In this special series, we’ll take a brief look at various different fearless inspirations from the past week or so. Whether it’s a fearless young changemaker who is taking risks, a new publication that expresses bold and innovative ideas, or an organization that is promoting change and that is not afraid to fail forward—we want to shine a spotlight on them and their work in the hope that it will spark a new movement to Be Fearless.
As Jean Case, CEO of the Case Foundation says, “The old way of doing things is simply no longer effective in this new world. It’s time for us all to take risks on new ideas, approaches, and initiatives. It’s time for us to be bold, to act with urgency, and to resist the tendency to let caution be our guide. It’s time for us to Be Fearless.” Will you join us?
How to be Pretty Amazing
We couldn't help but be inspired by these five "Pretty Amazing" young women...all are finalists in Seventeen magazine's Pretty Amazing contest. Each of them embdodies a fearless spirit and has made a great contribution to their community in one way or another — whether it be in starting a nonprofit or breaking a world record. Oh, and did we mention that they have accomplished all of it before the age of 22?
Here's a video featuring one finalist, Lindsay Giambattista, who seeks to enhance confidence among girls by giving them access to beautiful clothes and accessories.
The contest is now open for voting and you can help select the winner. The Pretty Amazing contest winner will be featured on the October cover of the magazine and receive a $20,000 scholarship from Neutrogena Wave for Change - now that sounds pretty amazing.
Check out each of their bios that Alexandra Govere of Act.MTV.com posted and vote today!
Brittany McMillan, 17, LGBT Activist
True story: I celebrated Spirit Day last year not knowing that it was started by Pretty Amazing finalist Brittany McMillan! In 2010, Brittany’s request for people to wear purple in honor of bullied members of the LGBTQ community spread like wildfire -- from a single Facebook status to a yearly event with 2 million participants. NBA, MTV, the cast of Glee, and tons of other celebs rock purple every October 20. Brittany’s story demonstrates the power every individual has to change the world. It all starts with an idea.
Kim Anyadike, 18, Record-Setting Pilot
In 2009, Kim became the youngest African American female to fly across the country. She was only 15 years old, which means she took a 7,000 mile, 13-day flight before most teens can even drive to 7-Eleven for a blue raspberry Slurpee! Kim’s dream is to become a cardiovascular surgeon and use her flying skills to get from patient to patient in third world countries. BTW, I was 15 when I finally learned to microwave a Hot Pocket without turning it into a scalding weapon of mass destruction. Pretty amazing, huh?
Lindsay Brown, 21, All-Star Athlete and Mentor
Lindsay B. is an all-star soccer player (she helped Notre Dame win the 2010 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Soccer Championship) who knows that the benefits of playing sports are much more than just physical. During a trip to Nepal with nonprofit She’s The First, Lindsay helped start the country’s first all-girls soccer team, and instantly noticed a positive change in the girls’ confidence and demeanors. Lindsay recently started her own nonprofit, The SEGway Project, to connect athletes with girls in developing countries.
Chloe Freytag, 18, Ballet Starlet
Three years ago, Chloe left the comfort of home to pursue her dreams. Today, at 18, she is the youngest professional dancer at the Miami City Ballet. As a member of the Corps de Ballet -- a position that many dancers don’t reach until their 20s -- Chloe tests her physical and emotional strength daily, all the while making it look so easy! Chloe is most def. a black swan!
Lindsay Giambattista, 21, Fashionista for a Cause
Lindsay G. is an aspiring fashion designer and the founder of Taylor’s Closet, an organization that gives girls in foster care access to brand new designer clothes. Since its inception in 2005, Taylor’s Closet has transformed from a makeshift shop at a foster agency into a large boutique that is partnered with major retailers such as XOXO and Free People. Lindsay believes that all girls should have access to beautiful clothes and the confidence that comes from wearing them, regardless of where they come from.