Mt. Holyoke Scholar Launches Mentoring Program for Girls
In October, Michelle Espinosa, a junior at Mount Holyoke College, launched a mentoring program called RUN the World, Girls that introduces girls in high school and middle school to potential career paths and college opportunities.
Michelle started her own nonprofit organization after interning with Strong Women Strong Girls, an organization that matches adult mentors with girls in elementary school and college. She credits her Posse experience for inspiring her passion for social justice.
“Posse led me to the realization that I want to pursue a career in education,” says Michelle. “I want to pay forward the opportunities and relationships I am able to foster through Posse with RUN the World, Girls. It has been the hardest and most rewarding experience.”
RUN the World, Girls meets with nine young women twice a week for workshops that focus on academics, comprehensive sex education and college awareness. Once a week, the young women go to Mount Holyoke’s campus to experience life on a college campus first-hand.
Michelle’s efforts with these young women prompted Mount Holyoke to nominate her for the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship, which recognizes college juniors who demonstrate leadership potential and an interest in public service.
Recognizing that her past internships have helped develop her passion for service into a potential career path, Michelle is applying for internship opportunities this summer that will allow her to work with marginalized communities.
