What’s Yours?
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April – June 2012
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I am persuaded to change my view, focus and outlook – in and on life. I may not have the power to single handedly change the entire world, but I can do everything in my ability to make a big difference. This is my New Direction! As a young woman, I never understood the “Power of Humanity”, what it really means to God or my amazing place in this sensitive spectrum called Love. But one thing I can not deny and will always be reminded of – is you’re never too old to start, too young to get it right or too distant to reach out.
WOW – what an Epiphany!
As a Nation, we have taken soooo much for granted, instead of living in a humble place of gratitude and true thankfulness. Our hoarding, selfishness or need for more has caused a common tread of hatred, jealousy and division among the only species on this planet, given the authority of Empowerment – We The People! We have abused our God given gifts, talents, anointing and craft for self-elevation and personal gain, leaving no room for a Philanthropy Movement, caused by the Fruit of Humility and the Spirit of Giving – Who have we become.. but better yet.. What legacy are we leaving? I’ve learned – we’ll never know our greatest distance, until we start reaching beyond ourselves. I believe it is there where God performs His extraordinary works. I’m not calling myself a guru on the status of people, just a state of awareness that I have a core responsibility to pay it forward.. with love, on purpose - every chance I get.. As always..
Send us your thoughts: Since our launch in January 2012, we’ve received an overwhelming response from woman all over the world – how amazing. And although we get to see the love and support pouring in, we would like for others to see your comments as well by posting them in our upcoming “TLL Voices” column.. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Don’t forget – Please submit..
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From tragedy to triumph, Tammy Trent is one of TLL Women’s Journal most favorite leading ladies. Her incredible story of personal lost has touched people around the world and the courage to live, laugh and love again speaks volumes through her ministry of music.. cont.pg. 13
TLL Features p. 8 Nancy Alcorn The Woman, The Ministry and Heart of Mercy p. 11 TLL’s Leading Man The Honorable T.D. Jakes p. 15 Cookie Johnson A Dream Fulfilled
pg. 4
TLL Spotlights p.6 Robin Roberts My Battle, My Victory p.14 Desiree Rogers From the White House to the pages of Ebony p.17 Gloria Mayfield Banks Secrets of Success p.20 Women on Top – Forbes Best Hillary Clinton, Queen Rania, Ursula Burns, & Indra Nooyi p.22 Somaly Mam Saving Humanity
We’ve discovered that Etsy.com is one of the most inspirational and creative sites around – from handmade jewelry to out of the box stationary, Etsy supports unique designers and their unique crafts.
PLUS Beauty Loft p.12 Makeup by Mally, Eyebrow Queen Anatasia Soare and Style advise from Rachel Zoe. Save The Date! p.10 Godz Glamorous Girls Conference HomeStyle p.10 HGTV’s Design Star Kim Myles
In Every Issue.. TLL’s Bookshelf – p.10 A Woman’s Health – p.19 TLL’s Mommy Boutique – p.16 Tracy: What I’ve Learned & MORE.. pg. 5
Robin Roberts, the "Good Morning America" co-anchor was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Since then, she has shared her experience with viewers and women around the world, becoming a spokesperson for Breast Cancer Awareness. In June 2007, while preparing a tribute to former ABC colleague Joel Siegel—who had been an advocate of early screening and prevention during his own battle with colon cancer—Robin performed a breast self-exam and found a lump. On July 17, after undergoing a biopsy, she was diagnosed with an early-stage of breast cancer. Over the next year, Robin would share many aspects of her journey with the GMA audience, generating both an outpouring of heartfelt support and a number of critically important informative segments on topics related to breast cancer for the morning news show. Now, more than a year later, Robin is finished treatment and filled with gratitude for the many blessings that continue to see her through her experiences and the response her story has generated. Surviving cancer has given her a different perspective on her life and career.
