Meet the team
Asia: Founder
Asia is a photographer based out of San Luis Obispo, and is the founder of Girls Who Handle It. Asia had the idea for GWHI the summer of 2016, and joined forces with co-founder Julia Freet in 2017 to turn the project into what it is today. Realizing how much her college clients go through inspired her to give these women an opportunity to share their stories with others as a means to connect, inspire and heal. Her personal mission statement is to help women build positive relationships with themselves and their communities, therefore the GWHI mission is interwoven into everything her business and personal life stand for. She oversees the overall vision, direction and logistics of the project, admiring and supporting her team of amazing women who make the event and community possible.
Julia: CO-Founder
Julia Freet is a wedding planner based in California and is the co-founder of Girls Who Handle It. Julia began discussing the idea of Girls Who Handle It with Asia in the winter of 2017, but it wasn’t until the fall of her senior year at Cal Poly SLO when she decided to make GWHI her senior project. Julia had the unique experience at the first event with simultaneously sharing her story as a participant, and running the event itself! Over the years this project has blossomed into a movement, reaching far beyond what Julia or Asia had ever predicted. Julia partners with Asia on the movement’s direction, logistics, community support, while overseeing GWHI’s social media and event planning. As a proud college graduate, Greek Life alumna, mental health advocate, and young woman, GWHI is the single most rewarding experience of her life. She could not be prouder of the team of women she works with or more humbled by her fellow Girls Who Handle It.
Maddie: Communication Coordinator
Maddie first joined Girls Who Handle It as the project’s first Communication Coordinator in 2018 to assist with GWHI 2 in San Luis Obispo. She headed up fundraising efforts, connected with venues, managed contracts, and answered all inquiries as well as helped with the day-of logistics. Although Maddie knew that this event would serve to empower the members of her community, she had no clue the immense impact that it would have on her. The GWHI mission became deeply ingrained in her, and she had the honor to stay on and help expand GWHI to its first Santa Barbara event before graduating in 2019. Maddie’s favorite part of Girls Who Handle It has been watching the participants connect and foster a safe environment where they continue to support one another long after the events are over.
Jordan: Public relations
Jordan joined Girls Who Handle It for her senior project in 2019. She assists with all things public relations, streamlines messaging, creates community relationships & strategizes, designs & implements marketing communications. The relationship between social media & mental health is something she had long struggled with. GWHI will forever hold a special place in her life & heart. As someone who struggles with anxiety, being part of an organization that values being real & honest has been transformational.
Mary: Outreach & Development
Mary got involved with GWHI in Fall 2019. She always admired the power of vulnerability and how it creates a ripple effect through the entire community. So she leapt at the opportunity to join the team as Development Coordinator. She focuses on expanding the reach of GWHI outside the SLO community by creating more inclusive recruitment tactics. Mary also created the first, comprehensive event guide so GWHI can be put on by other chapters nationwide.