Hailey Litzsey ’25 and Institute for Responsible Citizenship Featured in “Memphis Parent” Magazine

By cultivating healthy self-esteem and self-expression in young girls, Hailey Litzsey ’25 is making a difference. Through Hailey’s Her Image Initiative, she plans and leads conferences for girls across Memphis. She created an interactive and fun curriculum that aids elementary school girls in building and sustaining a beautiful sense of confidence within themselves in the age of social media. Then, for her myExperience capstone project, Hailey returned to her elementary school alma mater, New Hope Christian Academy, to launch an interactive curriculum for fifth and sixth grade girls designed to build self-esteem and a strong sense of identity. 

“To me, confidence means that no matter who you’re surrounded by or where you are, you still know who you are, and that doesn’t change depending on where you are and where you’re going,” she said.

Her work earned recognition in Memphis Parent magazine, celebrating the impact she’s making in our community. Hailey was one of 32 students from across the U.S. selected to win a Princeton Prize in Race Relations, which honors students who have strived to advance racial equity in their communities. In spring 2024, Hailey received the Kirby and Glenn Floyd Excellence in Service Scholarship Award, which is awarded annually to a Hutchison girl whose service efforts create lasting, positive changes in the community.

“I think being in an all-girls school has really helped me to develop my love for encouraging and inspiring other people,” she said. “I’ve discovered that’s something that I truly enjoy… being able to be around people and play a big part in who they’re becoming and what they’re doing in their lives.”