Zipcar at summer camp: Helping Emily’s Way inspire future leaders

About Emily’s Way  

Camp Emily's Way was founded in 2007 to salute and commemorate the legacy of Emily J.T. Perez. The transformative one-week overnight leadership summer camp experience is designed to empower 7th and 8th grade Black and Latina girls. The program focuses on instilling values and life skills that will allow these young ladies to unlock their full potential.  

Honoring an American hero  

Throughout her life, Emily made it her mission to serve others and make an impact. In high school, she volunteered for the Red Cross and one of her mentors later recalled: “I clearly remember thinking she would be the first female president of this country.”    

In 2001, Emily enrolled at the United States Military Academy and rose to the highest-ranking African-American female cadet in the 200-year history of West Point.     

After graduating in 2005, Emily served her country in Iraq as a second lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps. Her platoon was nicknamed “The Archangels,” for the combat aid they provided to soldiers.   

While leading a convoy in 2006, Emily was killed by a roadside bomb that exploded near her Humvee. Emily was the first black female officer in U.S. history to be killed in combat and received numerous awards honoring her service, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Army Commendation Medal.  

“In everything she did, she honored us,” her mother, Vicki Perez, remembered. “In everything, we do, let us honor her.”     

Helping girls find their way and succeed  

Just like Emily Perez made it her mission to serve others, so does Emily’s Way—the organization that honors her.  

The program reaches out to girls in underserved communities and shows them how to make a difference in the world around them. For one week in summer, Emily’s Way runs a camp for these girls—led by women West Point graduates and current cadets. Campers participate in leadership development, STEM activities, community service projects, and wilderness adventures.   

The ultimate camp goal is to plant seeds of confidence, so the girls are equipped with the tools to go after their dreams. And, of course, to have fun!   

Zipcar: Providing transportation for Emily’s Way 

As the first day of camp was about to kick off, Emily’s Way needed a reliable way to shuttle their staff around. So, they turned to Zipcar.   

Zipcars were used to pick up cadets and camp leaders, who flew in from all over the country, at the Atlanta airport.  

Staff members also used Zipcars to transport food, supplies, and equipment to the campsite—plus daily runs to Walmart for anything the girls needed.   

"The ability to make quick trips for supplies meant that we could focus on delivering an unforgettable camp experience without worrying about the logistics." Tracey Lloyd, Camp Emily’s Way Executive Director, said.    

Also, Betty Myrthil, Director of Operations, appreciated how easy it was to register and pick up the Zipcars.   

“The seamless process allowed us to coordinate pick-ups and drop-offs smoothly, ensuring that our team and supplies arrived safely and on time," Myrthil said.   

With their transportation covered for the week, the staff of Emily’s Way could focus on what really mattered—the campers.    

"Zipcar made it possible for us to arrive at Camp Emily’s Way ready to mentor and inspire,” Cadet Sunday said. “The seamless transportation allowed us to focus entirely on our mission of empowering the campers.”