Showing Up So Girls Can Rise: A National Volunteer Month Q&A with Zoraida Estrada
National Volunteer Month Spotlight: Zoraida Estrada (Allstate Foundation Volunteer)
Q: For National Volunteer Month, what motivates you to volunteer, and why does supporting girls’ entrepreneurship through IGA’s UJIMA Business Program matter to you?
A: What motivates me to volunteer is knowing that even small moments of support can have a lasting impact on someone’s confidence and future. I’ve always believed in showing up for others in a way that helps them feel seen, heard, and capable.
Supporting girls’ entrepreneurship through IGA’s UJIMA Business Program is especially meaningful to me because it creates space for young women to find their voice early. When girls are encouraged to lead, create, and take ownership of their ideas, it shapes how they see themselves—not just today, but for the rest of their lives. Being part of something that nurtures that kind of confidence and independence is incredibly powerful.
Q: What inspired you to get involved as an Allstate Foundation volunteer with The International Girls Academy, and what have you enjoyed most so far?
A: I was inspired to get involved because of the direct impact this program has on young girls and their future paths. It’s not just about business—it’s about confidence, leadership, and creating opportunities where they may not have existed before. That really resonated with me.
What I’ve enjoyed most so far is seeing the creativity and courage these young ladies bring to the table. The way they share their ideas, support one another, and step outside of their comfort zones is inspiring. It’s a reminder that when you invest in young people, they rise to the occasion in incredible ways.
Q: When you think about students preparing for a pitch competition, what strengths do you hope the UJIMA experience helps them build (confidence, communication, resilience, leadership)?
A: I hope the UJIMA experience helps them build confidence first and foremost—the kind of confidence that allows them to walk into any room and believe they belong there. Along with that, strong communication skills so they can clearly express their ideas and advocate for themselves.
Resilience is another big one. Not every idea will land perfectly, and that’s okay. Learning how to adapt, grow, and keep going is part of the journey. And ultimately, leadership—understanding that their voice matters and that they have the ability to influence and inspire others.
Q: What advice would you give a student entrepreneur getting ready to pitch their idea—especially about staying calm, being clear, and believing in themselves?
A: I would tell them to remember that they are the expert of their own idea. No one knows their vision better than they do. Take a moment to breathe, stay grounded, and focus on the “why” behind what you’re sharing—that’s what people connect with most.
Keep your message clear and simple, and don’t feel like you have to be perfect. Authenticity goes a long way. And most importantly, believe in yourself. If you believe in your idea, others will feel that confidence too.
Q: How do you hope the Allstate Foundation’s volunteer support helps IGA students feel seen, supported, and ready to lead beyond this program?
A: I hope our support shows students that there are people who genuinely believe in them and are invested in their success. Sometimes, just knowing that someone is in your corner can make all the difference.
I also hope it helps them see that their ideas and voices have value beyond this program. I want them to know that they’re capable of leading, creating change, and stepping into spaces they may not have imagined for themselves. If they walk away feeling more confident, supported, and ready to take on what’s next, then we’ve done something meaningful.
