#STOPHATE: Obrian Rosario
Blog
“To stop hate I'm working to make the law and the legal profession accessible to all while also making sure to build spaces for healing and community. Imagine a world where we all know our rights and protect each other from any violation!"
#STOPHATE: Karla Sterrett
"What I do to #STOPTHEHATE has educated others on how they might be able to help marginalized communities, spread resources for folks in need, uplifting small young people-led organizations. As well as encouraging folks to practice self-care however they see it."
"I'm an 18-year-old Afro-Latina who advocates for social justice and educating the youth on voter suppression and civic engagement. I'm passionate about reclaiming the deserved space for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color."
- Karla Sterrett 🖤
As featured last week in Women's Wear Daily, featuring our collaboration with In Kidz Co. for the STOP HATE box.
This campaign was shot remotely and Stacy Igel asked each activist what color means to them and what stop hate means to them. With this data, she joined forces with the new app QMocha Brew to help each ambassador to use color to communicate their emotional response to hate.
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Shop the t-shirt here.
Check out the full collection here.
#STOPHATE: Brooke Baker
"I #STOPHATE by living unapologetically in my Black queer identity and spreading both the knowledge and change I wish to see in this world." - Brooke Baker 🖤
Brooke Baker is an ever-changing activist and artist merging fashion, education, and marketing to foster equity and inclusion. The Howard University graduate has advanced the movement to end gun violence, promote body positivity, racial and social justice through her powerful fashion designs, communications management, animation, and different mediums of artistic expression.
As featured last week in Women's Wear Daily, featuring our collaboration with In Kidz Co. for the STOP HATE box.
This campaign was shot remotely and Stacy Igel asked each activist what color means to them and what stop hate means to them. With this data, she joined forces with the new app QMocha Brew to help each ambassador to use color to communicate their emotional response to hate.
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Shop the t-shirt here.
Check out the full collection here.
#STOPHATE: Nia White
“I stop hate by living my truth with the euphoria of love for my people.” - Nia White
Nia White is a young, black, proud, and loud revolutionary. Being the youngest in rooms and a force to reckon with, Nia is a political, civil, and social justice activist. Studying at Hampton University she majors in political science and minor in communications on the pre-law track. With dreams to become a political commentator, Nia hopes to provide knowledge in ways to educate her community. From the lead organizer of Freedom March NYC, working at the NYC Public advocate office on community mobilization, to the New York State Director for Our Black Party, Nia is a trailblazer.
As the youngest of many organizations, she focuses on advocating the voice for the youth and other black women. She brings a new definition to the term activism showing that BLM is an act of resilience, and black joy is resilient. Whether it is dancing to Meg the Stallion, dressing like every day is a fashion show with colorful hair, and healing with self-love all while dismantling white supremacy is radical. Through mutual aid, protest, or simply listening to the needs of her community, this Genz revolutionary born from Jamaican immigrant parents raised in Brooklyn is a leading voice. Her message spreads with features in CNN, Forbes, Facebook, and several other platforms to amplify the work that needs to be done to create a better future for generations to come.
As featured this week in Women's Wear Daily, featuring our collaboration with In Kidz Co. for the STOP HATE box.
This campaign was shot remotely and Stacy Igel asked each activist what color means to them and what stop hate means to them. With this data, she joined forces with the new app QMocha Brew to help each ambassador to use color to communicate their emotional response to hate.
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Shop the t-shirt here.
Check out the full collection here.
#STOPHATE: Luis Hernandez
“I #STOPHATE by resisting all forms of violence and oppression on and off the frontlines. By doing the work to uproot institutions that fuel hate." - Luis Hernandez 🖤
Luis J. Hernandez (@jona.nyc) is an organizer and activist recognized by BBC Global as 10 Latinos Under 30 Inspiring America. Leading initiatives at the intersection of racial justice and violence prevention he is a movement strategist, creative and non-profit advisor, and a social impact ambassador. As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Youth Over Guns, Luis is a leading voice for change in the gun violence prevention movement.
Born and raised in the South Bronx, NYC has molded his ambition and grounding in Black Radical Tradition. At the age of 14, Luis watched his brother go unjustly through America’s Criminal Legal System. Forced to act out of survival Luis began to speak out for safety and justice demanding systems change in bail, policing, and jail conditions-- which led to the enactment of bail reform legislation in NYS.
