Advisory Board Spotlight: Kathy Daneman, FSG

By Michelle Gonzalez
Soapbox Inc./Girls Write Now Intern

Kathy Daneman is an icon in the publishing industry, having worked for organizations such as SoHo Press and Beacon Press. She currently works as the publicity manager for Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. Her passion for literature and journalism began at an early age, partly because her parents loved reading. Growing up in Kansas can be challenging for a self-proclaimed feminist, but Kathy successfully overcame the obstacles that stood in her way.
 
During high school, Kathy met Judy McMahon, her personal mentor and a role model for young women everywhere. She encouraged Kathy to challenge stereotypical ideas about women and speak her mind openly. Kathy says, “She taught me to write, encouraged me to think independently, championed me and my (unpopular feminist) interests.” Overall, Kathy had a very positive experience growing up and finding her place in the feminist movement and literary world. She recently became a member of the Girls Write Now community but has always felt strongly connected to the group’s mission. Although Kathy had an incredible experience, she recognizes that not all young women are so fortunate. She feels that every woman has the right to form her own opinions and voice them honestly. When Lauren Cerand, the Chair of the Board of Directors of Girls Write Now, told Kathy about the organization, she was immediately inspired. Girls Write Now helps young women find their voices and use them as a source of empowerment, similarly to how Judy encouraged Kathy to do the same. Kathy believes that girls need to find their own voice in an environment that supports and nurtures them, which is why Girls Write Now stood out to her. Often times, she says, girls never get this opportunity.  Perhaps their parents do not see writing as a legitimate career, or maybe their schools do not offer courses in creative writing. Regardless of the situation, it is crucial for young women to find this outlet. She believes that organizations such as Girls Write Now will have a wonderful impact on the future of publishing and change the way the world looks at female authors. As more women become notable figures in the literary world, more opportunities will arise for other women to follow in their footsteps. She firmly believes, “If work is good, it will stand on its own.”

We are currently in a cultural revolution fueled by increasing technology and communication. Kathy believes this is extremely beneficial for young women because it allows them to communicate in an intelligent, responsible forum. She says, “It is about creating a better world and finding voices that are not heard.” This new outlet provides young men and women with the opportunity to gain new perspectives that challenge their current thinking. She advises GWN mentees to “keep at it [and] work hard.” She also wants girls to know that nothing comes easily, but with time, nurture, and support, they will improve and succeed. She says: “Keep writing. Don't censor yourself. Be patient. And doing something like participating in Girls Write Now — seeking the help, guidance, information, to make yourself better, to empower yourself — well, that's clearly one of the best things you can do for yourself.”