Khushi Kaur
“The film made me see things from a whole new perspective and made me realise that no dream is too big.”
From: London
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: Mariama Camara & Marie Forleo
What social issue keeps you up at night? The pressure teen girls are under due to how they 'should' look and live according to social media.
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Angelina Joie, Will Smith and Danielle LaPorte
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? To get inspired and empowered, and to realise that the only limit we have is in our head. The world is more than big enough for everyone. We all have a purpose in this world.
Anything else you want to add: My name is Khushi (which means Happiness) and am 13.5 years old. I was born in Norway but moved to London with my Mum when I was 4. I am the Editor of my blog; http://www.khushikkaur.co.uk and the Co-founder and Co-editor of Award Winning Passion for Food.
Natalia Zigante
“This message of dreaming big and shooting for the moon is so important to young girls and women and needs to be shared and reminded of everyday. I truly wish one day I can impact someone's life the way you have impacted mine.”
From: Toronto, Ontario
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: Clara Villarosa. Clara is an amazing example of how you're never too old to be an entrepreneur. There is this stereotype in society that makes people retire or stop working just because they are "too old". At 85, she started a business with her daughters, clearly going against this stereotype and living out her life in the best way possible.
What social issue keeps you up at night? Gender diversity and equality.
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Michelle Obama, Gary Vaynerchuk, Mark Zuckerberg
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? The viewing I went to in Waterloo, a couple moms that attended had also brought their young daughters aged 6-10. The younger girls are to watch it, the more inspiration they will have to chase after their dreams sooner.
Gulipairi Maimaiti
“I believe women can achieve anything they put their mind into. ‘Fight like a girl’ for our rights, and for the things that we are passionate about.”
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: Annie Wang. I admire her because she pursued her dream and what she is passionate about. She did not let the gender rule her. She has inspired me to pursue leadership roles.
What social issue keeps you up at night? Women's Rights & International Trade.
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Chrystia Freeland, Sheryl Sandberg, Margaret Sacher.
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? It will show them how strong, happy, successful, and beautiful women are when they fight for what they believe in, and pursue their dreams. For young men, this film will educate them on how important it is to support women, in order to help them to achieve their dream, and reduce the gender bias in our society.
Mackenzie Johnson
"It was incredible to hear these women's stories and successes and challenges. It's so important to be talking about issues like sexism in the workplace and under representation for women and people of colour, ESPECIALLY in this day and age."
From: Calgary, AB
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: How can you choose just one?Komal is one of my favourites from the film because we are both from Grande Prairie. She is such a strong spirit, who knows that she needs to make a change in the world and she is pursuing that goal one day at a time.
What social issue keeps you up at night? Food waste, minimizing waste, pay gap
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Meghan Markle, Sarah Dubbeldam, Giovanna Fletcher
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? In a class I took last semester, we spoke a lot about "dead dogmas" as described by Mill. It's so important for young women and men to hear these stories and understand that they are so relevant in today's society. If we don't keep talking about these issues and debating them, they will become dead dogmas that are simply accepted as the "way things are". There is still so far to go, and everyone needs to know that.
Sharanya Pogaku
"My dream has always been to be an entrepreneur, but I didn't realize it until watching this movie. I never thought a young brown girl like me could be able to control any sort of business empire or run a huge platform. And to be honest, before watching the film, I didn't even realize that I could barely name ten female entrepreneurs whereas I could name maybe 20+ male entrepreneurs.
From: I live in New Jersey, but I am originally from India.
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: Ugh, this is definitely the hardest question to answer! I guess I would have to go with Komal Minhas. Growing up as an Indian-American can be hard because it's so rare that you find someone who looks like you in the media or doing big things. I love the way Komal is so unapologetically herself and is so down-to-Earth. I also am in love with the fact that she wore a traditional Indian sari to the premiere of Dream, Girl! It's so amazing that she has so much pride in her culture to go out and represent young girls like me and that is truly inspiring.
What social issue keeps you up at night? Gender Equality, child marriage, female genital mutilation, wage gap
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Elon Musk, Yara Shahidi, and Kim K
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? Dream, Girl is documentary that can change the way that people all over the world perceive their mothers and sisters, daughters and wives.
Caitlyn Sunstrum
"It definitely opened my eyes and gave me some much needed courage going into university, as well as inspired me to take on challenges that may seem difficult at first."
From: Ottawa, ON
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: Clara Villarosa was definitely my favourite because she has had three businesses, is passionate about what she does and is still fulfilling her dreams even though she is older.
What social issue keeps you up at night? World hunger, human trafficking, exploitation.
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Reese Witherspoon, Michelle Obama, Meagan Markle
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? It is important for men to watch because they may not realize how hard it can be for some women to become successful in certain industries, and it is important for women because it can inspire them and give them the confidence boost they need (like me) to go out and get what they want.
Urmi Jani
“Ever since I was young, I have been owning my little businesses, without even knowing it. I had lemonade stands, made jewelry, and sold Girl Scout cookies, all for fun. Actually seeing women doing what they love makes me more hopeful for my future as an entrepreneur. Though there are 1,200 women creating businesses a day, I hadn't heard of a single one.”
From: New Jersey
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: I felt especially touched by Annie Wang, co-founder of Senvol. Growing up, I was always in advanced classes because I was better at math than my peers. However, whenever I was in a group or had a presentation to do, I was never the first one to be asked a question; it was always a boy who was presumed to be more intelligent than me. As I got older, this only progressed, helping me relate further with Annie. Seeing her success brings me joy and hope for my future.