Since her battle, Robin provides insight into her personal history and her appreciation for these blessings in her inspirational memoir, From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By. The book, which follows Robin from her childhood on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, to her present day life. Its clear Robin understands the power of a message—and the role the messenger plays in that delivery, but more importantly the value of her life and foundation which has always been ruled by principles, inspired by faith and gratitude. So when asked what message she would leave with newly diagnosed women and what they might gain from her story, she humbly replied “If stories of survival are not comforting, they will be in time. It’s okay to be selfish. Give yourself a break. Those of us who have been through it know that it is about you, and its okay.” twitter.com/ROBINROBERTS
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We all have one – and the world needs to hear it. Ladies, If you have an amazing story, business or testimony.. We at Today’s Leading Ladies Women’s Journal would love to share it with our readers. Every quarter we open our platform and provide an opportunity for someone to share a portion of her world through either an experience, a gift, success, inspirational writings, journal entries, life lessons and leaps of faith. To be considered, please email your submission to tllwomensjournal_editor@aol.com, along with your full name, email address and current print ready picture for publishing. Content need to be submitted in word doc form and all pictures need to be in jpeg format. We all have a voice.. SPEAK!
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Tracy R. Butler - Š
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It was during and after college that Nancy Alcorn, a native Tennessean, spent eight years working for the state of Tennessee at a correctional facility for juvenile delinquent girls and investigating child abuse cases. Working for the state on a daily basis gave her direct encounters with secular programs that were not producing permanent results that exemplified changed lives. Nancy saw many of the girls pass the age of eighteen and end up in the women's prison system because they never got the real help they needed. After working for the state and recognizing that true transformation would never come as the result of any government system, she was appointed Director of Women for the Nashville Teen Challenge program where she worked for two years. Through her experience, she began to realize that only Jesus could bring restoration into the lives of girls who were desperately hurting and searching for something to fill the void they felt in their hearts. Nancy knew God was unfolding a plan prompting her to step out in faith to help hurting young women. In January 1983, determined to establish a program in which lives would truly be transformed, Nancy moved to Monroe, Louisiana to start Mercy Ministries of America. She knew that there were three principles to which she must always remain faithful: (1) accept girls free of charge, (2) always give at least ten percent of all donations to other organizations and ministries, and (3) do not take any state or federal funding or any money that interferes with the freedom to share Christ. Several years and many changed lives later, Mercy Ministries has established locations in Monroe, Louisiana; Nashville, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; and Sacramento, California. The organization has grown beyond the borders of the United States, including locations in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada. In addition, plans are underway for more sites in America as well as internationally. According to Nancy, "It is our belief that if we provide places at no charge where girls can come and receive new life through Jesus Christ, as well as professional training in other areas, their lives will never be the same!"
Every day, young women across the country are desperately struggling with debilitating life-controlling issues - usually more than one. Many of them have lost all hope of freedom. The situation is serious. Did you know that‌ 1 in 3 young women is sexually abused before age 18. (RAINN 2011) 1 in 5 young women struggles with an eating disorder. (National Institute of Mental Health 2010) Studies find that between 17% and 40% of college students admit to committing self-harm and between 15% and 30% percent of high school students do. (ABC News Report--University of Mississippi 2011) 34% of girls in America get pregnant at least once before age 20. There are 750,000 teen pregnancies each year with 59% ending in birth. 82% of teen pregnancies are unplanned. (Guttmacher Institute 2011) At least 100,000 American children are victims of child prostitution annually; some estimate the number is as high as 300,000. (Ernie Allen, from National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) For young people 15-24 years old, suicide is the third leading cause of death. (CDC 2010)
These hurting young women often spend years in and out of treatment centers, costing their families thousands of dollars. They are told over and over again that there is no hope for them, and despair easily overtakes their lives. Girls are literally dying in darkness; lives need to be saved. God has called Mercy Ministries to respond to the need by providing a safe, Christ-centered environment, free of charge that helps young women find freedom from life-controlling issues and embrace hope for the future. pg. 9
- TLL’s Book & Author of the Quarter -
Where God Took My Soul Chronicles a journey, that begins with the unearthing of private shame, releasing childhood “secrets”, letting go of guilt, and becoming the mouthpiece of millions of her generation. She realizes that through forgiveness of others and most importantly herself would prove to be her path to restore and rebuild her life by putting her life in the Master’s hand.
