Real Girls, Real Leadership: 11.30.11

Each day, real girls are being real leaders.  Get inspired by their stories:

• Lexi, 14, was frustrated by the fact that there were no female hockey players in the NHL video games she loved playing.  So, she wrote to the gamemaker, calling the exclusion of female players "unfair to women and girl hockey players around the world."  Because of Lexi, female avatars will be used for the first time in NHL 12.  Even better?  The default avatar is modeled after Lexi!
• Stephanie, a high school senior, is an editor for the yearbook, plays tenor sax in concert band, and lettered in tennis this fall...all while recovering from a brain tumor. 

One Step Closer.

Today, we took an important step forward in the creation of The Center for Girls' Leadership. The Articles of Incorporation were sent off to the Minnesota Secretary of State to be filed!

Now the waiting game begins. Once the Articles are filed, we become an official nonprofit corporation under Minnesota law. So exciting! A special thank you to Gina, Salena and Gregg from UST School of Law for helping us draft our Articles of Incorporation!

In other news, we have an official logo! The lovely Colleen Dolphin of Dolphinography created a wonderful image for us to use:

We just love it! A huge thank you to Colleen for contributing her creativity to The Center for Girls' Leadership!

Happy Tuesday!

The Board.

We have a Board of Directors!  Five amazing friends and colleagues have signed on to help the Center for Girls' Leadership take it's initial steps as an organization.  It's all very exciting.  We will have bios of our board available shortly!  If you are interested in joining the board or want more information about the CGL, contact us at girlsleadershipproject@gmail.com!

Also, stop by our facebook page and 'like' it to get updates on our org!

[MCN]

In other news, I'm attending the MN Council of Nonprofits Annual Conference this week.  I'm so excited to learn everything I can about the MN nonprofit landscape and best practices.  It won't hurt to do a little networking either!  Another step in making The Center for Girls' Leadership a reality!

Real Girls, Real Leadership: 10.4.11

Each day, real girls are being real leaders.  Get inspired by their stories:

• MaryAnn, 12, and her cousin Sam were honored as heroes for saving the life of a six-year-old girl who nearly drowned in an apartment pool.   MaryAnn only learned to swim a year ago.

• Brianna, 18, kicked the winning field goal for her high school's football team, moments after being crowned homecoming queen.  The kick was her personal best.

Do you have a Real Girls, Real Leadership story to share?  Email us at girlsleadershipproject@gmail.com.

This dream has a name.

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This dream of mine finally has a name.  The Center for Girls' Leadership.   Inspiring girls today to lead tomorrow.  I'm just so excited!  What do you think of the name?!

I spent last week attending Leadership Academy in Ohio where I participated in the Facilitator-in-Training program.  I was able to observe other facilitators and I learned so much about my own facilitating style in the process.  Leadership is all about self-development but it's a process.

As for the next steps, I need to finish my strategic plan, budget, and draft the mission and vision statements before October.  Time to go make it happen!  

What is your dream?  What are you doing to make it happen?

Weekend Reading: 9.10.11

Here are a couple articles to add to your weekend reading list:


Leading Muslim Girls Onto the Field:  "Coach Fartun Osman, a rare female professional basketball player in her homeland, has made it her life mission to develop the athletic and leadership skills of Muslim girls, who she says often are overlooked by traditional sports teams because of cultural differences."


Teen Mom Stayed In School:  "Pregnant and frightened at age 15, Bayza Weeks was told that her school, DeLaSalle High, believed in her. She did the rest."


Ladies That Know How to Lead:"These women leave a path of success, leadership and new methodologies behind as they continue to grow rather than destruction, devastation and questions of what is to come."


Power Dressing: "It’s really impossible to come up with a formula for successful political style. It’s all about the wider political, cultural and personal context."


Millenial Women:  "Young adult women are working diligently to chart their own course forward professionally and personally, and their experiences chronicle the under-reported human costs stemming from failed policies and the lack of opportunity. Professional goals, personal plans and the momentum for advancement have either been placed on hold or are at-risk of stalling completely – Millennial women know America can do better."

