Rachel Muir
Girlstart Founder/Executive Director

Personal Website: http://www.rachelmuir.com

Q. How did you start your business, Girlstart?

A. When I was in school, math and science felt like a boys' club. I thought I was stupid. It had a really negative impact on me, and my self-esteem was low because of it. I went into public relations, but then one day my boyfriend showed me how to build a Web page and something clicked. It felt extremely powerful to master something that I felt I was bad at my whole life. I knew I could go into Web design and make a lot of money but I decided to follow my heart instead. So I started Girlstart, a non-profit organization to get girls interested on math, science and technology. I wanted to save girls from the same mistakes I had made. I was 26 years old and I started Girlstart with $500 and a credit card.
Although I still haven't paid off the credit card, I've raised close to $ 2 million, developed a team of five dedicated, hard working girl enthusiasts and launched a girl revolution. But more importantly, I've helped make thousands of young women smarter, bolder, and more confident of their skills in math, science and technology. I'm encouraged by the new reality - girls are eager to embrace the possibilities that await them.

Q. How important do you think technology is to girls in middle and high school?

A. It's bigger than technology. It's about changing the way girls feel about themselves. If you help girls overcome their inhibitions about science and technology, you're helping them see their potential. We give girls every opportunity to excel and see themselves as astronauts, pediatricians and engineers.
A lot of people talk about the digital divide. Most people know that technology skills are essential in today's world. Most people also understand that children in lower income communities don't have proper access to technology. But very few people realize that girls, no matter what their race or economic level, are not being encouraged to learn math, science or technology skills. The point is to learn that girls can do anything.

Q. What's your favorite Web site?

A. http://www.girlstart.com We broke our record last month and had over 70,000 visitors! The site is sponsored by Dell Computer. Check it out!

Q. What does your typical workday look like?

My workday begins at approximately 9 am and lasts anywhere from 5:30 to 8:30 at night, depending on if I have special events to go to for Girlstart at night. Most of my day is actually spent writing at my computer. I am writing grants or emails to folks about Girlstart programs and services and trying to get their support to fund our programs. I spent a lot of time writing program and financial reports to funders. In addition to this I juggle a wide array of legal, accounting, facility and human resource issues, everything from preparing our tax return to fixing a leaky toilet! I am very lucky to get to work with an incredible team of folks at Girlstart. Sometimes things can get extremely stressful, but it's important to stay calm, relax and have a lot of fun!

Q: What advice would you give middle & high school students who are interested in a career similar to yours?

Take Pre-Algebra in 7th grade and Algebra 1 in 8th grade. Algebra 1 is the gateway course to any career in math, science, engineering and technology. These are the most lucrative, exciting and growing career fields, so be prepared to be a success and take advanced math and science coursework in high school! That way you can have a career way bigger than mine! The world will always welcome entrepreneurs. It takes a lot of dedication and a super strong will to be an entrepreneur, but don't forget, a successful entrepreneur is part diplomat!!!

Q: What are some of the challenges of starting a nonprofit and being an executive director?

The biggest challenge is stress. A lot of people can get burned out in non-profit careers. It is important to keep a positive attitude, let go, be silly and have fun. Part of the stress is that people expect non-profits to achieve a lot of miracles with very few dollars. Many funders view any administrative expense as waste, which it isn't. It cost money run a business and that includes everything from a staff, to health insurance, to training courses, to the utility bill! The other big stress is raising money, which is a constant and never-ending process. Q: Who are some of your role models? My mom, Molly Browning, marketing and PR Director of Austin Lyric Opera, my mentor Diana Gorham, Executive Director of the YWCA, Sarah Weddington, Speaker and Attorney at law, my friend Ingrid Vanderveldt, entrepreneur extraordinaire, my whole team that I have the pleasure working with at Girlstart and my fiancé, Mark Gronquist. Q: Which websites do you visit on a regular basis? Ebay! I love Ebay. I also love to visit half.com it is a GREAT place to buy books. Since I am planning my wedding I've been spending a lot of time at theknot.com!

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