He has been recognized for his work by U.S President Joe Biden, The Office of The Brooklyn Borough President, MSNBC, BET, Teen Vogue, Mission Magazine, Instagram, CHNGE, Aeropostale, Levi's, New Yorker Magazine, The Hill, and others.
As featured today in Women's Wear Daily, featuring our collaboration with In Kidz Co. for the STOP HATE box.
This campaign was shot remotely and Stacy Igel asked each activist what color means to them and what stop hate means to them. With this data, she joined forces with the new app QMocha Brew to help each ambassador to use color to communicate their emotional response to hate.
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Shop the t-shirt here.
Check out the full collection here.
#STOPHATE: As Featured in Women's Wear Daily
They say if you want something done right and fast just ask a mom, and that sentiment extends to the fight against hate and bullying as well. Just in time for the return to school, founder of BOY MEETS GIRL® Stacy Igel, a mom herself who is passionate about bringing awareness and support to causes that work to stop hate and bullying, announces her latest collaboration for a cause. Stacy has joined forces with fellow mom Dr. Zabina Bhasin M.D., founder of InKidz, which creates kid-focused activity boxes and other products that teach about cultures and traditions around the world, while inspiring them to create a world that embraces diversity of all kinds.
Their co-creation of a special #STOPHATE Box packed with an official BOY MEETS GIRL® #STOPHATE campaign t-shirt, traditional Indian Bond Band bracelets, and other toys and activities will support Stacy’s ongoing efforts with the National School Climate Center’s campaign to end bullying and combat hate. The box will retail for $89 and 20% of the net sales will be donated back to the NSCC BullyBust campaign. Boxes will be sold on both BOY MEETS GIRL® & InKidz websites.
To spearhead this campaign Stacy enlisted Luis Hernandez, a fellow BOY MEETS GIRL® Cause Ambassador who has worked with Stacy on several campaigns and conferences to bring together incredible youth activists making change on the ground floor, in the real world. The campaign was shot remotely and Stacy asked each activist what color means to them and what stop hate means to them. With this data she joined forces with the new app QMocha to help each ambassador to use color to communicate their emotional response to hate. The QMocha app is a full service solution providing tools for virtual photoshoots as well as the ability to track and manage influencer campaigns. “We are thrilled to work with Stacy to help Luis and each youth activist to uniquely and authentically use imagery and colors to communicate with their audiences for a great cause. Our analytics will help Stacy understand how choices of color and texture resonate with each activist’s audience.” -Arvind Baliga, CEO and founder of QMocha.
Says Stacy, "I can’t stress enough how important participating in this collaboration was, because before anything I’m a mom and a mom who wants her son’s world to be a bit better and kinder in the future, for him and other children. Working with Luis whom I have been working with for many years to bring together incredible ambassadors making change and finding a brand like InKidz and its founder Zabina who are equally dedicated to this cause made this a big YES. I’m also really interested in the concept of what color means to each of us, and the symbolism people attach to colors based on their own story, just like the changemakers in our campaign. With this App we will be able to learn how color theory plays a role in people’s beliefs and their buying habits.”
Says Dr. Zabina Bhasin of InKidz, “This campaign is being launched by two moms from different backgrounds, who are different colors, with different stories - but we share a hope that our own children will one day live in a world without hate and bullying - and recent events across the country made the need for action even more pressing. It's an honor to do my part to help create that world with Stacy and BOY MEETS GIRL®. As a child whose bullying led her to the work she does today, I know that even the smallest moments of connection and education can lead to big changes, and I believe our #STOPHATE campaign will be able to do just that.”
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Shop the t-shirt here.
Check out the full collection here.
All About "THE GIVE BACK EDIT:" Curated by Stacy Igel & Small Business Owners
A year ago we all were hit with the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is unfortunately still around us today (we are praying for a brighter future, please continue to wear a mask)!
Everyone around the world had to scramble and change their working environments and their lives. We curated another group of BOY MEETS GIRL® goodies to celebrate you, and give back to communities at the same time.
Welcome to THE GIVE BACK EDIT, which is in support of Center on Halsted, Youth Over Guns, The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention, Gathering for Justice, & the National School Climate Center's BullyBust program. Shop all available items in the collection here or below.
Collaborators include Mermaid Waves, Cre8ive Crayonz, and Dylan Reid Igel.
