According to their website, I AM THAT GIRL is "a 501(c)3 organization helping girls to transform self-doubt into self-love by providing a safe space to connect and have honest conversations about things that matter. Every day, girls are bombarded with messages that attack what she is NOT and we work every day to help her love who SHE IS; to see that in herself and inspire that in others." To me, I AM THAT GIRL is so much more. It is a platform to be yourself and to personally grow with women who more often than not, become your closest friends.

I recently attended I AM THAT GIRL’s 2017 event at Loyola Marymount University in LA called #GIRL2017. I was hesitant at first, but once I got off the plane and breathed in the California air, I knew I was in for something special. Of the 15 girls I bonded with during my three days in LA, I decided to interview my friend Camille (the only other girl from my “group” from New York!). I asked her questions about her journey with IATG and how she plans to use what she has learned in her near future.

What is your name, age, and college?

Camille Clayton, 19, Stony Brook University

What year did you start IATG?

2016.

How did you find out about IATG?

A friend who is an RA in the building I live in! We ended up starting a chapter together at SB with other women.

Describe IATG in three words:

Needed, Amazing, Effective.

How has being a Vice President in IATG helped you become a leader in life?

It has shown me that being a leader is more than just being a part of the start of something, but also being part of the movement as a follower as well. We are all in this together no matter what position we hold!

Has IATG prepared you for your future occupation or life plans?

As a future doctor who hopes to be an OB/GYN, I will deal with women as a living! However, I hope to start a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering women to find their beauty from the inside out, as well as teaching women the difference between striving to reach unrealistic beauty standards and being healthy.

What did #GIRL2017 do for you?

GIRL 2017 totally changed my life because it renewed my faith in the true power of women and the fact that we do have what it takes to make a difference in this world. The fact of the matter is that this has already started!

What are you most looking forward to in the fall semester for your chapter?

Since this will be the first year we are an official recognized chapter at Stony Brook, I look forward to being able to help develop and shape a community that is much needed for women as well as being enlightened, empowered, and educated by women I haven’t even had the pleasure of meeting yet!

I AM THAT GIRL is an amazing organization full of girl power, self-love, and shifting girl culture. Start or join a local chapter by following the link here!