Brooks J. Young, Author brooksjyoung.com
Kim is the CEO of her interior design firm (Kim Myles Design), and is also a contributing columnist for numerous shelter publications and websites. As a licensed hairstylist in both NY and CA, she’s invested in the beauty of both homes, and the people who live in them. When she’s not actively improving aesthetics, she’s busy talking about her unique approach to style via speaking engagements and personal appearances. As a veteran public speaker, she’s spoken to over 20,000 people to date. Kim believes that taking a more creative, imaginative approach to home, style and life can yield giant dividends for almost anyone. It’s her mission to help people discover their own individual style,
and to celebrate it in their homes, as well as in life!
kimyles.com
Join Dr. DeeDee Freeman as she hosts her annual God’s Glamorous Girls Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center located in Washington DC. godsglamorousgirls.com
pg. 10
www.tdjakes.org
T. D. Jakes is a charismatic leader, visionary, provocative thinker, and entrepreneur who serves as senior pastor of The Potter's House, a global humanitarian organization and 30,000-member church located in Dallas. Named "America's Best Preacher" by Time Magazine, Jakes' voice reverberates from the world's most prominent stages. Through a nexus of charitable works, T.D. Jakes extends a hand of help to the needy, heart of compassion to the hurting, and message of empowerment to the oppressed and disenfranchised. Beyond the pulpit, Jakes ranks among the 25 Most Influential African Americans, Britain's 100 Most Influential Black People and EBONY's Power150. His worldwide impact can be felt through a media empire that spans film, television, radio, best-selling books, greeting cards and conference series. T.D. Jakes is the founder of the for-profit T.D. Jakes Enterprises, through which he employs his aptitudes as author, songwriter and playwright. A prolific author of more than 30 books, T.D. Jakes has numerous best sellers, including, Before You Do: Making Great Decisions That You Won’t Regret (Atria, 2009), and Reposition Yourself (Atria, 2008), both of which reached No. 3 on The New York Times Best Sellers list. Reposition Yourself remained on the list for 23 weeks, and spent 20 weeks on USA Today’s best sellers list. In January 2009, Sony Pictures released Not Easily Broken, Jakes’ second novel to have been made into a motion picture. Not Easily Broken ranked No. 9 nationally during opening week. His theater company, Touchdown Concepts, created and produced plays that were popular throughout the nation. Furthermore, Jakes’ music label Dexterity Sounds, has produced many music projects, including the GRAMMY® Award-winning A Wing and a Prayer. A father of five with wife Serita, Thomas Dexter Jakes credits his parents as the source of his perseverance and sense of selfreliance. After 35 years in ministry, T.D. Jakes continues to be a leading voice of innovation, inspiration, and influence in Christendom today.
