This episode spotlights Isabelle Wolpert, a dedicated pianist and passionate advocate for equality and inclusivity in the classical music industry. As a pianist herself from a young age, Isabelle recognized that well-known classical musicians are generally homogeneous, and thus set out to uplift a broader and more diverse range of classical musicians. In the spring of 2020, Isabelle co-founded Musicians for Equality, a non-profit organization with the mission of "bring[ing] justice to unheard voices, educat[ing] ourselves and each other, and spread[ing] awareness through music." Musicians for Equality raises money by hosting live stream concerts, in which musicians perform live from all over the globe; these concerts allow Musicians for Equality to donate money to various institutions that diversify and support music education, while the concerts also create a supportive community for musicians across the world to perform and learn from one another. Listen in to this episode to hear how Isabelle combined both her love of music and her passion for equality in her impactful organization. 

To support Musicians For Equality, make sure to check out their Instagram and website:

@musiciansforequality

https://musiciansforequality.org/

This episode spotlights Meta Hrovat, a highly accomplished Slovenian alpine ski racer. Meta debuted in her first World Cup at only 17 years old, and now at 23 she has achieved four World Cup podiums, two of which were this past season. In this episode, Meta illustrates how her initial passion for skiing has only grown from the time she first stepped on skis at two years old to now, where she is one of the top female alpine ski racers in the world. Meta shares the ups and downs of her career so far, from the struggle of suffering from a severe injury to her elation when she achieved her first World Cup podium. Ultimately, Meta emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process and finding the joy in every day, which is an important message for athletes and non-athletes alike. Meta is a true example of grit and determination, and an inspiration for so many people around the world. Tune in to this episode to hear Meta share her athletic journey, a day in the life of a professional ski racer, her biggest takeaways, and more. 

Check out Meta's Instagram to follow her future adventures:

@metaahrovat

This episode spotlights Esther Mafouta, a passionate activist from Southern California and current freshman at Columbia University. Ever since speaking to 2,000+ people at a March for Our Lives walk-out in 2018, Esther has “realized the immense power that the youth have to create change” and has spoken up whenever and wherever she has seen injustices. In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, Esther co-founded CUSD Against Racism. This organization aims to create an anti-racist community by addressing four main areas within the Capistrano Unified School District: educational equity, student voices and wellbeing, curriculum, and restorative justice. In this episode, Esther also shares her other activism endeavors as the global coordinator for the anti-bullying organization Cool 2 Be Kind and within Columbia University. By sharing her experiences in activism, Esther Mafouta ultimately urges listeners to become active within their own communities and to take a stand for any inequities that they feel strongly about. Listen in on this episode to hear more from the inspirational Esther Mafouta and to see how you can make a change.

To support CUSD Against Racism and Cool 2 Be Kind, make sure to check out their Instagram and website:

@cusdagainstracism

https://www.cusdagainstracism.org/

@cool2bekind

http://www.cool2bekind.org/

This episode spotlights Olivia Rando, an inspiring martial artist and tricking athlete who founded the female empowerment organization Trick Like A Girl. Once becoming involved in tricking, Olivia recognized the lack of representation and stigmas that women face in the primarily male dominated sport, and wanted to create a community for female tricking athletes to uplift and support one another. Listen in on this episode to hear from Olivia about her journey with tricking and Trick Like A Girl.

To support Trick Like A Girl, make sure to check out Olivia and Trick Like A Girl’s Instagram pages and Trick Like A Girl's Website:

@tricklikeagirl

https://www.tricklikeagirl.com/

Welcome to our first interview! In this episode, Sophie and Zoë speak with Janie Sasha Surkin, the founder of ClearCare. By creating the first self-prescribing lens kit, ClearCare aims to provide accessible eye care to those who otherwise would not have access due geographical or financial barriers. In this interview, Sasha shares her journey with ClearCare, describes challenges she has overcome, provides advice to fellow young women on how to pursue their passions, and more. Tune in to hear from the inspirational young woman behind this incredible start-up.

Check out the video Sasha created for the Archangel Dreamer Competition, in which she won a $50,000 grant for ClearCare: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFNAp_xcMBY

If you are interested in contacting Sasha, email: [email protected]

Hello, and welcome to And She Did! In this episode, we will introduce And She Did, our mission, and our hosts.