

Parris L.
All around me, I am surrounded by women who uplift me, guide me, and inspire me in my daily life.
The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is something that has held true in my life not only during childhood, but on my journey into adulthood as well. As hard as life can be, I would be nothing were it not for the incredible people that help empower me. I see my mother, a strong, intelligent, selfless woman take on every day with such power that I cannot help but try to replicate that, as hard as it may be. I see my mentor who proves that women of color can be successful in the Public Health field, and I feel empowered to make myself the best Public Health professional I can be.
I see my friends, striving to be the best versions of themselves and it empowers me to do the same. I see influential women such as Michelle Obama, Emma Gonzalez, Malala Yousafzai, and my mom (again), whose inspirational messages carry me through some of my darkest hours.
All around me, I am surrounded by women who uplift me, guide me, and inspire me in my daily life.
So when people ask me what makes me empowered, I turn to the village that has continuously raised and strengthened me. I cannot say I empower myself, it takes a village to empower me, and thats okay too.