Anastasia Soare is widely referred to as “The Definitive Eyebrow Expert”, and that is for good reason. Over the years she has achieved iconic status in the beauty industry for her unique and revolutionary ways of shaping eyebrows. Anastasia’s Beverly Hills Salon has built on a steady flow of celebrities which include Oprah, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Naomi Campbell and many more. Anastasia has been featured in pages of top magazines such as Voque, Elle, Allure, People and many more.. Anastasia.net
Celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal learned at an early age the importance of accepting – and loving – who you are. Mally has the ability to create a diverse range of looks from natural and elegant, to colorful and ultra-glamorous. Her beauty philosophy emphasizes healthy, breathable skin that looks flawless and dewy. According to Mally, “Makeup is simply the accessory that allows someone’s true nature and beauty to outwardly manifest itself.” Mallybeauty.com
Rachel Zoe - The most famous fashion stylist in Hollywood, Rachel Zoe has become a celebrity in her own right by dressing movie and television Now, with the introduction of thestars for the red carpet. The New Jersey native has designed camera-ready looks Mally Beauty makeup collection,for clients like Jennifer_Garner, Mally takes her message, and herLindsay_Lohan, Nicole_Richie, makeup to women everywhere. Both Kate_Hudson, and countless others reinforce the positive energy that with is a captivating signature fashionforward style. Mally, who believes that “if you do
what you love, and you follow your thezoereport.com dreams, they can become a reality.” And that’s a beautiful thing! Tips, Trends and Advice for the Mommy To Be.. Invest in a well-designed pair of jeans. As opposed to former generations, we are fortunate to live in a fashion-forward age that accommodates styles for every body, size and situation — pregnancy included. For example, both 7 For All Mankind and J Brand make maternity jeans (praise the denim gods!), which are a flawless starting point for a prego-chic look. Explore all free form bottoms. Leggings, maxi skirts or full length dresses are perfect for pregnancy. Take your pick of the three styles and then you’re ready to tackle the waist up! For tops, I recommend long tunics, flowy blouses and ponchos to flatter your mom-to-be figure. Shift your focus to footwear. You can stay stylish, yet at ease in a pair of wedges or flats. Try either with any of these combinations — long tunic and leggings, poncho and flare jeans, tank and maxi skirt — and you’ll be pregnant per-fec-tion! Accessories are key. Don’t forget to complete your modern maternity look with a big tote bag and a pair of do-not-disturb oversized sunnies to hide fatigue! "Every woman needs a little glamour in her life, no matter how busy or tired. It can be as easy as swapping out a loose white tee for a fitted blouse or adding your favorite statement accessory, either a necklace or a really colorful scarf – it’s the perfect pickme-up!" pg. 12
Through the Journey.. with Tammy Trent
B
eneath her youthful exterior and fresh-faced exuberance,
Tammy is a focused recording artist, author and speaker who knows exactly what she wants to say. She creates music that serves as a personal conduit for those seeking to worship God and also wants to remind others of God's desire to reach them. Through her own personal journey of love and loss, Tammy continues to share that theme through her books, her music and her life. Tammy's dedication to the ministry was recognized in November 2009 when the Christian Music Hall of Fame handed her the award for Inspirational Female Vocalist of the Year! Her ministry reaches all around the world, taking on such platforms as the Women of Faith and the Revolve Tour as a featured speaker and singer, and in Tammy's own words, "I commit my resources to outreach, service and ministry to help others discover a real relationship with Jesus Christ and to fully understand His promises and the eternal." Tammy's story is one of despair and unexpected grace. In September 2001 she and her husband, Trent (from whom her stage name comes from), spent a few days in Jamaica - part mission trip, part vacation. On September 10th, Trent went diving and never returned. Tammy spent the rest of the day with rescue divers trying to locate her husband with no success. She woke up the next morning in the home of strangers to discover that the whole world had gone mad. As she waited for news of her husband, she watched the news as two planes plowed into the Twin Towers in New York - later that day she had to identify the body of her husband. No one in her family could get to her as flights were canceled. She was held captive in Jamaica for ten more days waiting to return to her family. Tammy's story of God's grace in the midst of such pain, fear and loss touches everyone she ministers to. It is one thing to call the Lord shepherd - it is another to be carried by Him when you can no longer stand. Tammy is
constantly amazed by our Lord's commitment to us in the worst moments of our lives.
tammytrent.com
We Searched – We Found!
Sweet Athem
Oveja Negra
Here are some of our favorites.com!
