Local Legacy Inspiring Others

So proud to see Amy K's (Beta Eta) daughter in the paper (again). Way to go Hanna; thank you for inspiring us.

Lawton Chiles High School senior awarded grant by ANN INC. and Vital Voices

Every day there are people in our community who are determined to make a difference in the world. The ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative is an innovative partnership between ANN INC., the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, and organization Vital Voices, that offers leadership skills and mentorship for young women. The two efforts have joined forces to identify the next generation of female leaders who are dedicated to giving back to their communities.
Tallahassee’s 17-year-old Hanna Karimipour, a Lawton Chiles High School senior, is one of only 14 young women from across the country to be awarded an ANNpower grant after completing the ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum, due to her continued interest in making an impact her in community.

Numerous young women from across the country engaged in a competitive national application process last March. A press release from ANN INC. stated that 50 rising high school seniors and juniors were selected as ANNpower Fellows and as participants in the first annual ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum. The forum, which took place this past June, entailed a three-day leadership training program in Washington, D.C., with the curriculum based on the Vital Voices Leadership Model.

The girls were mentored by 12 global women leaders who are part of the Vital Voices Network.

Lawton Chiles High School senior Hanna Karimipour was awarded a national grant by the ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative, an effort that offers leadership skills and mentoring to young women. The award will aid Karimipour in initiating her social change project in the Tallahahassee community, which is focused on empowering women. / Photo courtesy of Elise Donini

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“Four months ago, we challenged these young women to take the lead in developing plans that will have an impact in their communities,” President and CEO of Vital Voices Alyse Nelson said in a press release. “From teaching underprivileged families healthy eating habits to launching a girls leadership summit, these ANNpower Project Grants will support the realization of the visionary plans of these dedicated young leaders.”The award will aid Karimipour in initiating her social change project within the Tallahassee community, which is focused on addressing the disparities in female leadership within the state of Florida.

“Although I have always been involved in leadership and women’s rights, having the opportunity to hear from and interact with international leaders who are making change and ANN INC. executives gave me the confidence to begin this initiative,” Karimipour said.

In addition to being awarded the grant, ANN INC. and Vital Voices will provide Karimipour with leadership training. Getting this competitive recognition will help her bring her community plans to the forefront of youth activism.

“I want to make a difference in the world and promote social change, activism and equality,” Karimipour said. “I have a passion for women’s issues and activism. I started the Girls Leadership Network, which is an initiative promoting networking, mentorship and leadership amongst high school girls with local female leaders.”

ANN INC.’s decision to partner with Vital Voices for the benefit of young women inspires FSU students, especially those aspiring to enter the world of retail merchandising.

“I believe that what ANN INC. has decided to do with this organization and the AnnPower Initiative is incredible for young women around the country,” FSU senior and retail merchandising major Amanda Rosson said. “This makes me very proud to be a part of an industry where they understand the importance of girls’ dreams and leadership abilities.”

Karimipour aspires to become a UN Ambassador, and continue to be a champion for women’s activism. With her project, she hopes to continue to motivate other girls her age to get involved within their own communities.

“I want the Girls Leadership Network Summit to spark interest for high school girls to become leaders and make a difference in the community and the world,” Karimipour said. “I hope to inspire girls to ‘pay it forward’ as I am trying to do with this event.”