Meet Cristina Lara

Posted by: gretchen on April 27, 2008 |

Cristina Lara

Meet 15-year-old political activist Cristina Lara from Fair Lawn New Jersey. A high school sophmore, this girl is not waiting for graduation to make a difference in her world. In 2007, she founded a a female empowerment youth organization called the Society of Young Leading Women. The society is for “the elite young women who believe that this common double standard of society must be aligned correctly.” Girls Can’t WHAT? recently caught up with Cristina for more information on her organization as well as her inspiring story as a varsity football player for her high school team.

GCW: What is your main passion and describe when you first became interested in it.

Cristina: My passion for activism has developed during my high school years. Though I’m only a sophomore, I’ve participated aggressively in attacking double standards in our society.

GCW: Have you ever been injured or encountered any setbacks while pursuing your dream?

Cristina: Well, I’m a Varsity football player. I’m the first girl in the history of my town do participate in high school football. Yes, I’ve been injured numerous times during practice. I have a scar on my leg to prove it.

GCW: What is your favorite tool, piece of equipment or (whatever) that you use?

Cristina: The internet. That’s where I get all my information from!

GCW: Do you have a favorite event or memory?

Cristina: My favorite event or memory was when I walked into the weight room with my football clothes on. You should have seen the look on the team’s face. They were so shocked.

GCW: What are some of the highlights of your career?

Cristina: As a feminist, I have had the opportunity to intern at my mayor’s office and at a feminist organization. I enjoy my passion for activism, because I feel I contribute to society. I won’t stop until I see change.

GCW: What challenges have you faced as a female football player and how did you handle them?

Cristina: My biggest (and current) challenge was joining the football team. The coaches hate me, but they’ll learn to deal with it. They treat me differently and never let me play on the field. I’m not a cheerleader—so I’m not going to cheer on the boys on the sidelines. But every now and then, when I have the chance to play, I’ll try my best. I’ve discussed this issue with the Director of Athletics at my high school. It’s illegal–what the coaches are doing. It’s discrimination.

GCW: Have you ever been told you “can’t” because you are a girl? What did you do about it?

Cristina: ‘Cristina, you can’t play football. You’re a girl.’ Hah! And I made Varsity.

GCW: What do you think is your greatest accomplishment?

Cristina: Getting an internship with my Congressman. That was astounding.

GCW: How would you encourage other girls who are interested in your field?

Cristina: I would probably let girls know that they, too, have the potential to better their communities. If you hear a sexist joke, argue it. Try something new. Don’t let ANYONE tell you what you can or cannot do. I’m interested in law, so I usually use Title IX to my advantage!

GCW: What other interests do you have?

Cristina: I’m heavily interested in politics. In my free time, I write poetry. I love going to Barnes and Nobles to catch up on some reading.

GCW: Cristina, your organization is very cool… We at Girls Can’t WHAT? totally dig. :D For more information on the Society of Young Leading Women and how to start a chapter at your school, visit www.SYLW.org.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
  • blogmarks
  • Blogosphere News
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Furl
  • Spurl
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis

Leave a Reply

  • Girls Who Can

    Get the Flash Player to see the slideshow.

  • Latest Designs

    Discus Discus

    Swimmer Swimmer

    Runner Runner

    Do-It-Yourself Do-It-Yourself

    Shot Put Shot Put

    EMT-Paramedic EMT-Paramedic

  • Coupons





  • Earn Cash

    Earn cash by promoting Girls Can't WHAT?™ Gear on your web site, blog or myspace. Click here for details.

  • Vote or Girls Can't WHAT?