Pillows by Joom
White Owl
Lisa Ashlock
Briana Edelman
In November 2008 Desiree Rogers was selected by Barack Obama's office as the White House Social Secretary, a glamorous, yet serious position which yielded hard work, attention to detail and strict confidentiality. A Harvard Business School graduate Desiree got her first taste of the “Woman in Charge” and shot-calling stints as President of Social Networking at Allstate Financial, President of Chicago’s utility Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas and the Illinois State Lottery, Desiree Rogers embarked on what would become her most high-profile role yet, as White House social secretary for the Obama administration. On the job for a little more than a year and credited with the success of more than 300 events, Ms. Rogers left the White House after taking the heat for the much-hyped "gate crashers" incident in which an uninvited couple managed to slip into a state dinner. Desiree has always been a strong-willed woman striving for the top, so when we heard she was appointed CEO of Johnson Publishing Company in August 2010, we knew she would stand tall and make yet another mark.. making Johnson Publishing Co., bigger and better. Desiree has known the company for over 20 years through
johnsonpublishing.com
personal relationships with the Johnson family and comes to the position with an extensive track record in mature brand rebuilding. In addition she has an extensive network of relationships built over 25 years and experience working in both the public and private sectors.
With her business savvy talents and fresh creativity, Desiree plans to boost Internet and mobile initiatives to create new revenue sources and capitalize on its archive of more than half a century of African-American life. “We’re not just going to do magazines,” says Desiree in an interview at Bloomberg headquarters in New York, that’s not the end game, Johnson Publishing has “an authentic voice” that can speak to younger generations while holding on to its traditional audience”. We definitely believe this visionary is a Woman Worth Watching.. pg. 14
As a Devoted Philanthropist, Successful Business Entrepreneur, Women's Health Advocate, Child Advocate and Wife of Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Cookie serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Magic Johnson Foundation. She addresses the health, social and educational needs of those residing in underserved communities and is involved in the development of the Foundation’s overall goals, objectives and programs.
A
businesswoman at heart, Cookie launched her premium denim line - Cj by Cookie Johnson, a dream comes true for this jean fanatic who couldn’t find jeans to fit her body type. Realizing her testimony was that of many women, she created a versatile fit for women with real bodies. This was the beginning of a new revolution in the denim industry; Cj is currently sold at Nordstrom, SAKS Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Cookie is the first spokeswoman for the I Stand with Magic campaign, joining her husband Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the Magic Johnson Foundation and Abbott in their continued fight to end Black HIV/AIDS. She is instrumental in the five-year effort to help reduce new HIV infections in the African-American community by educating minority women about the disease and providing helpful tools for prevention and testing.
Cookie is also involved in the Successful Young Women’s Program at her church, the West Angeles Church of God in Christ, where she teaches a class directed to bettering the lives of young teenage women. She is also involved with “Have I Got a Story to Tell” as a member of All Trees Productions that includes entertainers who donate their time to tell inspirational stories through word or song.
cjbycookiejohnson.com
As an honorary chairperson for the Children’s Defense Fund, Cookie helped raise awareness of children who struggle to overcome tremendous obstacles in life. She is also chairman of Prototypes, a program that provides education and care for women and children affected by HIV/AIDS.
Cookie graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in retailing of clothing and textiles, working in the industry for seven years. Cookie is married to Earvin Johnson Jr. and is a full-time mother to their children Andre, Earvin Johnson III (EJ) and Elisa. She is extremely active in her children’s school programs and fundraising events.
pg. 15
anntaylor.com
You’re walking in a clothing store, pushing your stroller. You catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and cringe. How did you gain so much weight and how in the world are you going to lose it? You feel overwhelmed with your relentless schedule with baby. Finding time to exercise is an utterly depressing thought. How do you lose your baby weight without losing your mind? Take a deep breath mom and relax. You didn’t gain those pregnancy pounds overnight and you won’t shed them overnight either. But you will drop every last pound if you follow these three easy principles until you reach success.
