My Platform

When I was younger, I didn’t fully understand the profound impact of sexual assault—until I saw people close to me broken by it. Survivors are 13 times more likely to attempt suicide, and that statistic alone reminds me that I don’t need to experience it myself to know how devastating it is.

 

My platform, Dignity in Education, focuses on two key issues that often determine whether a girl can pursue her education with dignity: preventing sexual assault and ensuring access to sustainable menstrual hygiene products.

 

I am the founder of UMass Against Rape Culture, a student-led organization dedicated to combating rape culture through education, advocacy, and prevention training. Most existing programs target perpetrators or rare bystander moments, leaving the majority of people unengaged. With ARC, I developed a comprehensive program that empowers traditionally hypermasculine groups—like fraternities and sports teams—to challenge harmful gender norms and create peer groups with zero tolerance for sexual violence. Peer culture is one of the strongest deterrents we have, and I believe every individual can help shift it.

 

At the same time, I work with Days for Girls, a global nonprofit that distributes sustainable menstrual health solutions to girls who would otherwise miss school during their periods. Something as simple as access to hygiene products can determine whether a girl stays in school or falls behind, and every girl deserves the chance to pursue her education with dignity.

 

During my reign, I plan to expand the reach of both initiatives—bringing ARC trainings to more campuses and supporting Days for Girls chapters to ensure that no girl’s education is interrupted because of her biology. My background—ranging from serving on Title IX committees, working with It’s On Us, engaging in global women’s rights work, and years of nonprofit leadership—has uniquely prepared me to drive this mission forward.

 

Dignity in education should not be negotiable. Every person has the power and responsibility to foster an anti-rape culture and to support equal access to resources that keep women in school.

 

I am grateful to pageantry for giving me this platform—but the truth is, everyone has a platform. Each of us can influence our circles and create a safer, more inclusive world.