This Influencer Says Girl Power Means Not Letting Anything Get In The Way Of Your Dreams

The definition of “girl power,” according to influencer Kayla Gutierrez, is not letting the fact that you are a girl get in the way of you accomplishing your dreams—because girls can do whatever they set their minds to. Kayla says it’s important that you stand strong and fight for what you believe in, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Read on to learn more about Kayla and how PINK’s GRL PWR Project could make dreams like hers come true!

Her Campus: When you hear ‘girl power’ what is the first person/visual that comes to mind?
Kayla Gutierrez: Honestly right now the first person who comes to my mind is the singer Lizzo. She has been killing it lately and just won her first Grammys. She literally is the definition of girl power.
 
HC: With that in mind, how would you describe your own definition of ‘girl power?’
KG: Girl power can be many different things. I think it means that a girl can do anything; she can succeed in life just like anyone else if she puts her mind and heart to it. Girl power to me just means that being a girl shouldn’t stop you from becoming what you want to be.
 
HC: What does strength mean to you?
KG: Strength can mean different things to different people depending on what you lived through. To me strength is fighting for what you believe in and not letting anyone tell you otherwise. 

HC: Who is a woman in your life who embodies that meaning?
KG: My mom. She is literally nothing but a strong woman. I look up to her in many ways and she will forever be my role model. She is always pushing me to do better. She not only encourages me every day but also supports me in anything I want to do. 
 
HC: When you’re feeling discouraged in work, school, or your personal life, where do you look for inspiration and support?
KG: This may sound crazy, but YouTube. I go on there and search up inspirational videos or videos about people teaching you how to succeed in business. 
 
HC: What little ways do you build up the women in your life? 
KG: Obvi, comments on Instagram is the way to do it. Like I know if my besties comment something sweet or encouraging… It definitely makes my day just a little better. I like to do the same for my friends and family. I also like to text my close friends some inspirational quotes I find on Pinterest or even a quick funny gif that can add a little laughter to their day.
 
HC: If you had the resources and money to make it happen, how would you empower the women in your life, your community, or the world?!
KG: I would donate money to girls who can’t afford to go to college. I would also try to help graduates pay off student loans. If money wasn’t an issue, I’d also open my arms to anyone who needs guidance in the right direction.
 
HC: When in your life have you felt the most empowered?
KG: I started building my Instagram almost two years ago and when I saw people engaging in my content, I felt so empowered and it just encouraged me to keep going with it and make it a part-time job. 
 
HC: In your education is there a standout teacher, class, advisor, RA, or mentor who inspired you?
KG: In high school, I had a teacher who not only took time out of her day to help me, but she would sit there after school with me and help me fill out college applications. Being a first-time college student in my family, my parents did not know anything about applying for colleges. If it wasn’t for my teacher, I don’t know what I would have done. 
 
HC: Do you have any thoughts or opinions on female representation in education?
KG: It’s so important and I can’t stress that enough. We as women need to lead and take over those CEO jobs. It’s the only way.
 
HC: What positive changes do you hope to see in your life, in regard to women’s rights and empowerment?
KG: I want to attend more women conferences around the country and get more involved in my community. 
 
HC: What ways do you now (and in the future) hope to contribute to that positive change?
KG: I hope to be a mentor to younger women.
 
HC: How do you inspire those in your life to think about how their decisions impact the environment we live in?
KG: I do my best to be a good example and live my life doing good in the world. 

Inspired by Kayla’s story? Apply to the PINK GRL PWR Project to make your dreams a reality.

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