By Arlene Pellicane / arlenepellicane.com
2. Be solution oriented. Prepare to face food temptations, exercise excuses and days where you fall off the wagon. Problems are inevitable. It’s how you face them that will make all the difference. When you’ve got PMS and chocolate on the brain and you eat too much, don’t wallow in your failure. Regroup and make healthy choices the next day. If you have to drop the gym because it’s too expensive, don’t give up on exercise. Get an exercise DVD and work out at home. Be creative and always push for a solution.
1. Make gradual adjustments. If you try a radical diet, you’ll probably stick with it for a few days or weeks, but after a while, you’ll be back to your old eating and exercise habits. It’s better to make small incremental changes that last. If you love having sugar with your coffee, have one teaspoon instead of two. Maybe you order large fries and a large soda at the drive thru. Switch to small. Constantly make gradual adjustments and stick with them until they become your new normal. You want to gradually change your lifestyle to line up with healthy choices.
3. Visualize your success. Can you see yourself at your ideal weight? Maybe it’s a physical picture of you before baby. Maybe it’s a better body. You can cut out a picture of someone’s body from a magazine and put your head on it, or even make a virtual you online. Let that visual picture of the new you motivate you to make sacrifices today so you can enjoy that body tomorrow. Picture yourself every day at your ideal weight and imagine how good you will feel in your new and improved body.
4. When you think of losing weight after baby, don’t let your mind dwell on all the obstacles. Focus on making positive changes every day and keep hope alive in your heart. Take some advice from Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” Practice good habits and enjoy the benefits of healthy choices. You’ll lose your baby weight in the process without losing your mind.
pg. 16
A Life Energy Coach and Trainer, Gloria Mayfield Banks speaks to groups all over the world about how to develop the skills and harness life energy to achieve success. Gloria has shared her secrets of success with national media audiences on CNN, the Donny Deutsch show, “The Big Idea” on CNBC, ABC-TV, and has appeared in Fortune, Black Enterprise, Glamour, Working Woman and PINK Magazines. Gloria has consistently beaten the odds to achieve phenomenal success in her life and business. She defied Dyslexia to earn a college degree and a Harvard MBA, left an abusive marriage and a corporate career at IBM 20 years ago to sell lipstick – quickly ascending to Elite Executive National Sales Director with Mary Kay, Inc. Today, Gloria earns millions in a worldwide networking sales business and travels the globe from her Baltimore home to speak with audiences seeking her People Building advice on how to create a better life for themselves. Known for her high energy and skill as a motivator and trainer, Gloria’s message of what it takes to succeed is in demand by audiences from Main Street to Europe, Russia and China. Gloria’s enthusiasm is contagious and her message is strong. Success is a choice that once committed to can be achieved! A dynamic storyteller, Gloria presents her ideas and thoughts in a conversational style and uses creative humor to impact her audience. One of her best-known workshops focuses on teaching the people skills needed to attain personal and professional success. Gloria’s success is all the more phenomenal considering that she has Dyslexia, a learning disability. She has demonstrated by her own example, determination and hard work, that any goal can be achieved.