Women's History Month: Stacy Igel
1) Occupation/ Location:
"Founder/CCO, jack of all trades lol/Chicago born and always in my heart living in NYC since 1999 #NEWYORKSTRONG!"
2) What does International Women's Day mean to you?
"This year we watched the first female become the Vice President of America. Do you believe it has taken us this long!? International Women’s Day means recognizing the incredible leaders who got us here today by using their voices to pave us closer to change. We still have a lot of work to do but together we are getting there. IWD also means celebrating all the incredible women around us and this should be every single day! Gathering together with these incredible women on this shoot and around the world was about uplifting us together and celebrating life. We all need a cheerleader to keep rooting for us so turn to the women next to you and tell them they are doing a great job."
3) What is your favorite quote to refer back to that motivates you?
"You know me I like a lot of quotes. It is hard to narrow one down. But here is one I wrote: 'Don’t be distracted by the noise. Believe in yourself and your ability to forge ahead.'"
4) What advice would you give other women?
This applies to everyone:
I got this from a fortune cookie and it fits in so well here: “Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.”
My 5 Tips to Happiness:
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Think. Say. Do.
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Keep Calm and Breathe.
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Music calms the soul.
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Appreciate every day and everyone around you, especially those who support and love you, as life moves fast – way too fast!
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Last, but not least... BELIEVE! I quickly learned the importance of hard work and customer service. There are a lot of amazingly talented people in this world. As noted above, while you may not always be the most creative, charming or brilliant person in the room, you can be the hardest working and most dedicated – that is something that is totally within your own control. By working hard, my bosses took notice at my earlier jobs and my employees take notice now. It's leadership by example and I think it fosters loyalty and camaraderie.
5) Lastly, what is your hype-up track of choice when getting ready for a busy day?
I have a very eclectic hype-up track lately it's been:
Forever Young - Jay-Z
Empire State of Mind - Jay Z & Alicia Keys
Conqueror - Estelle
I’m Yours - Justine Skye
Lost Angels - Leah Labelle
Best Thing - Lily Lane
July - Noah Cyrus & Leon Bridges
Seasons of Love - Rent
Fight for your Light - Sean Bradford
24kGold - Mood ft Iann Dior
Drivers License - Olivia Rodrigo (ok aren’t we all lol)
Feature: Stacy Igel
Photography Credit: Tom Concordia
Shop the mask Stacy is wearing here & below.
Women's History Month: Niesha Walcott-Reid
1) Occupation / Location:
"I’m a full time content creator and a stay at home mom/CT."
2) What does International Women's Day mean to you?
"IWD means a lot to me because I was raised by strong powerful women and because of that I’m proud of the woman I am today! I love when March comes around because not only do I get to celebrate my birthday (March 9th) I also get to celebrate being a woman."
3) What is your favorite quote to refer back to that motivates you?
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
4) What advice would you give other women interested in your field?
"Just start! I know it’s easier said than done. But it’s very important to start where you are because if you don’t, you’re going to still wish you did!"
5) Lastly, what is your hype-up track of choice when getting ready for a busy day?
“You will win”- Jekalyn Carr and “Winning Right Now”- Agent Sasco
Feature: Niesha Walcott-Reid
Photography Credit: Tom Concordia
Shop the mask Neisha is wearing here & below.
Women's History Month: Absolutely Ayanna
1) Occupation / Location:
Ayanna Stephens is a full time HR Executive at a Fortune 500 company and a part-time mompreneur. Ayanna is the founder and CEO of Rehtom Lifestyle, a lifestyle brand for on-the-go moms and Designs by Ayanna, an event planning and design company based in New Jersey.
2) What does International Women's Day mean to you?
"International Women’s Day means an opportunity to celebrate the impressive accomplishments and advancements that have resulted for the work of women. For me it’s also about acknowledging both the celebrated accomplishments as well as those that happen behind closed doors."
3) What is your favorite quote to refer back to that motivates you?
"I never lose, I either win or learn." ~ Nelson Mandela
5) Lastly, what is your hype-up track of choice when getting ready for a busy day?
"Keys to the Kingdom - Beyonce Ft. Tiwa Savage and Mr. Eazi."
Feature: Ayanna Stephens
Photography Credit: Tom Concordia
Women's History Month with Claudine DeSola
1) Occupation / Location:
Caravan Social Club / NYC.
