Emily Bresnahan, a freshman at Pace University, takes one issue very seriously: women’s rights.

“Our political climate is extremely tricky right now,” Bresnahan said. “It’s important for young women to have a voice.”

Bresnahan believes these issues deserve more focus being that her grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer twice. Because of this, she believes routine mammograms are essential for the females in her family.

The women’s rights activist feels that screening for female related diseases as well as feminine hygiene products should be funded by the government.

Since the average cost of a mammogram totals about $80-$120 and the average cost of tampons coming to about $200 a year, Bresnahan feels that females should not have to worry about this issue.

“Every female should have the ability to feel comfortable and healthy without having to worry about the money,” Bresnahan said.

It may seem unconventional for a feminist to work at a retailer such as Victoria’s Secret, “one of the most ridiculed body shaming companies,” as Bresnahan describes it. However, she and her colleagues try to empower women and create a comfortable atmosphere for customers of all shapes and sizes.

“We make sure everyone who enters the store gets the same help, by asking the same questions, showing them the same products, and always offering a bra fitting no matter the woman’s size,” Bresnahan said.

In addition to supporting women’s rights, Bresnahan is a fashion enthusiast. She worked backstage at the ANAD (Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders) fashion show in Gottesman last Friday and has worked at fashion shows in the past.

Thus, she hopes to make a career in fashion and wishes to work for Teen Vogue and live in New York City because she values the progressive direction Teen Vogue is heading towards.

“Recently [Teen Vogue] have been tackling more than just fashion and branching into topics such as sex, health, and politics; which is great for teens to read about,” Bresnahan said.

It doesn’t stop here for the aspiring fashion writer. Bresnahan also runs a fashion blog that she’s been working on since her freshman year of high school.

“It’s a fun hobby that has become sort of like a part-time job,” the activist said.

In addition to her current responsibilities, Bresnahan is also in the process of starting a Her Campus chapter at Pace, which is an online magazine geared toward college students and it focuses on topics ranging from fashion to politics.

Moreover, she is Vice President of Alumni Hall, which she explains is a lot of work, but also fun at the same time. Her responsibilities include planning events for freshmen on campus to help them get better acclimated to the school.

Aside from these responsibilities, Bresnahan ensures to make time for herself. The self-described “girlie-girl” can be found going to the movies and attending concerts. She explains that most of her money goes to her concert habit.