New World Order

Actors, activists, BFFs—Yara Shahidi, 16, and Rowan Blanchard, 15—join forces to navigate how to be a girl in the world today.

YARA ON ROWAN

I met Rowan at Teen Vogue’s Young Hollywood party in 2014. My first impression of her was “ethereal.” It wasn’t just her look or mannerisms but more how she carries herself. Her authenticity bubbles up from within her. Whether you see her speaking to crowds of young future leaders or on television as Riley in Girl Meets World, Rowan emits beams of light and happiness onto other people. And it’s not something she can stop, nor does she try to. Her work, her heartfelt humanitarianism, her art, and her friendships all blossom from a belief that everybody should be allowed to be and live in their truest form, without pressure or recrimination. She is the friend I talk to when I need to process the fragile state of our world, or when I am craving new music or a film to fill my spirit.

ROWAN ON YARA