2) What does International Women's Day mean to you?
"The power and strength of women coming together and feeling the inspiration and the opportunity to break those ceilings."
3) What is your favorite quote to refer back to that motivates you?
“Don’t Weaken” – Mike DeSola
4) What advice would you give other women interested in your field?
"For those still in school – Intern! Learn, Grow, Experience as much as possible while in school & for other entrepreneurs – Take those Chances – Carpe Diem."
5) Lastly, what is your hype-up track of choice when getting ready for a busy day?
"Right now we listen to a lot of music for my son with a twist. But have to be honest on repeat in the morning is Alvin and the chipmunks Get your groove thing and the Chipmunk at the Gas Pump by Laurie Berkner which has a cute story about how she met a friend and he was innovative to start electric charging stations and he gave her a job… so cute how you can meet someone and maybe network and get a job out of it….. and of course anything U2 – I am also digging Confetti by AJ SMITH."
Feature: Claudine DeSola
Photography Credit: Tom Concordia
Shop the mask Claudine is wearing here & below.
Women's History Month with Peta-Gaye
Peta-Gaye Daniel is the founder of My Cruising Family, LLC, and has been featured in NBC News, Mogul, SELF Magazine, Travel Pulse, and The Disney Wedding Podcast.
Encouraging women through travel & lifestyle conversation, Peta-Gaye is that mommy friend who shares, listens, and encourages. She is that mommy friend who'll almost always say go ahead and book the trip with the family or without, and will also encourage you to treat yourself.
Peta-Gaye created the My Cruising Family blog & social media space to primarily talk travel, but with the huge pause in travel due to the pandemic in 2020, the My Cruising Family blog and social media space has pivoted into a place to inspire others as we all take life one step at a time.
1) Occupation / Location:
"I am an attorney, blogger, and content creator, presently based in New York City."
2) What does International Women's Day mean to you?
"To me, International Women’s Day means celebrating the strides women have made despite adversity, and while being inspired, being also an inspiration. For me, this year’s International Women’s Day is especially special because the U.S.A. celebrates its first female Vice President, and she is a woman of color with Jamaican heritage, and an attorney. I am a Jamaican woman who is also an attorney, so you KNOW I’m inspired. That said, I am here, walking and living in my purpose after having open-heart surgery to fix a leaky heart valve in June 2020! Thankful to my cardiologist at Mount Sinai Doctors, the great team at Mount Sinai Hospital, and in particular, Mount Sinai’s Mitral Valve Repair Unit. It was during recovery from heart surgery that my calling to inspire through content creation and influencing via social media really started to become clear."
3) What is your favorite quote to refer back to that motivates you?
"The entire poem, “Don’t Quit.” I am not sure who the original poet is/was, and I have seen varying versions of it, but certain lines stand out to me:"
“Don't give up though the pace seems slow
You may succeed with another blow […]
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown […]
Success is failure turned inside out […]
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.”
4) What advice would you give other women interested in your field?
"If it’s the field of law, I suggest being clear that that’s the path you want to take, which means even if you have to take time off from school to decide on it, then do that. I went to law school directly after college, and felt burnout throughout. I don’t regret it, but I do note that many of my classmates who were older and had taken time to work and figure out interests after college before going to law school seemed a lot more mature and happier than I did during our time in law school."
"If it’s the field of blogging/content creation, my advice is to jump in and do it! This is one of those things that some people hesitate to do because they feel as though they have to do more research on or buy fancy equipment for before getting started, but it is quite the opposite. Blogging and content creation is an area to be studied, yes, but the best way to study and learn it is to do it while learning through research, etc. Soak up information from the gurus at this. There are top influencers, bloggers, and content creators who are like open books, willing to share their craft and helpful tips on how they’ve created thriving businesses in influencing, blogging, and content creation. Since it is Women’s History Month, I’ll take this opportunity to suggest following and learning from a wonderfully successful woman in the business, Mattie James, @themattiejames and https://blog.mattiejames.com, who has been a wonderful inspiration and source of information along this influencing, blogging, and content creation journey."
5) Lastly, what is your hype-up track of choice when getting ready for a busy day?
Honestly, I’m not tied to one… four actually come to mind, and I can probably think of more:
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Good Day, by J. Moss
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Afraid, by J. Moss
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Empire State of Mind, by Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
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Girl on Fire, by Alicia Keys