Along with everything else we have to look forward to in 2021 (mainly, not being 2020), we’ve got a big thing coming for you. Not only do we have a brand new, delicious gr8nola flavor hitting the shelves soon, this flavor is a game-changer for our brand—it’s our first partnership! Erica, our incredible founder, has taken five girl leaders from Girl Up, a UN organization devoted to empowering young women and gender equality, under her wing to bring this new flavor to market -- from flavor concept to launch. In our recent blog, we shared the background deets about this partnership (spoiler: it involves America’s Next Top Model). But now, we want to share the phenomenal people behind it all. Meet the girls behind this new flavor launch.
Winter Ashley
How old are you, and where are you from?
I am 16 years old. I am currently based in Phoenix, Arizona!
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
Hopefully in ten years I will have graduated from medical school and become a doctor. Realistically I will most likely be within my third year of surgical residency if all goes as planned. My biggest goal right now is to become a surgeon.
What has been the most rewarding part of working on the gr8nola flavor launch project/or with Erica?
I’ve learned so much about all of the processes that go into making a business successful. Perhaps my favorite part thus far has been learning about product marketing and launch strategies.
Maya Cabrera
How old are you, and where are you from?
I am 17 and I’m from Naples, Italy.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
In 10 years I hope to be working as a Foreign Service Officer or with a multinational organization such as the United Nations.
What has been the most rewarding part of working on the gr8nola flavor launch project/or with Erica?
What has been the most rewarding part of working with Erica is having the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by a strong female entrepreneur.
Anagaby Litz
How old are you, and where are you from?
I am 18 years old. I was born and raised in Tampico, Mexico (a small city right besides the gulf of Mexico-bordering Texas).
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
In ten years I would love to see myself helping my country, especially in the educational system. This has been a desire of mine ever since I had memory. Mexico is a remarkable country filled with hardworking people that still desperately needs a stable educational system. Also, I would like to still be transmitting my passion and devotion for the gender equality movement.
What has been be the most rewarding part of working on the gr8nola flavor launch project/or with Erica?
One of the most rewarding parts of working on the gr8nola flavor launch is working alongside strong and powerful women. Erica and my fellow Teen Advisors are definitely an inspiration with an amazing strong female lead. I am incredibly honored to be part of this spectacular project.
Yakira Pinillos Linares
How old are you, and where are you from?
I am 17 years old and I’m from Miami, FL.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope I am the head manager of an Industrial Engineering company that I started myself. I would like to work for companies that help the environment such as those who manufacture solar panels, or companies that give back to the community, such as non-profits. I also hope to have my own foundation that would educate and give resources to girls who hope to study in a STEM field in the future.
What has been be the most rewarding part of working on the gr8nola flavor launch project/or with Erica?
The most rewarding part of working on the gr8nola flavor launch project and with Erica is all I have learned about entrepreneurship. From the step-by-step on how to launch a flavor to the fundamentals of what impacts each decision you make when it comes to the company. In addition, the fact that gr8nola is a super food, that is healthy, and that it is completely transparent with what they add to their products gives me hope for the future of food.
Amina Salahou
How old are you, and where are from?
I’m a 17-year-old from Syracuse, New York
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
As a senior in high school, I’m not too sure what I want to be doing in 10 years, although I know I want to help people. I am very passionate about racial equality, I can see myself working as a lawyer or politician. In addition, I have a growing interest in biology, becoming a scientist has always been my dream job since the third grade!
What has been the most rewarding part of working on the gr8nola flavor launch project/or with Erica?
The most rewarding part of working with Erica on the gr8nola flavor launch is definitely the opportunity to gain first-hand intel on what it means to own a business and be an entrepreneur. Overall, this opportunity is really exciting because gr8nola is such a cool brand, create healthy and tasty snacks is so important!
As we get closer to launch, you’ll have the chance to hear more from the girls about this experience and their pivotal role. We’re so proud of them for showing off just what a #girlboss looks like -- before even stepping foot into the workplace.
Watch out for when their product hits the shelves; a portion of the proceeds will go right back to Girl Up to fund future opportunities that empower young women. And did we mention it’s our favorite flavor yet?
