<![CDATA[Girls Write Now: The Vision Lab]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/s/the-vision-labhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!novU!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4e733737-85eb-47e7-b28c-b1dade51d0ab_1280x1280.pngGirls Write Now: The Vision Labhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/s/the-vision-labSubstackSun, 23 Aug 2026 05:43:32 GMT<![CDATA[Episode 3: Inequality in Education: How Music, Books, and Language Make Community Strong ]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/episode-3-inequality-in-educationhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/episode-3-inequality-in-educationWed, 19 Aug 2026 16:01:53 GMTIn this episode of The Vision Lab: Youth Voices for Change, Lead Incubator Mentee Joi Ysabella Carla Salvino speaks with Lourdes Macias, a rising sophomore college student in New York studying international relations with a particular interest in addressing education inequality, not just in the United States, but in the rest of the world.

Explore how writing shapes ideas, influences society, and creates opportunities in both personal and professional life.

The Vision Lab: Youth Voices for Change is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Lead Incubator Mentee Joi Ysabella Carla Salvino
Guest: Lourdes Macias

Producer: Jessica Jagtiani

Editor: Joi Ysabella Carla Salvino, Jessica Jagtiani

Intro/Outro: Christine Obiamalu

]]><![CDATA[Episode 2: Preserving Heritage, Community Spaces & Cultural Stories]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/episode-2-preserving-heritage-communityhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/episode-2-preserving-heritage-communityWed, 12 Aug 2026 20:25:16 GMTIn this episode of The Vision Lab: Youth Voices for Change, Lead Incubator Mentee Chelsea speaks with Seri Warden, Senior Director of Preservation Programs at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, about the power of preserving heritage, protecting community spaces, and honoring the stories that shape our collective identity.

Chelsea shares the inspiration behind The Empathy Collective, a digital archive dedicated to cultural exchange, oral histories, and youth storytelling. Together, she and Sari explore how historic preservation extends beyond landmarks to include local restaurants, gathering places, cultural institutions, and the everyday spaces that foster connection, resilience, and belonging.

From community-driven preservation efforts to climate resilience and the role of storytelling in safeguarding history, this conversation highlights how individuals of all ages can help protect the places and stories that matter most.

The Vision Lab: Youth Voices for Change is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Lead Incubator Mentee Chelsea Zhu

Guest: Seri Worden, Senior Director of Preservation Programs, National Trust for Historic Preservation

Producer: Jessica Jagtiani

Editor: Jessica Jagtiani

Intro/Outro: Christine Obiamalu

]]><![CDATA[Episode 1: On Environmental Advocacy through Creative Expression & Community Action]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/1-on-environmental-advocacy-throughhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/1-on-environmental-advocacy-throughTue, 11 Aug 2026 17:02:39 GMTIn this episode of The Vision Lab: Youth Voices for Change, Lead Incubator Mentee Robyn Lam speaks with Girls Write Now mentor Melody Rose Serra about environmental advocacy, creative expression, and the importance of community-centered action. Together, they reflect on the personal experiences that shaped their passion for protecting the environment and discuss how writing, art, and storytelling can inspire meaningful change.

From restoring a neglected school garden to building creative spaces for youth voices, this conversation explores how young people can lead through curiosity, collaboration, and advocacy.

The Vision Lab: Youth Voices for Change is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Robyn Lam
Guest: Melody Rose Serra, artist, educator, & GWN mentor
Producer: Jessica Jagtiani
Editor: Jessica Jagtiani
Intro/Outro: Christine Obiamalu

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