The Power of Building Community

Samantha M, President of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School’s chapter, reflects on how GlamourGals allowed her to build a community of young women she can learn from and lean on.

Growing up, there was no question in my mind women could do anything we put our minds to. The support of my sisters, my mother, and grandmothers showed me I could be strong, assertive, or ambitious, all without shame. I knew I had a community to lean on, to learn from and to draw support from. What I realized I needed to do was expand this community, especially to other young women. Motivated by my experiences, I began a chapter of GlamourGals.

I was enthusiastic and devoted to the club’s success. I recruited a small group of friends for the leadership board and appointed myself president. Through the first year, our volunteers were scarce. At points, I was the only volunteer who showed up. Then our group's recognition grew, so did my love for the residents I had met. We expanded our chapter to multiple homes, becoming one of the largest clubs at school. Every woman I met reminded me of why I had pushed so hard for the chapter to succeed. I realized by giving these “makeovers,” I was not only restoring a sense of confidence, but forming a community of women. The visits go deeper than just painting nails. It brings strength and a mutual connection between generations of women willing to support each other–something I continually find myself relying on and empowering me to share with others.