Get to know AMELIE ZILBER, a young leader and Gen Z Influencer who is changing how we consume our social media and why- Amelie has made the art of using your platform for activism and social progress incredibly… cool. And accessible. SBJCT loves a woman of style and substance. Read on below…
BY ERIN WALSH
PHOTO CHRISTIAN HOGSTEDT
SPECIAL THANKS TO Prada
FULL LOOK Prada RINGS Cathy Waterman, Dorazio & Djula EARRINGS Jennifer Fisher & Amelie’s own
Erin Walsh I am not sure about your relationship with the word “influencer”, but I would like to know, what were your first forays into using social media, and how did you start realizing that you were harnessing some power and leverage via it?
Amelie Zilber As a 19-year-old who opened her first Instagram account at the age of 10, social media has played an intrinsic role in my “growing up.” Though for years it was simply just a space to communicate with my friends after school, or to share images with friends and family, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 lockdown that social media really became a huge part of my life. I made all my accounts public and began posting videos to Tik-Tok educating my peers on the news. I spoke on a wide variety of issues, helping to spread accurate information about the virus, sharing news of international tragedies, and creating educational videos to encourage young people to register to vote. From there, my platform skyrocketed. My informative Tik-Toks explaining the news in a simplified format went viral. Within weeks I was given a customized voting registration link to track how many people I personally helped registered to vote, and by the time the election rolled around, the number surpassed tens of thousands. I was getting hundreds of direct messages a day from young voters expressing their gratitude for my videos, and how my commentary was inspiring them to dive deeper into their own beliefs and even part ways from their parents’ political views. This was the first time I realized my voice had such a tangible power.
EW Do you have any rules of engagement with social media in general? That is, anything you refuse to do, or loath doing? What do you advise people to avoid?
AZ I always think to myself, “what would my grandma think” whenever I consider posting something to my social media. Naturally, I dress elegantly and like to keep my fashion elevated, but I’m also young and love to have fun with it. More importantly, as someone who’s worked hard to create an online image of myself online that is well-respected and admired, I would never post something I wasn’t comfortable sharing with the world.
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HOODIE Prada
EW What do you find to be most effective in terms of building your engagement and really getting your audience to want to be a part of the story you are telling?
AZ I use my platform as a space to inspire girls to believe in the power of their intellect as well as their beauty by combining political content with fashion and beauty content. I think I capture the attention of young people by having this dual side to me available on social media. It’s not all serious; my platform is a place to learn and to have fun, to challenge your beliefs but also to find cool outfit inspirations. It’s my duality and lighthearted approach that I think really keeps my audience engaged!
TOP & PANTS Prada SHOES Both Paris RINGS Cathy Waterman, Dorazio & Djula NECKLACE Djula EARRINGS Emelie’s own
EW What have been some of your favorite bi-products of creating in these mediums?
AZ Gosh, I could name so many… I feel so blessed! In the lead-up to the 2020 election, I collaborated with various non-profit organizations including RockTheVote, HeadCount, BallotReady, VOTE.org to encourage young people to get to the polls. From there, I worked with the Biden-Harris campaign, participating in bi-monthly zoom calls with senior staff members of their campaign team, and subsequently participated in the #TeamJoeTalks digital media campaign. I interviewed senior Biden advisor Symone Sanders on Biden’s policies for the new administration and more recently interviewed White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki for the White House social media channels about Biden’s Relief plan.
collaborated with VOTE.org to encourage young people to get to the polls
EW Let’s talk school and balancing work with a college education. How does this work? Are you currently full time, and what are you studying?
AZ I am a full-time student at Georgetown University, studying Middle Eastern Foreign Policy and Arabic. Working hard has been ingrained into who I am and putting my best foot forward in school comes second nature to me, but I would be lying if I didn’t properly express just how time-consuming balancing this work/school schedule can be. After finishing my freshman year via online learning, I am officially moving to the Georgetown campus in a few weeks which I expect will only inspire me to work harder and connect more deeply with my academic community.
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FULL LOOK Prada RINGS Cathy Waterman, Dorazio & Djula EARRINGS Jennifer Fisher & Amelie’s own SUNGLASSES Stylist’s own
EW Do you feel that a “college degree” is necessary these days? Or is it more about educating yourself? I am curious as to the reasons why someone already quite successful also pursues an Ivy League education at Georgetown…
AZ I don’t see a degree as a necessity in this day and age, but it’s incredibly important to me. My whole life, college, and more specifically Georgetown, has been at the forefront of my goals. Though everyday my goals continue to evolve, and completing school in 4 years may not be feasible given the time-consuming nature of my work. Getting a degree from a school I worked so hard to get into will always be important to me.
EW In terms of using your platforms to pay it forward, what missions and projects are you most proud of thus far?