gloriamayfieldbanks.com
Gloria began her professional career in the computer industry, as sales representative for IBM and later joined Stratus Computers as a manufacturing marketing manager. She went on to become Assistant Director for Admissions at the Harvard University School of Business where she traveled nationally and internationally to recruit students. Faced with a difficult divorce, Ms. Banks began selling Mary Kay products to supplement her income and within a year she set the company sales records. A few years later, her business had grown to over $24 million in retail sales with a sales group of over 6,000 consultants. Over her career with Mary Kay, Gloria has earned several cars, numerous trips and jewelry; and has broken company sales records. She is among the top 10 in sales in the United States and the number one African-American Sales Director in the world – Phenomenal.. Gloria is married to Kenneth R. Banks, President/CEO of Banks Contracting that provides construction services on some of the largest projects in the Baltimore region, including the New Clinical Building at Johns Hopkins Hospital, currently the largest hospital project in America. The Banks Family includes four adult children. They reside in Baltimore, MD. pg. 17
mindyweiss.com
pg. 18
Get a BSE (Breast Self-Exam) Card and information at Komen.org
How did you first find out you had cancer? Always vigilant because of my family’s history I practiced breast self exam diligently. I discovered a lump in my breast while taking a shower. My primary care physician assured me there was no reason for concern. Instinctively I knew better and cautiously sought another opinion. How did you react when you heard the news? In the words taken from my autobiographical stage play ‘Sister, Girl.’ “Surprise jumped in my mouth, grabbed my tongue, and refused to let my mouth form a response.” What course of treatment were you prescribed? M-a-s-t-e-c-t-o-m-why. On Christmas Eve I entered the hospital. On Christmas day I went home. Radiation and chemotherapy followed with the addition of Tamoxifen. What most surprised you about your treatment? The concept of a chemical cocktail in my body destroying some cells so that others could live, if my mind did not allow the acceptance of the chemotherapy, how could my body respond, nothing can be achieved without belief. After the third round of chemotherapy I said no more. What would your advice be to anyone who’s just received a cancer diagnosis? How long have you been cancer free? You are an active participant in your care and well-being. Miracles happen everyday. Cancer is not an automatic death sentence. See yourself as whole, every part of mind, soul and body healthy and complete. What lessons did you learn from the experience? I’m still a student. runningbarefootinparis.com
Brandyn Barbara Artis, actress, playwright, breast cancer awareness advocate, Grand prize winner of the Harper’s Bazaar/Estee Lauder Fabulous at every age contest, author of the soon to be released, RUNNING BAREFOOT IN PARIS, the novel. Article by Renee Syler / goodenoughmother.com
runningbarefootinparis.com
If you could send one message to all the Good Enough Mothers out there – what would it be? Love yourself. Be strong. Be fierce! Brandyn Barbara Artis, performed her critically acclaimed play 'Sister, Girl' across the United States and internationally. Her fiction has been published by THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS and in 'The Breast An Anthology.' She is the recipient of a Los Angeles DramaLogue's critic award as Harriet in 'Letters to Harriet Tubman' with the Los Angeles Music Center on Tour, the NAACP Image award for 'Shakin the Mess out of Misery' which she also choreographed, and a Grammy for 'Threshold' a Warner Bros. album. On ABC's General Hospital she played the role of Dr. Diane Erskine. In April, 2011 Brandyn was the Harper's Bazaar Fabulous at Every Age Grand prize awardee. She lives and works in Los Angeles and Paris with Tallulah her Yorkshire terrier.
The Best of Forbes Hillary Clinton
Queen Rania
Ursula Burns
Indra Nooyi
On January 21, 2009, Hillary Rodham Clinton was sworn in as the 67th Secretary of State of the United States. She joined the State Department after nearly four decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady of the United States and U.S. Senator.
Queen Rania of Jordan is a strong progressive female voice in the Arab world and a powerful advocate for education, health and women's rights.
Ursula Burns serves as Madam Chairman and CEO of Xerox and the first African American woman CEO to head a Fortune 500 company. She’s also the first woman to succeed another woman as head of a Fortune 500 company.
Indra Nooyi is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the nationally known PepsiCo.
Hillary became an advocate of health care reform and worked on many issues relating to children and families. She led successful bipartisan efforts to improve the adoption and foster care systems, reduce teen pregnancy, and provide health care to millions of children through the Children's Health Insurance Program. She’s traveled to more than 80 countries as a representative of our country, winning respect as a champion of human rights, democracy and civil society. Her famous speech in Beijing in 1995 - when she declared that "human rights are women's rights, and women's rights are human rights" – inspired women worldwide and helped galvanize a global movement for women’s rights – these among many accomplishments. Secretary Clinton is married to former President Bill Clinton and mother of one daughter.
