A Manhattan teen is learning the 3-D skills she’ll need to help bring her passion for doing good to the next level.
Chloe Sutter, a rising senior at Convent of the Sacred Heart, spent four days in leadership training and mentorship thanks to the ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum, a program that teaches young women from across the U.S. the leadership skills they need to affect global progress, invest in their communities, and begin their journeys as the next generation of leaders.
It was her dedication and passion for making a difference, specifically by connecting kids with disabilities to 3D printers, that brought her to ANNpower — a partnership between ANN Inc. (parent company of Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey) and Vital Voices.
“My freshman year of high school, my school introduced a 3D-printing program (in partnership with Enabling the Future, an organization that matches kids in need with prosthetic hands), with a specific focus on printing fully functional prosthetic limbs. That year, I assisted in making three hands.
“To see a young boy throw a ball for the first time, shake his father’s hand, and give us high-fives was so rewarding,” says Sutter. “However, after that year, the program ended at my school for logistical reasons, and I was so passionate about it, that I knew I had to find a way to not only continue it, but also expand it.”
The teen has big plans for the future of 3D printing.
“I want every school with access to a 3D printer to be able to print fully functional prosthetic hands, which are so much simpler to make than anybody realizes. Typical prosthetics can cost tens of thousands of dollars, yet 3D-printed prosthetics have just as much functionality and — aside from the cost of the printer — materials to make prosthetic hands cost just $20.
“For kids who are still growing, it’s so important to be able to get new prosthetic limbs as they grow,” she says. “I’m training younger students in my school (fifth through eighth graders) to create 3D-prosthetic hands, and am hoping to expand the program to other schools as well. So many schools have 3D printers, but not all know how to use them for the betterment of the community — yet.”
And thanks to the forum, Sutter received invaluable support that will help her reach her goals.
“The experience was energizing and inspiring. I built strong relationships with the other Fellows, all of whom I learned from. In addition to gaining lifelong friends, I’ve also gained their insight and support. The other fellows and the mentors in the ANNpower Vital Voices network challenged me to strengthen my project idea, and many of them are already looking for ways to help me bring it to life.
“I also heard from and was mentored by incredibly accomplished female leaders, including Reshma Saujani (founder and CEO, Girls Who Code) and Meredith Koop (stylist to the First Lady). I feel so supported by the collaborative community I’m now part of thanks to ANNpower,” she said.
She and the other participants are now eligible to receive an ANNpower Project Grant (up to $2,500) to put their ideas into action.
ANNpower grants are currently supporting projects ranging from politics to the arts, to the fields of science, technology, and math.
“I’ll never forget some of the lessons I learned from leaders from ANN Inc. and Vital Voices, as well as women leaders from across industries,” Sutter added. “But the best part is that it doesn’t end there. I know that the ANNpower network, the other Fellows included, will continue to help me develop my project and reach my final goal.”
Visit annpower.org for more information.
Shnieka Johnson is an education consultant and freelance writer. She is based in Manhattan where she resides with her husband and son. Contact her via her website: www.shnie
