What I Wish I'd Known

Four role models, 15 girls from around the world. For our Powered by Women issue, we put them together. Major life advice was shared.

- Amy DuBois Barnett

Girl power. For the women you’re about to meet, that phrase is more than a T-shirt slogan; it’s a personal mission. Each woman has her own story forged through fire: Michele Sullivan, president of the Caterpillar Foundation, spent her adolescence in and out of hospitals and now fights global poverty; Gayle Smith, president and CEO of the One Campaign, cofounded by Bono to end injustice, dispenses lifesaving aid in war zones; Ava DuVernay, the producer and director of the film Selma and the Academy Award–nominated documentary 13th, boldly challenges systemic racism; and Robin Wright, the Golden Globe–winning star of House of Cards and Wonder Woman, champions Pour Les Femmes, a sleepwear company she co-founded that donates 100 percent of profits to support female entrepreneurs in the Congo.

Now these fierce role models are among the creative forces working with The Future of the Girl, a new campaign aimed at empowering young women worldwide to pursue their dreams. Glamour liked the sound of that, and we wondered what these game changers would tell girls globally about growing up strong, and smart, and fulfilled. Wonder no more: Here they answer questions from real teens (all supported by The Girl Project, Glamour’s education initiative). We can all learn a thing or two from their answers.

I’ll start! What advice would you have for your teenage self? —Allana, 15, U.S.A.

AVA DUVERNAY: Desperation repels people, but passion attracts people. So don’t walk into the job interview or a social situation with an air of desperation or need. Walk in with a passion and with joy. People lean into light. So shine yours and watch what happens.

There are moments when we, as young women, are told we need to hold our tongue. What are your thoughts on how we should handle that? —Ganga, 15, India