Born in Kuwait and forced to flee during the first Gulf War in 1991, Queen Rania's early life was much like thousands of other Palestinians. Known for her business savvy, elegance and outspokenness, Queen Rania has divided opinion between those who feel she should take a more traditional role and those who see her as a shining example . "I am an Arab through and through," she insists. "But I am also one who speaks the international language." Rania never expected to be queen, but despite the unexpected change in her circumstances, the young queen has taken to her role and is now known as much for her progressive social and economic agenda. Queen Rania is married to King Abdullah II of Jordan and mother of four children: “ I make it a point and find comfort in tucking them into bed at night, this is a true woman of the new millennium”.
When Burns joined Xerox in 1980 as a mechanical engineering summer intern, the company was the leader in the global photocopying market. As she later assumed roles in product development and planning, the company was securing its leadership position in digital document technologies. From 1992 through 2000, Burns, at a pivotal point in the company’s history, led several business teams including the company’s color business and office network printing business. Burns was named chief executive officer in July 2009 and on May 20, 2010, Burns became chairman of the company, leading the 140,000 people of Xerox who serve clients in more than 160 countries.
Mrs. Nooyi was named President and CEO on October 1, 2006 and assumed the role of Chairman on May 2, 2007. She has directed the company's global strategy for more than a decade and led its restructuring, including the divestiture of its restaurants into the successful YUM! Brands, Inc., the acquisition of Tropicana and the merger with Quaker Oats that brought the vital Quaker and Gatorade businesses to PepsiCo, the merger with PepsiCo's anchor bottlers, and the acquisition of Wimm-BillDann, the largest international acquisition in PepsiCo's history. She holds a B.S. from Madras Christian College, an M.B.A. from the Indian Institute of Management in Calcutta and a Master of Public and Private Management from Yale University. Mrs. Nooyi is married and has two daughters.
In March 2010, President Obama appointed Burns vice chair of the President’s Export Council.
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I’ve committed my life to fighting this horrible scourge on humanity. Seeing innocent young women and children whose lives have been forever scarred leaves no doubt that they need a champion who is willing to invest all their time and energy towards eradicating the shameful practice of human trafficking.
www.somaly.org
I cannot wage this fight alone and call upon anyone who cares about the innocent victims to donate their time, money and advocacy to this important cause. Each contribution means everything to the victims and know that I will be forever grateful for those who help make such an important difference.�
Somaly Mam was born in the Mondulkiri province of Cambodia. With limited options as a severely marginalized ethnic group, and living in unimaginable despair, her family often resorted to desperate means to survive. This confluence of dire circumstances led to the unspeakable horrors that would mark Somaly's early years. Somaly was sold into sexual slavery by a man who posed as her grandfather. To this day, due to the passing of time and the unreliability of a wounded memory, Somaly still does not know who this man was to her. Yet his actions set her on an unimaginable path fraught with danger, desperation, and ultimately triumph. Forced to work in a brothel along with other children, Somaly was brutally tortured and raped on a daily basis. One night, she was made to watch as her best friend was viciously murdered. Fearing she would meet that same fate, Somaly heroically escaped her captors and set about building a new life for herself. She vowed never to forget those left behind and has since dedicated her life to saving victims and empowering survivors. For her tireless efforts, Somaly has justifiably garnered world-wide respect and is now a renowned leader at the forefront of the anti-trafficking struggle. Universally recognized as a visionary for her courage, dignity, ingenuity, and resilience, Somaly was honored as one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2009 and was featured as a CNN Hero. She is also the recipient of the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation, The World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child (WCPRC), Glamour Magazine's 2006 Woman of the Year Award, and has won accolades from the US Department of Homeland Security. But Somaly's success has come at a price. She and her family have faced terrifying death threats and violence. Asked why she continues to fight in the face of such fierce and frightening opposition, Somaly resolutely responds, "I don't want to go without leaving a trace." Despite the fact that she is known the world over and has certainly earned a life of luxury and repose, Somaly continues to work hard in the Cambodian recovery centers, living among the women and children she rescues and staying by their side as they walk the difficult path to recovery and freedom. pg. 22