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.