat. My kids loved it! Their engagement changed overnight. Then I thought, what would happen if I did this with multiplication, again I saw a transformation. By the end of the year, I could see dramatically improved results in my classroom.

My second-year teaching, I thought about other ways I could not only infuse hip-hop, but themes of social justice in my classroom. We started to have discussions of race, justice, immigration, allyship, and LGBTQ topics. By the end of the year, my class soared in academics and I thought, if I could do this, I know other people could too.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?

Since I’ve documented my journey of teaching practical tips for teaching diversity and social justice in classrooms, I’ve been surprised by how many teachers were like me, desperately wanting social justice and diversity techniques to implement in their classroom but unsure how to do so. I’ve loved with connecting with teachers and educators, some internationally, to collaborate. It’s been amazing!

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

The first time I did a professional development, I did a rap that I was doing for my students. I was so nervous and was TOTALLY off beat. I had to stop it because I was so bad (it was my Adele moment). However, my audience was gracious and let me start over. It allowed me to understand that yes, I can make mistakes even as a presenter and that vulnerability is great. It shows people that you are human and that you don’t have to be perfect to make an impact.

Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?

My platform is called The Black Apple, and I help school districts, teachers, and leaders teach diversity and social justice in ways they can directly apply to their classroom setting. I connect with teachers and stakeholders across the country and utilize my platform to give practical advice on how to concretely teach diversity and social justice.

Wow! Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?

My favorite story is about a teacher who saw me on another platform and immediately contacted me through Instagram. We talked and she told me about how her story connected to mine and how she felt so inspired by my story. She told me about how she cried because she finally didn’t feel alone and for the first time, felt validated in her feelings. It’s moments like that that make me proud to be doing what I do.

Was there a tipping point the made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?

In my third year of teaching, I decided to focus on teaching social justice in a kindergarten setting. Most things that I was seeing on Instagram, Pinterest, and even podcasts didn’t tackle the heart of social justice and especially didn’t do it in a kindergarten setting. So instead, I decided to try it out in my classroom and also document it. I was so shocked when teaching from a social justice perspective not only worked as far as academics, but also allowed students to have a better sense of self. I knew I had something special.

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

1st- In the teaching community, we have a tendency to think, “If I just put up images of seemingly diverse images in my classroom, I’m good on my diversity quota.” However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Diversity has to be a constant and conscious decision that you make every day. One diversity day, conversation, or a single Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will not suffice, especially in our schools that have are segregated and divisive.

2nd- Allow your students to have mirrors, in order to see themselves reflected in your school community. This means bringing speakers that can talk about their culture, validate students by reading or talking about diverse literature on a daily or weekly basis, and integrating culture into standards.

3rd- Allow your students to have windows, in order to see other cultures and respect them. This means you have to be gutsy and ask yourself the honest questions, “Who isn’t being represented in my curriculum or in my classroom?”, “How am I marginalizing a group of people or a person’s experience?”, and “What is it going to take so that I am equitable in my classroom instruction for populations that aren’t represented?”

What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause? Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for a social good?

I love connecting with teachers who are interested in my work. A good phone call, direct message, or even comment thread is what I love to see. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve skyped with teachers around the world and how empowered I am after I hear from them.

If you want to use your social platform for good, be as authentic to yourself and as vulnerable to your audience as possible. People want and like realness, especially in a world that has so many people faking their experience. Be different, be real.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

1) Tell your family what you’re doing, but don’t ask for approval-

When I first started my journey, I talked about some difficult things that I was facing and put it up on Facebook. Well, my mom’s friends started contacting her and she flipped! In hindsight, I should have reached out to my mom and talked about what I was doing, just to give her a heads up. But the reality is, I’m a grown woman and I can make my own decisions. So, this heads up isn’t asking for permission, but respecting her as a human and as my mother to let her know what’s going on.

2) Do your social media research-

Figure out what trends are going on and what’s new in social media. By planning for new features, it can help you help you boost your social platform and elevate your user experience.

3) Use a social scheduler-

Planning and using a social media scheduler will save you a lot of time (and headaches). Utilizing this tool will free up time for you and allow you to concentrate on creating more content and growing your business.

4) Get out there-

Social media is great and it can really grow and expand your business expontentialy, but don’t forget the art of being able to talk in-person to others. I’ve gained so much from leveraging both and it’s amazing how much leveraging your connections can help you down the road.

5) Don’t doubt, just do- There have been so many times where I have second guess myself and said, “Am I really doing the right thing?” That doubt has sometimes led me to not posting something or waiting until I could muster up the courage to possibly confront negative feedback. Just put it out there, yes there might be criticism and controversy from people who don’t agree with you, but in the end, by not puttiing it out there you are sacrificing yourself and your goals.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

My movement would be my curriculum being utilized in elementary schools all around the globe in order to connect with their students in a way that is organic and meaningful to their school population.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“You guys know about vampires? . . . You know, vampires have no reflections in a mirror? There’s this idea that monsters don’t have reflections in a mirror. And what I’ve always thought isn’t that monsters don’t have reflections in a mirror. It’s that if you want to make a human being into a monster, deny them, at the cultural level, any reflection of themselves. And growing up, I felt like a monster in some ways. I didn’t see myself reflected at all. I was like, “Yo is something wrong with me? That the whole society seems to think that people like me don’t exist?” And part of what inspired me, was this deep desire that before I died, I would make a couple of mirrors. That I would make some mirrors so that kids like me might see themselves reflected back and might not feel so monstrous for it.”-Issa Rae, Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl

When I heard this quote, I was on a long car drive and I almost pulled over. It was my Oprah “Ah ha” moment. This is why I teach. I wanted to create mirrors and, in my classroom, especially because 90% of my class looked like me. It made me realize that this is what I want to do, and this is how I wanted to change the world for kids.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

I would love to have brunch with Brittany Packett! I love her platform and how she is inspiring other educators/activists with her platform!

How can our readers follow you on social media?

@blackapple4ed (Twitter and IG) and The Black Apple on Facebook

This was very meaningful, thank you so much!

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The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: Andrea Bazemore is helping school districts, teachers… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.