In our coverage of the She’s the First Baking for a Change, we chat with Lorraine Magee, She’s the First American University Chapter President.  Lorraine sat down to tell us about her chapter, their plans for the Tie Dye Cupcake Challenge, and how American University students can participate!

College Lifestyles:  How long have you been a member of She’s the First?

Loraine Magee:  American’s chapter is new this year, so I’ve only been an official member for two weeks! However, we are very excited to create a long term partnership between She’s the First and American University.

CL:  What are your chapter’s plans for the She’s the First challenge?

LM:  Due to allergy concerns, our school does not allow homemade goods to be sold on campus. Luckily, we had a generous donor step in! Georgetown Cupcakes is a local “cupcakery” that is the focus of the popular reality show, “DC Cupcakes.” They are saving the day by donating 200 cupcakes we will be able to sell on American’s campus. We plan to use the sale as an awareness event as well – we’ll be sharing facts about girls’ education and the ways we can make a difference.

CL:  Why did you became involved with She’s the First?

LM:  I’ve been inspired by what She’s the First does since I was in high school. The choreographer of the musicals I was in during high school used to tell me about a topic her roommate was very interested in: girls’ education. Her roommate was actually one of the founders of She’s the First. When I learned more about “The Girl Effect,” I was amazed by the way we can change the world through educating girls. When a girl receives an education, she can raise the standard of living not just for herself, but for her family as well. Women typically reinvest 90% of their income into their families. An education raises that income. For every extra year of primary school, a girl’s eventual wages are raised by 10 to 20 percent. By sponsoring a girl for another year of secondary school, we can raise her income by 15 to 25 percent. After learning more about She’s the First, I knew that American would be the perfect place for a campus branch! It combines the interests that many undergraduates are passionate about, and it is something that students can unite over. By supporting the education of girls in the developing world, we are changing the world, one cupcake at a time.

American University She’s the First Chapter Officers (L to R). Amanda Sands (Vice President), Jasmine Simawang (pictured on the computer, Treasurer), Lorraine Magee (President), Noelle Magrino (Public Relations Coordinator), and Lauren LaRochelle (Secretary)

CL:  What are some of your chapters accomplishments?

LM:  Although our campus chapter is new, we have many exciting events coming up! During October, we will be hosting a screening of the documentary “Half the Sky,” which focuses on how women around the world are bravely fighting the challenges they face every day. The documentary is inspired by the book of the same name, written by journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. We will have students from all majors, interests, and backgrounds at this screening, all discussing ways that we can change the world by empowering women and girls.

CL:  How can someone join American University’s chapter of She’s the First?

LM:  Students can become involved by checking out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/STF.American, or by following us on Twitter at @STF_American. If a student would like to become a member, they can join our email list at http://eepurl.com/oWUuT. We’ll be sharing meeting reminders, event information, and volunteer opportunities.

We wish the She’s the First American University Chapter best wishes in the She’s the First Tie Dye Cupcake Challenge and invite all She’s the First Chapters to our ‘Classy Co-Eds Give Campaign’ to benefit She’s the First (coming in November) and to follow our Cupcake Pinterest Board for baking inspiration.