In an inspiring celebration of human spirit and determination, CNN has recently announced its five finalists for the prestigious Hero of the Year award. This acclaimed honor recognizes everyday champions making significant impacts in their communities and beyond. With the final voting taking place online, the spotlight is shining brightly on remarkable individuals who are changing lives—starting with the story of Payton McGriff, a former University of Idaho student and an inspiring advocate for girls’ education in Togo.
Payton McGriff, who graduated in 2017 with a marketing degree, originally envisioned a future in the business world. However, a life-changing entrepreneurship class turned her focus onto a pressing issue that many girls globally face: access to education. Inspired by the powerful book “Half the Sky” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, which highlights educational inequities, McGriff discovered that over 129 million girls lack the necessary resources, such as school uniforms, to attend class. Many are instead tasked with domestic responsibilities, sidelining their academic growth.
Driven by her newfound knowledge, McGriff ventured to Togo, thanks to encouragement from Togolese Professor Romuald Afatchao. During the field research, she engaged with local women and children to identify their educational needs, and the consistent response was the urgent necessity for uniforms. Armed with this insight, she returned to Moscow with a mission. Participating in an entrepreneurship competition, she earned ,000 in seed money and founded the nonprofit organization Style Her Empowered (SHE).
SHE has become a catalyst for change, creating uniforms that not only provide dignity and access to education but are also designed to grow alongside the children. These innovative uniforms feature adjustable cords that allow them to expand up to six sizes, addressing the challenge of rapid growth in children. Additionally, once the uniforms reach the end of their lifespan, they are recycled into menstrual pads, supporting girls’ health and dignity during their monthly cycles.
Since its inception, SHE has positively impacted over 20 rural villages in Togo, funding and facilitating education for girls who would otherwise be left behind. McGriff’s ambition doesn’t stop there; she envisions expanding her outreach to underprivileged girls in other countries, amplifying the reach of her mission.
As we await the announcement of the CNN Hero of the Year on December 8, the recognition and financial support that comes with becoming a finalist will further propel McGriff’s impactful work. People around the globe can stand in solidarity with her mission by participating in the voting process to help determine this year’s winner.
To support your favorite hero and learn more about the incredible work being done by all finalists, visit the CNN Hero of the Year voting page. Together, we can champion the cause of girls’ education and empowerment worldwide.
#WorldNews #Lifestyle #Education #HeroOfTheYear #GirlEmpowerment #Africa #Togo
