LAUREN GALLEY:
steps to success
Lauren Galley is the founder and leader of Girls Above Society, an organization that provides mentorship and awareness to teen girls facing the pressures of today's society. She is an actress, model, and social advocate that we were lucky enough to interview for this issue! Check out her organization at www.girlsabovesociety.org
Q. What was your inspiration for GAS?
A. My inspiration for Girls Above Society was the majority of my peers who are insecure and trying to measure up to society’s definition of “perfection.” The media makes young girls feel that they don’t measure up unless they are a size zero with perfect hair and skin. I realized that there are very few positive female role models in the media, so I decided to launch Girls Above Society in order to promote positivity and instill confidence in young girls.
Q. What has been the most memorable and/or rewarding part of starting and leading Girls Above Society?
A. The most memorable part of starting Girls Above Society was the first time a young girl looked me in the eyes and said, “I wasn’t confident before I met you, but now I know how to be confident with who I am.” That really touched me and reminded me of why I started this movement in the first place. Watching the girls transform and really come out of their shell is by far the most rewarding experience of my life thus far.
Q. Of the different aspects of G.A.S (blog, talk show, book, conferences, camps, etc.), which is your favorite and why?
A. Out of all the different aspects of Girls Above Society, my favorite part would have to be the camps and Girl Talks. I believe technology is incredible and it has benefited me in numerous ways, however the power of face-to-face communication is unbelievable. I love developing relationships with the girls and really learning who they are and how they feel about themselves. They teach me just as much, if not more, than I teach them.
Q. What is your culture/ethnicity and how has that shaped you as a person today?
A. I’m a born and raised Texas girl with the stereotype attributes of a city girl. Blonde hair, green eyes, thin, and a bubbly personality….however, I don’t allow myself to fall in this general category. Being a white girl often means privilege to others. I have an amazing, supportive family who believes in the moral compass. My parents are not wealthy in the dollar sense, but their wealth of experience, compassion, love and their presence in my life has given me the “wealth” I need to achieve my goals and dreams. Positive moral and values as well as the opportunity of education has shaped me to realize my desire to help others. Anyone can have this, no matter the economical or cultural background.
APRIL 2014
29