#blackgirlshouston

Spencer - A Student of Life. Uninhibited. Magical.

Arie - A Multipotentialite, (view link for reference). Resilient. A Lovable Cynic. 

What is our mission?

Our mission is to curate a positive space equipped with resources for millennials in an ever-changing world, allowing us to become more culturally aware and inform those who are inspired by us.

When?

Since High School - circa 2010

We met in high school, in Spanish class. Arie helped me pass, because I would not have. Even then, there was always an array of topics that we were discussing, in English. From new music, to her eclectic style, and our easy-going attitudes supplemented by laughable antics. Honestly, we’re hilarious. As outgoing, free-spirit, new-age hippies, we figured that a collaboration between the two of us would be anything but boring. After brainstorming, planning, drawing, scripting, we came up with #GIRLSWHO.HTX.

#GIRLSWHO.HTX -

#GIRLS, being Spencer and I.

WHO, referring to the activity that has our attention at the time.

HTX - in Houston, Texas.

#GirlsWho.HTX is the Houston-born initiative to show that women are more than one thing and that we can exist in many spaces. As a collective we are not only focused on the matters of women, but the growth of the black community and expanding the minds of those who can relate to us. Let us take this opportunity to introduce you to new networks with like-minded people while you sample the many different activities that intrigue us.  

Where?

Houston, Texas - Home of the Trill. World Series Champions. Clutch City.

As Houstonians, we wanted to make an impact in Houston by inviting our community to be a part of our network. We will do this by building local connections, extending the invitation to our peers and contributing to the growth and development of the communities that raised us. 

Why?

A word from Spencer:

Because I can never make up my mind and I’m always interested in trying new things.

A jack of all trades, is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.

First, I bet you didn’t know that was the whole quote. Me neither. But secondly, I feel like this describes me. What’s wrong with knowing exactly what I want to do and knowing how to do a few other things as well. As a current Graduate Student in Speech-Language Pathology, I have a schedule that is quite-complicated and a thirst for knowledge. I felt that an opportunity like this would be a creative outlet allowing me to expand my knowledge on opportunities around me and cater to my interest of exploring and pouring this energy into something positive.

One of my goals for this year is to be #Black AF, which means I would like to be aware and more involved in black spaces in one of the most diverse cities in the world. As we have started this journey, we have been looking to get out more and be more involved. You’d be surprised at how many activities you’ve passed, places there are that you’ve never considered, and open opportunities to make a lasting impression on those you come across.

A word from Arie:

I always was interested in doing everything. Currently a student at the University of Houston, I started my college career at the University of Pittsburgh. Being so far from home with no familiar faces really pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to build connections as well as sharpen my opinions about the world. As a result, I came back to Houston with new eyes and a long list of personal goals. 

I’ve never been one to be stereotypical, or to just be contained into one box. I’m always able to laugh at my friends when they struggle to describe me. Coming together with Spencer during the inception of #GIRLSWHO.HTX seemed like the perfect piece to my odd little puzzle. We both are individuals with multiple interests. In the past, I have felt external pressures to just “pick something”. #GIRLSWHO.HTX is a positive space where you don’t have to choose only one thing, when we can experience them all.

In this collaboration, we hope to inform others of what’s around them, as well as encourage our peers to seek out other opportunities for themselves, or simply just try something new. Let this also be a hub of self-love and service to others.

Follow us on our journey and we hope to see you out in the world. Stay tuned for what we have to come because we’re excited to tell you all about it. 

Peace, Love and H-Town.