What social issue keeps you up at night? Child marriages; inequality of gender, sexuality, race, etc.; young girls in third world countries who are oppressed and unable to escape their situation.
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Kim Kardashian, Erin Andrews, Joanna Gaines
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? The generation I was born into is one that I am proud to be in. We are a group of young men and women who are ready to do anything to help promote equality in our world through protests, social media, movements, and more. To give girls a chance to grow up in a place of acceptance and opportunity is the first step of living in a world of equality, and this film has done it.
Madeleine Weiss
“Women can be strong and empowered no matter what industry or profession they entered. I want other girls to know that they can take their feminist beliefs into any workplace and walk in knowing that they deserve a spot at the table.”
From: CIncinnati, OH
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: Mariama Camara because of her drive and empowerment of other women. Mariama is a prime example of the fact that you can be a humanitarian and feminist no matter what industry you enter. Her light and passion for her cause is an inspiration to me and others, within the fashion industry and outside of it.
What social issue keeps you up at night? Women's access to safe healthcare.
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Dr. Joanne Liu, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? I think it is important for young people to watch Dream, Girl because it shows the broad spectrum of what an empowered woman can do today. I want young girls to watch this film and see themselves in a similar light to these women.
Anything else to add: Just last year, I started a He for She club at my school. Many students here misunderstand the word feminism and the aim of our club: equality. This film, as it is important for young women and men to watch, could really help our goal. Thank you!
Madison Foran
“This film has inspired me to be my own hero, and to build a tribe of powerful women to take over the world with.”
From: Ottawa, ON
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: Since I first watched the film, Komal has become an inspiration to me. Seeing someone who has similar goals and experience to me made me excited to start a new chapter of my life. I knew as soon as the film ended I had to meet her and get to know her.
What social issue keeps you up at night? #TimesUp, Education and the lack of awareness around mental health.
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Honestly talking with any of the people in dream, girl would be a dream come true.
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? I want these young girls to see that there are powerful women out there doing things just as great or better than the men we study. This film is the first step to bring out awareness to the women who are ruling our world, even if they don't get the same attention.
Sasha Leitner
“As a Junior Feminist I am inspired to make a difference.”
From: NYC
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: Marie Forleo because she used her personality to become a motivational speaker and help others. She especially stands up for those in her community.
What social issue keeps you up at night? All equal rights issues and Cyber bullying and harassment.
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Millie Bobby Brown, Grace Vanderwaal and Rowan Blanchard.
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? Because the stories are stories of real leaders so they feel attainable, and I like that it is women celebrating the success of other women.
Anything else you want to add: I write an advice column for Time Out New York Kids called "Ask Sasha" so aside from the small presence that I have on Insta (I'm under 13), I have a loyal following of readers who come to me for advice!
Matt Shiels
“The film has made me become more passionate about being a feminist.”
From: New Jersey
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: Clara Villarosa.
What social issue keeps you up at night? In my opinion racism is a large social issue that needs to be fixed.
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Kris Jenner, Oprah, Barack Obama
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? All the stories in the film are so inspiring. Mariama Camara story also really resonated with me and pushed me to get involved more. Junior year I become president of 3 clubs, and I even started my own which gives 100% of our donations to UNICEF. If I hadn’t watched the film I don’t think I would have gotten involved in my community as much as I did.
Sheryl Chen
From: Brooklyn, NY
What social issue keeps you up at night? Gender Gap in the corporate world (business, law, media), minority misrepresentation in media/films, international college, Affordable college, LGBTQ+ Rights, Gun Violence
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Sheryl Sandberg, Janet Yellen, Jack Ma
Emma Grace Moon
“After watching the film for the first time, my brain started to turn and I wrote down so many startup ideas in my notepad. It felt as if the film has some magical power that flipped an entrepreneurial switch in my brain!”
From: Asheville, North Carolina
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: Joanne Wilson
What social issue keeps you up at night? Women's reproductive rights, gun control, and nuclear weapons
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? Oprah, Emily Weiss, Angela Merkel
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? Given the political climate we are in, it would be helpful for men, women, and anyone in between to watch the stories in Dream, Girl, because I think it would provide them with hope and motivation. It is easy to get discouraged and scared with the unfortunate events happening in today's world, but this film gave me some motivation to create something and change the world to make it a better place for the next generation.
Olivia Land
“The film really brought me deep into my journey with feminism. It inspired me to think and converse more deeply, and to open my eyes even wider.”
From: NYC
Favorite entrepreneur in the Film: Clara! I think about her and her spirit all the time.
What social issue keeps you up at night? There's a lot on my mind at night-- especially today. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about gun violence. I was born a few months after the Columbine tragedy, and it's incredibly heartbreaking to see this issue continue to deteriorate as I grow older. That lack of progress makes me incredibly frustrated.
If you could get career advice from 3 people who would they be? I interpret the term "career advice" as advice that applies to not only to how to get things done in the office, but now to carry oneself through the highs and lows of pursing ones ambitions. With that said, I would love to pick the brains of one of my favorite woman professors about navigating academia and pursuing one's knowledge passions, any of the female curators at museums across the world, and-- this one's a curve ball-- my yoga teacher on navigating the world with peace and grace.
Why do you think it's important young women and men watch the stories in Dream, Girl? Dream, Girl gets to the point-- it gives it to you straight, the "it" being not only the pervasive issues surrounding ambitious women in today's world, but also the doable, possible, dream-able (!) things we can do to move forward.