Eleva8UP Magazine June 2014 | Page 13

The Glass Slipper:

More Than Just a Fairytale

“The name is a princess theme, it reaches the feminine heart,” she said. “For us, it’s the story of transformation; the story that you can feel like you’re not worthy, but you are. Out of the ashes, we rise.”

The Glass Slipper grew from Guzman’s experience conducting research regarding elements of the legal system. It introduced her to women who were going through difficult points in their lives and identifying how they got there.

“I worked with some women with personal struggles, and asked them

to write letters to their younger selves to identify what was the pivotal point in their struggles,” Guzman said. “It was that exercise that triggered the idea that we really need to reach them younger.”

The organization focuses on girls ages 12-18, an often overlooked demographic. During this period, many of these at-risk young ladies—who may have already faced abandonment, neglect, or abuse—can be susceptible to developing low self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth.

ELEVA8UP / JUNE 2014

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