BUFFALO, NY - Feminist is not a term Erin E. Bagwell ’09 always used to describe herself. But now, the producer and director of the newly released documentary “Dream, Girl” celebrates it.
The change came three years ago. Bored and uninspired by her nine-to-five job at a New York City advertising agency, Bagwell went surfing the internet for empowering articles about women.
“Reading about all the amazing things women are accomplishing made me feel excited and motivated,” Bagwell recalls.
So much so, she quit her job and launched Feminist Wednesday, a storytelling blog aimed at enlightening, empowering and encouraging women.
“When the word ‘feminist’ is used, it’s ugly and usually out of context,” Bagwell explains. “However the feminists I know are all brilliant, strong, emotional creatures. They don’t hate men or wallow in self-pity, they are just highly motivated, organized and fabulous women.”
Feminist Wednesday quickly captured the attention of female readers and soon, Bagwell realized her mission was far greater than a single day of the week. That’s when this film-maker-at–heart decided to chase her dream and produce a feature-length documentary about female entrepreneurs.
“There is an amazing female start-up culture in New York City,” says the digital media arts graduate. “We all know Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg but what about female entrepreneurs? What are their stories?”
Bagwell wanted to find out. But first, she needed money.
Bagwell took to Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform, where she shared her idea for the documentary. In just one month, she raised $104,157 − nearly double her $57,000 goal.
With finances in place, the Canisius Video Institute alumna hired an all-female film crew and the team spent the next two-plus years chronicling the diverse challenges and successes of female entrepreneurs. Among them, the co-founder of an industrial 3D printing company, the president and CEO of a private oil company, and a mother-daughter team that publishes books primarily by and about African Americans.
“Dream, Girl” premiered before a sold-out audience on June 9 in New York City. One- week prior, the National Women’s Business Council hosted Bagwell for a private screening of the film at the White House.
“It was an incredible evening celebrating women in entrepreneurship, and identifying what needs to be done on policy and cultural levels to fully empower the female economy,” Bagwell recalls.
“Dream, Girl” has since been screened more than 200 times (including at Canisius University) in 27 different countries. Media mogul Oprah Winfrey recently included Bagwell and her co-producer, Komal Minhas, on her SuperSoul 100 list. The list recognizes individuals who live life intentionally, create great social impact and bring inspiration to others.
“It’s a rocket ship that’s taking off and it’s a real joy,” Bagwell says. “We’re sharing universal stories about positive role models who aren’t just telling girls they can be anything they want – they’re showing them how to go out and get what they want.”
So go ahead. Dream, Girl.
