Tag: writer

Amanda Gorman

PoetLos Angeles, CAPhotos by Anna ZhangStory by Lauri Levenfeld

These days in such volatile political and social times, it is more relevant and necessary than ever to understand the power of our words; how they impact, change, benefit or harm ourselves and others around us.  With social media and other technological means to manifest and exploit, it is now mandatory that our words be well constructed, thoughtful and impeccable. For Amanda Gorman, the youngest female poet ever to receive the honor of Youth Poet Laureate, using words to initiate passion, power, and wisdom has helped this young woman to evoke attention, education and movement on fronts such as social injustice, tolerance, and solution. Gorman unleashes the combination of examination, dialogue, and deliberation in her writings, in order to support women, minorities and anyone needing answers or to be upheld. This is the story of a true freedom fighter, a girl dedicated to the voice of many and prepped with the weapon and word of one. 

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Odessa Simone Shlain Goldberg

WriterMill Valley, CAStory & Photos by Lauri LevenfeldMakeup & Hair by Irmina Martinez Loeffler

As one of our ten nominees for TPFG’s Super Girl Contest, it was Odessa Goldberg’s conviction in her words and her self-confidence that made us stop in our tracks and realize the strength, wisdom and potential of this inspiring  teen. Odessa is open, honest and willing to ask questions. She is ready and willing to strike up a conversation on relevant and important conversations that mean something to her and her process. In the opening paragraph of her essay for TPFG, she explains…“If I’m a supergirl, it’s simply because I know of a superpower: the breathtaking power of words. We all use words: it’s how we communicate, how we share, how we coexist in this world, but over these past years I have only began to understand how brilliant, magical and transformative words can be if used correctly.” In this day and age, with social media as one of our largest forms of communication,  we all need to understand a little deeper how powerful our words can be. And how we can manage our words better in the face of others. A valuable lesson to be learned and something our TPFG platform feels very passionate in striving towards for our girls. We are here to create community and empower a platform that is safe where girls come together. Odessa Goldberg is one teen certainly paving the way…

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Gabrielle Begun

Published AuthorSan Francisco, CAPhotos by Lauri LevenfeldStory by Gabrielle Begun

How many girls out there have always dreamed of being in a photoshoot? Where the camera is ready, everyone respects you, people make way for you on the streets, and all the attention is on you. As a little girl, well at least before I published my book, I had always dreamed of being in that position; being respected enough to get my own personal photoshoot and for my pictures to be swiftly thrown out into the world. The problem was, I was an extremely shy kid. I didn’t

have stage fright, but I was shy in front of the camera and other people. I had no trouble performing but I had trouble meeting people and holding conversations without breaking a nervous sweat, and I still sometimes do. It might sound strange saying that I feel at home on stage but when meeting new people and starting conversations or talking with adults I feel like a turtle who wants to crawl back into her shell.

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Gabrielle Begun

WriterSan Francisco, CAPhotos by Lauri LevenfeldStory by Gabrielle Begun

To write a bio about yourself, you have to know yourself very well, and trust that you will make yourself sound like a decent human being. Right now, I’m trying to accomplish this very thing. I’m going to start with the simplest thing; my name. I’m Gabrielle Begun, I’m twelve years old (even though I don’t look it), and I’m in eighth grade. I’m a published author with 15 book readings under my belt and a huge passion for writing. I also love performing; acting, singing, and playing guitar and piano. I’m in a band and I have to say, it’s really fun. And to add to all of this; I love reading books and watching movies equally, so there is no question which I like better. But I love both to such a high point, it’s undescribable. I love everything about movies, and I definitely watch a lot of them. The same with books. My current favorite book is Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children and my current favorite movie is Edward Scissorhands.

Well, now you know my interests and outside personality. I’m going to give a shot at the inside part now. I’ve been told I’m a deep person and an old soul, because of the fact that my heart, mind, and soul do not seem the same age as my body. I’m an introvert, but I like to talk to and be around people. I’ve also been told that I am extremely imaginative,…

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