Sunday Inspiration: 9.4.11

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Weekend Reading: 9.2.11

Here are a couple of articles to add to your weekend reading list:

JCP pulls "Too Pretty To Do Homework" shirt from shelves.

New research says you can spot a future bully by age 1: "There was clearly a subset of babies, as young as age one, whose birthday-party bullying was corroborated by their mothers' reports of anger and aggression - suggesting a general disposition in these children."

Dealing with Teachers: "You have the power to put yourself in a positive light, regardless of how boring or unfair or bad tempered you believe your teacher to be."

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Girls and the Digital Age

Check out this Today Show video on girls and the digital age.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Moving Forward.

This project is quickly becoming a reality. Six years ago, I wrote in a journal that my dream job would someday be to run a place that develops young leaders. Fast forward five years and I'm a lost law student who has slowly realized being a practicing attorney might not be my calling. A couple months ago, I pulled out that old journal looking for a quote and found my dream staring at me. Since then, like any good dream, it has been constantly in the back of my mind.

About a month ago, I decided to take the leap and commit. I am starting my own nonprofit focused on developing leadership skills in young girls in Minnesota. We are moving forward!

And I am so blessed from the start. One of my classes, Law of Nonprofit Organizations, has chosen my project to take on as a "client." This means I'll have legal assistance and another point of view as I draft the legal documents that will become the structure of my dream. The legal help will start in October so before then I have my work cut out for me. I need board members (3), $800, the start of a budget, and a real vision of what this organization is going to be.

I have my work cut out for me!

Weekend Reading: 7.22.11

Here's a couple articles to add to your weekend reading list:

American girls sweep first-place in the Google Science Fair: "This is just a reminder that women are fully capable of doing same or better quality work than men can."

A long way to go after the Women's World Cup: "Although participation in sports has become a given for women and girls in our country, the freedom to sweat doesn't universally apply, and in countries where females are otherwise held back politically and socially, sports tend to be on the list of closed doors."

A list of the Top Ten Topical Leadership Books

Feminism and Introverted Girls: "Feminism does and should train women to speak and communicate, in large and small groups, and everything in between...introverts, including shy introverts, often make terrific public speakers."

Happy weekend!!

Girls and Sports.

Last week, Sam Sommers, a professor at Tufts University, commented on the importance of encouraging young girls to appreciate sports. He urged others to use the U.S. Women's Soccer team as a shining example of why women's sports matter:

"Because this is a great team with entertaining personalities, worthy of our attention in the same way as other classic American teams from international competitions. Because this team has already taught my kids an important lesson about perseverance. While my girls hung their heads and whined about the lousy officiating (the hallmarks of any true sports fan) in the quarterfinal against Brazil, the players didn't succumb, gifting us instead one of the gutsiest last-minute comebacks of all time. And, yes, also because they're women. While this squad isn't trailblazing in the way the 1999 Cup winners were -- the first women to really break through to national consciousness in a team sport -- it's important for kids to see that iconic teams come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and hair lengths."

I couldn't agree more. Read more of Sommer's article here.

Sunday Inspiration: 7.17.11

"In your life's journey, there will be excitement and fulfillment, boredom and routine, and even the occasional train wreck...But when you have picked a dream that is bigger than you personally, that truly reflects the ideals that you cherish, and that can positively affect others, then you will always have another reason for carrying on."

-- Pamela Melroy

A Run for Glory.

When I was three, my parents signed me up for dance lessons. For the next three years, I attempted to tap, sashay, and twirl my way into being a successful dancer. However, I was not a graceful child. Dance was not my calling.

When I turned five, my parents introduced me to the game of soccer. One game was all it took. I walked off the field with a grass-stained uniform, a scraped knee and a big smile on my face. Soccer was in; dance was out.

