LIFE

Generation Wow founder Donna Orender shares how *you* can be your best self.

Are you looking for ways to boost your self-confidence this year? What about finding the courage to apply for that perfect summer internship? Allow us to introduce you to Donna Orender, aka the ultimate source of *inspo* for you. 

Donna is the founder of Generation WOW, a mentoring program that connects teenage girls with female mentors to build a network of support so that girls may make their dreams a reality. Essentially, the non-profit focuses on the education, inspiration, and connection of women and girls in service of building community. And what makes Donna so qualified to inspire you and your best babes? She's no stranger to making big things happen for herself. Not only is she a founder of a booming company and the bestselling author of WOWsdom! The Girl's Guide to the Positive, but she's also the former president of the WNBA. 

Below, Donna shares her journey, the story behind her book and the inspirational message she wants girls *just* like you to know. Read on for some Monday inspo, and peep the photos of Donna with some Generation WOW girls.

Girls' Life: What inspired you to create Generation WOW? How can girls get involved?
Donna Orender: Generation WOW was created after seven girls told a theater of 952 women who they were, what was important to them, and how women can help them. Their stories were compelling, and their desire to become their best selves was authentic. And as I have always been concerned about the welfare of our girls, our team immediately looked at each other and knew we had to do something. Thus, Generation WOW was born.

The teen girl mentoring program is now operating in four states with WOW Clubs, an annual WOW event and a trademarked curriculum based onWOWsdom! The Girl’s Guide to the Positive and the Possible. We welcome teen girls to email us at Elizabeth@genwnow.com for more information or to get involved. Girls can also get inspired simply through the motivating stories and advice outlined in the book.

GL: Who has been the biggest influence on your own life?
DO: My parents are my biggest influences. My mom, in particular, has a huge heart for helping people, and her desire to give has definitely been a lifelong example of helping others. 

GL: What advice do you have for young girls who don’t know their path or aren’t sure how they can make a difference in the world?                                                                                     
DO: I'm a big believer in reading. There is so much to be gained in learning about the world from the stories of others’ challenges and successes—it’s the reason I wrote WOWsdom!. A tremendous amount of inspiration can be found in storytelling, either from the pages of a good book or bringing together a few friends for some honest sharing of stories.

Learning from those who have already walked the path is a great way for young girls to uncover what may work for them. All women were once young girls and I know from experience that the young girl is still present in all of us today. Tapping into the wisdom of women is a great gift that not only teaches the ability to connect but can also help girls explore a future or current world-changing path.

GL: What is your greatest hope for today’s teen girls and young women?
DO: My hope is that girls and young women alike are afforded the respect and opportunities that allow them to fulfill their promise of contributing to and shaping a world they want to live in. 

To learn more about Generation WOW and the WOW clubs, you can visit genwnow.com. You can learn more about Donna right on the WOWsdom website, and grab a copy of WOWsdom! The Girl’s Guide to the Positive and the Possible here.

Photo credit: Stephanie Owens

by Emily Fishel | 1/21/2019