Paisley With a Pod

Freshmen take lead to spread positivity, women empowerment via podcasts

Photo courtesy of Unsplash. Graphic by Estefani Rios

As an opportunity to empower women, freshmen Paisley Schalles, Ava Manci, Ellie Keller and sophomore Katie Smith are teaming up with English teachers, Sarah Alarcon and Kim Vidrine, to host an All-Girls Considered (AGC) podcast chapter. Schalles first learned of AGC through a family friend who is on the AGC board and decided to join the organization this year.  “I think thing AGC is a very interesting and empowering organization for young women to be a part of, or even just to listen to some of the podcasts,” Schalles said. “We feature strong girls who are making something of themselves in a male-centered economy, so it is truly inspirational to watch.” 

Estefani Rios, Editor-in-Chief

As an opportunity to empower women, freshmen Paisley Schalles, Ava Manci, Ellie Keller and sophomore Katie Smith are teaming up with English teachers, Sarah Alarcon and Kim Vidrine, to host an All-Girls Considered (AGC) podcast chapter. 

The AGC podcast began at Leander Middle School with teacher Jennifer Dean. According to the AGC website, Dean “wanted to create a space for her middle school girls to connect with inspiring women so that they could see all the things they could be.” The AGC’s vision is to “to create a world where women and girls matter.”

Schalles first learned of AGC through a family friend who is on the AGC board and decided to join the organization this year. 

“I think thing AGC is a very interesting and empowering organization for young women to be a part of, or even just to listen to some of the podcasts,” Schalles said. “We feature strong girls who are making something of themselves in a male-centered economy, so it is truly inspirational to watch.” 

Schalles said the club differs from other podcasts and clubs because it shows what young women can accomplish through interviews and real experiences of successful women in their field, rather than simply telling their audience. 

“I also believe it is different from other clubs in the sense that you don’t need to join to be affected by it,” Schalles said. “The people who join are learning and interested in the journalism podcast community, but the message we share can relate to everybody,” Schalles said. 

Mancil said she looks forward to seeing the influence the podcast will have on the community. 

“I am looking forward to making a positive impact on the community and the people,” Mancil said. “I hope that it brings an understanding that girls should be considered in all aspects of society and activities.”

The club will receive all equipment necessary to produce the podcasts from the AGC organization when they are ready to conduct their first interview and podcast. Some of the podcasts the club creates will be posted on the AGC website. 

The podcast club will hold its first meeting this tomorrow in Ms. Alarcon’s room, 1203, at 7:45 a.m, anyone is welcome to attend.