Founder and president of Style Saves, Rachael Russell Saiger, has spearheaded efforts to provide tools and supplies that empower a student’s journey in school. For that and more, she joins our list of Miami "Women of Influence."

What you have created with Style Saves is amazing. Where do you hope to take the nonprofit in the next few years?
RACHAEL RUSSELL STYLES: Thank you, that means a lot! Style Saves recently added disaster relief to our scope of givebacks, focusing on the devastation in the Florida Keys, Puerto Rico, Houston and Malibu. We plan to continue to expand globally and act as a helping hand wherever we are needed most. We also foresee us doubling our number of students we are helping for our Back to School and Prom events for 2019.

Who or what inspired you to volunteer?
RRS: The idea for Style Saves came about in 2011, when I was taking my little brother shopping for his first day of high school. I think everyone else can relate to that excitement one has to buy new uniforms and school supplies, and I thought of those who didn’t have the means to afford any. It was a call for action to me, and so I got to work and founded Style Saves with the hope of helping those in my community build confidence for a prosperous future.

What is the best way to instill traits of generosity and service in young people?
RRS: Until you actually experience volunteering firsthand and make personal connections with the people you are helping, you will not understand how much these individuals inspire you and push you to be a better person every day.

Best piece of advice you have ever received?
RRS: My grandmother said, ‘Surround yourself with like-minded people that share the same values, goals, dreams and morals.’

Click here to see our full list of "Women of Influence."