"It’s taken me years to stop being ashamed of the things that make me different and start seeing those things as my superpowers. I always tell my students, 'Your weirdness is your genius.'"

Name: Kate Quarfordt
Birthplace: CT
IG: @katequarfordt

What woman in your life has been the greatest source of inspiration to you? My grandma Patty. She was a tiny, fierce fireball. When she talked to you she listened with her whole self. She lit up every room she walked into. She taught me about Rosie the Riveter when I was 3.

When do you feel like the strongest version of yourself?  When I’m making space for young people to bloom as artists and leaders.

How do you hope to inspire the next generation of women? I want young women to know that they can be ANYthing.. and that they don’t need to be everything to everyone. Sometimes saying no is as courageous as saying yes.

If you could spend an afternoon with any woman past or present — who would it be and what would you ask them? Michelle Obama “With all the opportunities you have to be of service and make a positive impact on the lives of others, how you do you care for yourself?”