Freedom from Fistula and Pretty Purposeful join forces in the fight against obstetric fistula

This article recently appeared on Freedom from Fistula Foundation's website: http://www.freedomfromfistula.com/news_events/2014/julia_and_maria_myers_announced_as_new_ambassadors

The Freedom from Fistula Foundation is delighted to announce two new Ambassadors - sisters Julia and Maria Myers – the teen founders of obstetric fistula fundraising and advocacy charity Pretty Purposeful.

Julia (17) and Maria (15) have been advocating for the rights of girls and young fistula patients since 2012, as well as fundraising to help provide surgeries to heal girls in Africa.

Hailing from Texas, Julia and Maria are passionate advocates for fistula patients and have spoken at the United Nations and taken part in numerous media interviews raising awareness of fistula in the USA.

Julia, the co-founder and chairman of Pretty Purposeful, is a Yale Young Global Scholar; a Youth Ambassador to China; a Teen Attorney; debate competitor, classical pianist; martial artist and student.

Talking about becoming an Ambassador for Freedom From Fistula, she said,

“Obstetric Fistula affects so many young women my own age. When I first heard their stories and the hopelessness of this preventable injury, it broke my heart. By becoming an Ambassador for the Freedom From Fistula Foundation, I hope that I can further raise awareness of this terrible injury and help change women’s lives forever.”

Maria, the co-founder and CEO of Pretty Purposeful, spoke at the 2014 United Nations Youth Assembly about obstetric fistula. As well as being a student, she is a graphic designer, social media marketing strategist; a Teen Attorney; a classical pianist and martial artist.

On her new appointment as Freedom from Fistula Ambassador, Maria said;

“I first heard about the issue of obstetric fistula when I was thirteen years old and I knew that I wanted to do something to change the lives of these women in Africa. I am excited to bring a fresh perspective to the issue of fistula as a spokesperson who hopes to see fistula end in my lifetime.”

Ann Gloag, Founder of Freedom From Fistula, said, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Julia and Maria Myers as new Freedom from Fistula Foundation Ambassadors. They will be a great asset to the charity and we look forward to working with Pretty Purposeful to help restore the lives and dignity of many women and girls in Africa suffering with fistula.”

#socialentrepreneurship #nonprofit #news #media #julia #maria #prettypurposeful #charity #freedomfromfistulafoundation #fff