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INSPIRATION >> OUR TOWNIES
day-to-day life through her work as a group fitness instructor. She is currently taking classes to obtain her certification to teach because she recognizes the “We’re not good enough mentality” that many women come to the gym with, and she is hoping to eradicate that. Through her master’s program, Melanie is able to “help so many people in becoming empowered no matter their gender or what they identify as.” Blake also feels that her predominantly female cohort at the University of Florida constantly works to inspire one another. “We encourage one another and empower one another to be ourselves and be willing to serve and love those around us,” Blake said. She is most inspired by her grandmother, who is able to spread love to every member of her family. “She is amazing… the way she views other people is so beautiful and inspiring,” Blake said.
Melanie Manson
“We encourage one another and empower one another to be ourselves and be willing to serve and love those around us.” Brooke Eliazar-Macke sees beauty in all women, which is why she has dedicated herself to her position within the Gainesville chapter of The National Women’s Liberation. Brooke found herself in Bo-Diddley Plaza representing the Civic Media Center and National Women’s Liberation to spread awareness regarding the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the “organizing that went into that and the organizing since to keep that right alive,” she said. Inspiration is within countless “awesome” women, according to Brooke. She is inspired by those within her organization, as well as those who work in other areas in order to promote feminism at every level of society. Brooke uses her position to unify women around various feminist issues, in order to give all women a voice in society. Our Townies is a recurring article that poses a question to people at random who happen to be strolling the streets of our town. 76 |
OUR TOWN MAGAZINE
MARCH/APRIL 2018
Blake Butterfield
Brooke Elizar-Macke