What kind of power would you like?
To be able to fly.
How would it manifest?
Ideally, I would love to have wings.
What would enable it?
My constant search for freedom, power, courage, perspective, and overall love of adventure. Being able to fly would release me from being constrained to the earth and would allow me to gain perspective of the world. It would set me free and give me strength.
What do you admire most about Frida Kahlo and "Freda" Josephine Baker?
They were unique women who both lived with strength and courage. They stood outside of societal norms and lived their lives by their own rules.
What do you think of when you think of them?
I think of many of the same things that embody my power: freedom, courage, perspective, uniqueness. They were able to rise above the challenges they encountered and made choices that took courage. They both had invisible wings of strength.
What would you change in the world?
I wish everyone had the strength and courage to be more kind, to rise above the negativity that permeates our culture and be a positive force for change. Everyone should have wings to be set free from their own constraints, negative thinking, and restrictions. If people lived with more courage to make positive choices, the world would be a happier, healthier place.
Are there any other issues that are important to you? Locally? Globally?
The issue I am most passionate about is education. By providing free education to people of all ages, we are empowering them to make their own choices and live a life that has value and meaning. Women across the world are becoming educated and leading positive change within their countries and communities. Education provides a way out of poverty, the opportunity to make a different choice and live a different life. It is the solution to so many of the world's challenges.
Do you feel like change is possible in these areas? How?
Definitely. There are thousands, millions, of people who have dedicated their lives to improving education across the world and being a part of this movement. Education is empowerment. Through non-profit organisations, local communities, and dedicated community members, we are seeing the positive change that education is having across the world.
Do you think your ideas could change anything?
Yes, they already are! I am part of a small, non-profit organisation that is working to improve educational outcomes for students in disadvantaged communities across Australia. My thoughts, ideas, and reflections are helping to form the basis for this organisation and the work we do. It is an incredible opportunity and an honor to be working with the students, families, and communities of Australia.
Are you comfortable speaking your mind/putting ideas into the world?
Yes, if there is something that needs to be said, I say it. I talk with colleagues, present ideas, challenge their thoughts, challenge my own thoughts, and together we are creating change and gaining momentum.
Do you consider yourself a feminist? Womanist? Why/why not? What does this mean to you?
I believe in the power of women to make a difference. I believe that every woman can be a positive force in the world and I support every woman in my life to do so. Whether or not that would label me as a "feminist" doesn't really matter to me. My actions are what counts, not the label I put on them.
How often do you subconsciously/consciously think about your desired superpower when you dress on a daily basis?
The person I want to be every day is influenced by the way I dress. I want to be a leader; a leader to my friends, a leader in my organisation, a leader in the world. Being a leader takes courage and vision. My superpower exemplifies these two aspects: flying requires you to leap, to jump off the edge, to take a risk. But it also provides the opportunity to see the world in a way that most do not; to see it from above, to see far and wide, to give you a perspective and vision that only the skies can give. Each day when I dress to face the world, I bring this vision with me, the vision of who I want to be and how I want to live.
