Keys hosts inspiring FearlesslyGIRL summit in Illinois

World No. 8 Madison Keys is making the most of her new role model status. The 21-year-old recently visited her high school in Rock Island, Ill., for the first of six FearlesslyGIRLsummits, which she is funding and hosting herself.

Keys is the first American woman to enter the Top 10 since Serena Williams, a feat that has brought negative and positive attention. In addition to the pressures of competition she has endured bullying, specifically for being biracial. Her positive response to adversity is now benefiting girls around the country.

During the four-hour session, Keys spoke to 200 girls about topics like bullying, friendship and gender stereotypes.

“We’re trying to tell girls and young women, ‘You’re not your looks, your value is not based on the guy you’re dating. You are a strong, smart young woman.’ I think a lot of times that just gets so lost,” she said.

Keys was inspired to partner with FearlesslyGIRL after the Orlando nightclub shooting and joined the organization as an ambassador after the Olympics.

“It seemed like every morning I woke up, something else was happening,” she said. “I want to help people, I want to try to make the world a better place and I feel like I’m not doing anything, and that makes me so sad.’”

The summit gave the girls the chance to address issues often clouded by stigma, and Keys reminded students that there is no shame in speaking up, asking for help or taking responsibility for your actions.

“That’s something that I struggle with even today,” Keys said. "Asking for help doesn’t make you weak or vulnerable or anything like that, it’s just … sometimes you need help.”

"I am so honored to be called a role model for young women and I take this role seriously,” she added. "As my goal is to help others through my own experiences and spread positivity.”

Following the successful event in Illinois, FearlesslyGIRL announced it will visit a school in Florida next.