AZ My personal voter registration linked tracked thousands of first-time voters, and I’m so proud that my online community took the step of informing themselves and engaging in the voting process. So many young people look at politics with a sense of apathy, yet this initiative is proof that Gen Z does genuinely care!
EW What does your role as an ambassador for UNICEF entail?
AZ Fundraising and getting the word out! Growing up, my mom worked really closely with the team at UNICEF, so I’ve watched her fundraise for years and consequentially make real, positive impacts in the lives of in-need children worldwide. Initially, when I was in middle school, I banned together with a group of my friends to raise money for maternal and neonatal tetanus, and within a year raised over $100,000. Realizing the impact a group of teens could make, I turned my attention towards refugees and, over the years, began hosting game nights, movie nights, and even dinners with Syrian refugees living in Los Angeles to raise awareness. As a young ambassador, I was given the opportunity to travel with UNICEF to Malaysia where I met and spent time with Malaysian Bajau Laut children, giving them school supplies and visiting their make-shift communities. Working with UNICEF has been such an eye-opening journey.
FULL LOOK Prada RINGS Cathy Waterman, Dorazio & Djula EARRINGS Jennifer Fisher & Amelie’s own
FULL LOOK Prada RINGS Cathy Waterman, Dorazio & Djula EARRINGS Jennifer Fisher & Amelie’s own SUNGLASSES Stylist’s own
EW When you collaborate with brands in terms of partnerships, do you have to seek or ask for ways to integrate your work as an activist into contracts?
AZ I never work with a brand whose values don’t align with my own – it’s very important to me that I surround myself and work with companies who believe in my same core values.
EW In terms of ethos and intention, what is your primary intention with your work?
AZ My work has been, and will always be, to encourage young people to use their voice. Whether it be standing up for injustices across the globe, or raising awareness in their own local communities of wrongdoings happening at home, I always hone in on the idea of getting loud and making noise to create change. Similarly, as a young woman who is also interested in fashion and beauty, I make an effort to center my platform around the idea that girls should be empowered to believe in their intellect in addition to loving and embracing their beauty. Girls can be both smart and beautiful!!
impactful opportunities come from a mindset of gratitude and openness
EW Any brand collabs you have worked on that you feel particularly proud of?
AZ Collabing with the White House administration for their social media page has, by far, been my biggest accomplishment.
EW Do you keep anything in the way of a 5 or 10 year plan?
AZ Growing up I had a strict vision for my future, but I’ve learned this past year that the most impactful opportunities come from a mindset of gratitude and openness. I have goals for the future, of course, but I no longer stick to a rigid plan of what my life should look like down the line. Three years ago, I would have never envisioned myself doing the work I am now, and I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else.
HOODIE & SKIRT Prada SHOES Both Paris RINGS Cathy Waterman, Dorazio & Djula EARRINGS Jennifer Fisher & Amelie’s own
EW How do you unwind?
AZ Spending time with my family and loved ones, watching movies with them or playing card games over dinner is my source of peace.
EW Favorite place to just be?
AZ In my bed, with my dogs, eating chocolate. Nothing gets better than that!
EW Who and what helps keep you centered?
AZ My mom is my greatest gift. She is so wise and so hardworking; she’s not only a role model to me, but also my #1 supporter and champion. She is the best consoler/caretaker whenever I’m emotionally or physically struggling.
HOODIE & SKIRT Prada SHOES Both Paris RINGS Cathy Waterman, Dorazio & Djula EARRINGS Jennifer Fisher & Amelie’s own
TOP & PANTS Prada SHOES Both Paris RINGS Cathy Waterman, Dorazio & Djula NECKLACE Djula EARRINGS Emelie’s own
EW What has been most instrumental to you discovering at such a young age the power of using your voice for good?
AZ Being surrounded by a community of supportive people at home has been the greatest tool. I would be lost without the people I love reassuring me that the work I’m doing is worth it.
EW Favorite charities and causes we should look into?
AZ UNICEF, hands down. The organization advocates for the protection of children globally, no matter the circumstances or political context. Children are our future, and UNICEF makes such an incredible difference.
EW What must we see or read that you have found to be very educational/ insightful?
AZ I love reading and could list a million different works. In terms of self-growth, Untamed by Glennon Doyle is transformative. I love her!!
EW Anything in the way of a motto?
AZ Never leave anything to chance.
EW Amelie, Whats Your SBCJT? What really moves and motivates you?
AZ Recognizing that I have the opportunity to use my platform as a microphone to champion the voices of the underrepresented is what motivates me day in and day out. Having created a space where young people are ready and excited to learn about the world around them inspires me to fight for all of the causes that make my heart beat. It’s truly so powerful!
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to use my platform as a microphone to champion the voices of the underrepresented
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