After 7.5 years as an innovation and concept designer, I left the corporate world behind to build Project Fearless. On paper, an odd (and certainly fearless) leap to make; but I’ve since realised that my wiring for human-centric design is what shaped this journey.
Building for people, with people, and creating empowering solutions is what gives me energy. I thrive on learning and working hands-on with people to create a ripple effect impact. It’s what I loved about working on the local ski mountain where I grew up in Virginia, USA, coaching adaptive snowsports for kids and adults with disabilities. It’s what drew me to innovation design — and also what made me realise that the impact I could make in the corporate world wasn’t enough for me. And it’s what still drives me now, shaping and growing Project Fearless to welcome and nurture the climate scientists, creatives, kickboxers, skateboarders and entrepreneurs of the future. Bridging gender gaps in Amsterdam and beyond with our unique programs for girls and non-binary youth, empowering today’s and tomorrow’s generations in a ripple effect that I’m seeing happen right in front of my eyes.
Project Fearless creates an empowering, supportive atmosphere, giving kids space to play without the pressure of perfection, learn to celebrate each other’s falls and wins, while building their own resilience and self-confidence, experience varied leadership styles from accessible role models, and discover who they are on their own terms. Igniting brave, adventurous, aware and confident humans who know they can tackle whatever life throws at them, and define success however they choose.
Welcome to Project Fearless!
Hugs & high fives,
Mérida
Illustration by Paula Zorite for Rebel Girls x Nike Women
Project Fearless – Who will they become?
This is about empowering and shaping a new generation. Let’s create something that doesn’t exist. Something that mothers wish they’d had when they were growing up and that fathers want for their daughters. Let’s build a place where girls can step inside and shed who they think they “should be”, and let them figure out who they are instead. Where they can leave their comfort zones at the door and learn how to make, build, get messy, take risks, create impact and make new friends.
Where they can practise being brave, not careful and create outside the lines!
Let’s help our girls to become brave and brilliant women by giving them the space, time and tools to find out who they are as girls.