Fast forward to 1999. I was 13 and living and breathing soccer by then. That year, Mia Hamm and the U.S. Women's National team won the World Cup. Brandi Chastain quickly became a household name, along with the rest of her teammates. For me, it was a life-changing event. For the first time, I saw a team of women achieve their dreams and reach the highest level of success in their field. They were my heroes.

Here we are again. The American women are poised to do it again after beating Brazil in the quarter-finals and France in the semi-finals. They are inspiring, battling through to the last minute of play. I have had goose-bumps watching the games. The women play with intensity and leave everything out on the field. They set a goal and have worked hard to achieve it. And through it all, they have believed in each other.

I have no doubt that there are many young soccer players who are watching these women make a run for glory in 2011. I hope they are as inspired as I was back in 1999. I hope this team led by Abby Wambach and Hope Solo become household names and continue to inspire young girls everywhere. Until then, I will be anxiously awaiting the championship game on Sunday.

Who were your sports heroes growing up and why?

Words of Wisdom: Alexandra C.

This is the first installment of Words of Wisdom (W.O.W.), leadership advice from real women. The questions are a work in progress, so let me know your suggestions!

I am also seeking your advice! If you are interested in sharing your W.O.W., email me at girlsleadershipproject@gmail.com!

Words of Wisdom

Name: Alexandra C., 25

Quick Career Bio: former Leadership Consultant for Kappa Kappa Gamma and current law student at the University of St. Thomas School of Law

What are you most proud of? I am most proud of the relationships I have built with the people in my life and the decisions I have made. Both have shaped me into the woman I am today.

Knowing what you know now, would you have done anything different in getting to where you are now? I would get rid of all the doubt I ever felt. Confidence is key - never lose your confidence by doubting yourself.

What does leadership mean to you? To me, leadership is constantly evolving. At it's core, leadership means knowing yourself and sharing your talents with others.

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? Heart. Every leader should be compassionate and capable of encouraging the heart.

What inspires you? I am inspired by seeing girls and women achieve their dreams!

What are the biggest challenges facing young girls today? One of the biggest challenges is the media and the assault on a young girl's self-esteem. True role models are hard to find, especially in popular Hollywood. Also, the ongoing inequality between men and women trickles down and affects young girls today.

What advice would you give to yourself as a young girl? Don't give up. Even when you feel lost, know you are special and can achieve your dreams.

Sunday Inspiration: 7.10.11

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."

-- Helen Keller

Thursday's Thought: 7.7.11

"Leaders go first. They set an example and build commitment through simple, daily acts that create progress and momentum. Leaders model the way through personal example and dedicated execution."

-- James Kouzes and Barry Posner, The Leadership Challenge

Who sets an example in your life? What qualities do they possess that make them a positive role model?

The Leadership Challenge.

I was first introduced to The Leadership Challenge in 2005 when I attended Kappa Kappa Gamma's Leadership Academy. It changed my life. The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership make sense to me. I highly suggest you read the book, check out the blog, and adopt these practices in your life!

The Five Practices:

• Model the Way
• Inspire a Shared Vision
• Challenge the Process
• Enable Others to Act
• Encourage the Heart

I think I adopt Model the Way and Enable Others to Act the most in my own life. Which Practice do you relate to the most?

Sunday Inspiration: 7.3.11

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more,

do more and become more, you are a leader."

--John Quincy Adams

Thursday's Thought: 6.30.11

“Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you’re wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn’t love you anymore.”

-- Lady Gaga

What are your thoughts?

I Can.

"I can" is contagious. Watch Kiran Bir Sethi's TED Talk on empowering children to take charge. How will you encourage a young girl to believe she can?

Lead Anyway.

As my beloved Carolina Gamecocks baseball team went into extra innings late last night in the College World Series Finals, the ESPN announcers began talking about the adversity the Gamecocks had faced during the season. Each game, Coach Ray Tanner told his team, "Win anyway."

There's bad weather. Win anyway.

Our best player is hurt. Win anyway.

They are better than us. Win anyway.

No excuses; win anyway.

