Jamie Schorsch, an educator with a passion for social justice and creative expression, has found a unique way to inspire her students to explore the rights of girls around the world. Through artwork and the “Girl Rising” initiative, she guides her students to engage deeply with issues related to the UN Declaration of Human Rights, focusing particularly on the rights and challenges girls face globally.

In her classroom, Schorsch encourages students to use art as a tool for advocacy, helping them express their views on critical issues like gender equality and access to education. Through research and discussion of the powerful stories from Girl Rising—a global campaign for girls’ education and empowerment—her students gain insights into the struggles and triumphs of girls in different countries. Schorsch’s approach extends beyond just education; she empowers her students to see themselves as global citizens. They learn how to creatively address real-world problems, using their artistic voices to raise awareness and inspire change. This process not only nurtures their empathy but also equips them with the confidence to advocate for human rights and gender equality in their own communities.

Milestones in this approach of using art as a tool of empowerment, include the featuring of student and personal artwork through exhibition as a voice for change. AP Art and Design student, Annie Riley, was as a featured artist in the International Day of the Girl campaign for her work, “Little Ones”, exploring systems of oppression.

This week the Cincinnati Zonta Club Chapter’s “Journey to Healing” exhibition opened at the Contemporary Arts Center. This exhibition, which explores the role of art in overcoming trauma and gender-based violence, offered a platform for Schorsch and her former student, Autumn Shelton (’18), to display powerful works addressing these crucial issues in relation to personal journeys. Their artwork added to the conversation about healing through creativity.

This year’s “Journey to Healing” exhibition coincides with International Day of the Girl on October 11. This day represents hope for a future where every girl can realize her full potential. It envisions a world where barriers to education, equality, and opportunity are broken, allowing girls to thrive, lead, and make a positive impact on society. Through collective action and investment in girls’ rights, we can build a brighter, more just future for all.

By combining education with activism, Schorsch not only empowers her students to understand the rights of girls globally but also to contribute to broader conversations on trauma and healing through artistic means.