by Arianne Adrineda, 2024–2025 Miss CEO Ambassador
For years, our world has been controlled by various gender roles and stereotypes. One of these includes women’s inability to voice their opinions. As this has persisted in society, women are constantly seen as assistants to men. Doctors and CEOs are male, while nurses and secretaries are female. This concept can begin to subconsciously hinder young girls as they choose not to raise their hands or quietly listen to the male figures around them.
Throughout my life, I have struggled with being able to showcase my unique voice. In school, I would simply listen and follow what I was told. Furthermore, I would never discuss my interests for fear of being judged and outcasted. This became a built-up longing to show people the real me. However, I didn’t know where to start.
When I was first introduced to Miss CEO I began to realize that I was allowed to be a leader, it wasn’t a role reserved for men. I could argue for the life I want through networking and displaying my true colors. Being surrounded by other girls who had strong leadership skills also helped foster those skills within myself. I felt inspired by seeing women who achieved such a high position.
I began to become a leader in my own life. It started with school projects where I worked with others as the sole organizer and task delegator. Then, it shifted to becoming president of the Academic Decathlon and Women in STEM. More importantly, I realized that being a leader doesn’t mean you were given the title. Although I was never captain of my school’s color guard I used my experience to teach others and support the members through their hardships.
I finally found my voice and felt confident in my abilities to lead. Now I’m known as an energetic and passionate individual, something that younger me wouldn’t believe. I love being able to converse with others offering insight into my thoughts and hearing other people’s opinions. Not only have I begun to speak up but I gained a better grasp on who I am as a person.
If I could advise people who are like me, it would be to take that first step. Start with providing input in your classes, whether it’s answering or proposing questions. It is important for various perspectives to be heard because it helps with society’s progression and understanding of each other. Eventually, try to start your own clubs and activities, leading others with the passion you hold.
In the end, I learned that all voices matter. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
About the author:
Arianne Adrineda is a senior at American Canyon High School in American Canyon, California. She is extremely passionate about building a supportive community of people around her. Currently, she is a part of her school’s Site Council, the president of the Academic Decathlon Team and Women in Stem, and the vice president of her school’s You Can Too club, which hosts robotics and STEM workshops for elementary and middle school kids. Outside of academics, she is a part of the school’s color guard, expressing herself through a love of performing. She is a clinical laboratory volunteer at the Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa, where she shadows different clinical laboratory scientists and learns more about the profession. In her free time, she likes spending time with her friends and family as well as writing songs inspired by her own personal experiences. She first became interested in Miss CEO after attending a Summer Leadership Academy. Her hope is to help others improve their leadership skills and give them the opportunity to network with people from various specialties. She is grateful and excited to serve as a Miss CEO Ambassador this year.