While winning isn't everything, the same concept applies to leadership. It's easy to come up with excuses as to why now isn't the right time to take on a leadership role. I'm too busy. I'm tired. She doesn't like me. He doesn't take me seriously.

Lead anyway.

Too often we let our excuses stand in the way of letting us really shine. It is easier to shift the responsibility to someone or something else, instead of claiming ownership on our actions and being true to ourselves.

When doubt creeps in, lead anyway. When you think you can't, lead anyway. When times get tough or the pitches don't go your way, step up to the plate and lead anyway.

How to Talk to Girls.

Have you ever caught yourself talking to a cute/darling/adorable little girl and the first thing out of your mouth is a comment of how cute/darling/adorable they are? I know I am guilty of this and I'm sure you are too. And last week, Lisa Bloom, author of Think: Straight Talk for Women to Stay Smart in a Dumbed-Down World, called us out on it.

Bloom offers her suggestions on how to speak to girls:

Try this the next time you meet a little girl. She may be surprised and unsure at first, because few ask her about her mind, but be patient and stick with it. Ask her what she's reading. What does she like and dislike, and why? There are no wrong answers. You are just generating an intelligent conversation that respects her brain. For older girls, ask her about current events issues: pollution, wars, school budgets slashed. What bothers her out there in the world? How would she fix it if she had a magic wand? You may get some intriguing answers. Tell her about your ideas and accomplishments and your favorite books. Model for her what a thinking woman says and does.

Read the rest of her article here.

The Vital Voices ANNpower Initiative.

ANN, INC., the parent company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, and Vital Voices have joined forces to create an initiative to provide leadership training to girls. The Vital Voices ANNpower Initiative will provide funding to help girls develop projects at for their schools or communities that advance women and girls. The application (here) deadlines on Thursday, July 7th at 5:00 PM. As an added bonus, the first 50 qualified applicants will receive a $50 LOFT gift card! So start thinking about how you will change your world and apply!

True Leadership.

Last week, First Lady Michelle Obama addressed the Young African Women Leaders Forum in South Africa. Her words inspire young girls all over the world. No matter how old you are, or where you live, or what you ate for breakfast, you too can be a leader. Are you up to the challenge?

"I want to pause for a moment on that word - leadership - because I know that so often, when we think about what that word means, what it means to be a leader, we think of presidents and prime ministers. We think of people who pass laws or command armies, run big businesses, people with fancy titles, big salaries.

And most young people don't fit that image. And I know that often when you try to make your voices heard, sometimes people don't always listen. I know there are those who discount your, opinions, who tell you you're not ready who say that you should sit back and wait your turn.

But I am here today because when it comes to the challenges we face, we simply don't have time to sit back and wait.

I'm here because I believe that each of you is ready, right here and right now, to start meeting these challenges.

And I am here because I know that true leadership - leadership that lifts families, leadership that sustains communities and transform nations - that kind of leadership rarely starts in palaces or parliaments.

That kind of leadership is not limited only to those of a certain age or status. And that kind of leadership is not just about dramatic events that change the course of history in an instant.

Instead, true leadership often happens with the smallest acts, in the most unexpected places, by the most unlikely individuals."

Read more of the First Lady's remarks here.

Sunday Inspiration: 6.26.11

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

--Maya Angelou

The Beginning.

When I was young, I was determined to matter. I wanted to be important, to be famous, to be rich. As I grew up, I began to learn that it made no difference if I mattered. Finding out what mattered, however, did make a difference.

How you treat people matters. If you are happy matters. If you love, share, hope, believe...it matters. It matters if you are passionate. For me, that is what matters.

So, why The Girls Leadership Project? Because I am passionate about women and leadership. And with the development of their leadership skills, girl leaders become women leaders. And the world could use (a lot) more women leaders.

I have found my passion and I want to share it with you. The Girls Leadership Project is about giving young girls the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and find out what matters to them. And if I'm lucky, some girl will find what she's passionate about. This is just the beginning!