Women Making Moves

Lee Daniels presents 'Precious'

2009-11-08T20:13:00.029-05:00

Prior to the release of 'Precious', from director Lee Daniels, I was invited to one of its premiere's in New York City by Liquid Soul Media. I remember hearing about this film almost two years ago and it really picked up steam once Daniels received the backing of Oprah and Tyler Perry.

The movie is based on the novel 'Push' by Sapphire, a performance poet and novelist, who resides in New York. I hadn't read the novel, but was warned by many that it was a hard read. Precious focuses on a young girl growing up in Harlem during the 1980's who's abused mentally, physically and verbally by her father and mother. When the movie opens, Claireece 'Precious' Daniels, is pregnant with her second child by her father. With a number of other difficulties occurring in her life, from the outside looking in, Precious is destined for a life of failures.

After seeing previews, I thought I would need to be prepared with tissue to catch the tears, which were sure to come, but I actually cried less than I thought. It was a hard movie to watch, but since the story is semi auto-biographical, it's a life that some live, so the short while I watched the movie doesn't compare to those who experience abuse. This is a story that needed to be told. Abuse happens. There are tons of young women suffering the memories of being molested or otherwise. This proved true during a panel discussion that took place after the movie. All of the women panelist, three in total, were sexually molested at one time in their life. If you think you can handle the issues covered in 'Precious,' I encourage you to see the movie, which opened Friday, November 6. Also, read this great article that appeared in New York Times Magazine.

Women, start making your Moves today!

When standing up means stepping down

2009-11-02T22:25:00.016-05:00

Republican candidate, Dierdre Scozzafava, suspended her campaign for a U.S. House seat over the weekend in upstate New York. Running against a conservative Republican, she stood out as too moderate due to her support of abortion rights and same-sex marriage.

You would think Dierdre had nothing to bring to the table, but its reported she was strongly supported in the 23rd district, the area she hoped to represent. The Republican National Committee hasn't made a statement, but its likely Dierdre stepped down because of their urging. By Sunday, Dierdre threw her support behind the Democratic candidate, Bill Owens. I can't blame her for jumping to the "dark side." I have a feeling she felt betrayed by her party.

I won't guesstimate the outcome of the race, but I applaud Dierdre for stepping down. Her withdrawal may not appear as a big deal, but I think essentially Dierdre stepped down to stand up for what she believed in. Why should she have to compromise her beliefs to run on the Republican ticket? Dierdre obviously sees the benefits of allowing every person to practice their own beliefs. That's a quality I want in a candidate regardless of their republican or democratic status.

Women, start making your Moves today!

New York Go Run 2009

2009-10-08T21:27:00.015-05:00

This weekend, I have the privilege of attending New York Go Run 2009 sponsored by The White House Project. Several months ago, I applied to attend the weekend-long training session that teaches women the in-and-outs of running for public office. Not positive I would receive a slot, I waited patiently for a response. Thankfully I received admittance!

Established in 1998, The White House Project, is a leading advocate of ensuring women are in leadership roles. Marie Wilson, President & Founder, has been fighting for women's rights for over 30 years. She also co-created Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. And she's the author of Closing the Leadership Gap: Why Women Can and Must Help Run the World. She's certainly a member of the Women Making Moves community.

The weekend is jam packed with activities. A number of women who hold public office in New York are attending to share their experiences. I plan to absorb as much knowledge as possible and share with readers of Women Making Moves. Read what other bloggers are saying about the event and check back soon for my recap of New York Go Run.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Vicki Reggie Kennedy

2009-09-04T21:32:00.028-05:00

Over the pass several weeks, the country has celebrated the life of Senator Ted Kennedy. He was affectionately known as the 'Liberal Lion' and worked diligently with senators within the democratic party and his republican counterparts. Kennedy was admired by many and the number of people sharing their memories of him was remarkable.

Senator Kennedy was diagnosed with brain cancer a little over a year ago, but I don't think many people expected him to pass so soon. As the last brother of the Kennedy dynasty, he was the rock of the family. A statement released by the family confirmed this.

In the age of technology, I learned of Senator Kennedy's death via Twitter. I was reluctant to initially believe the news, but after multiple updates from followers and research of mainstream media outlets, I accepted the truth. A Ted Kennedy hashtag (#TedKennedy) quickly sprung up on Twitter as people learned of his passing. The Kennedy's also kept the public updated about the senator's final resting place through a Twitter feed.

The love people felt for Senator Kennedy was undeniable. In the midst of the senator's memorial and burial services, Vicki Kennedy was mentioned many times for her commitment to her husband. When the couple met, both were divorced with children. Vicki recalls knowing Senator Kennedy for quite some time through her family. Friends commented that Teddy became a different person when they met. Senator Kennedy himself said he didn't expect to fall in love again after his first marriage. A fellow Louisianan, Vicki and Teddy recconnected in 1991 and married the next year. She was credited as being an amazing wife in the couple's almost 20 year marriage. When the senator fell ill, she diliglently kept family and friends updated on his condition.

Vicki's love and admiration for her husband was extremely prevelant through their courtship, marriage and as Senator Kennedy fell sick. The strength Vicki showed through this entire process deserves to be commended. She stood by her husband's side as a dedicated wife does. Vicki shared her husband and his family's legacy with the world through their entire marriage and she continued to do so during the events leading up to his burial. I continue to keep the Kennedy family in my prayers as they cope with Senator Kennedy's death and I hope you do the same. This is obviously a hard time for Vicki and I wish her well as she transitions to a life without Senator Kennedy.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Geek Girl Dinner NYC

2009-08-23T23:54:00.013-05:00

I attended my first Geek Girl Dinner in NYC recently. Admission for these dinners can be difficult since tickets sell-out fast. Initially I was wait-listed when I went to purchase a ticket, but I was extremely excited a spot opened. I looked forward to connecting with women in the technology space. The dinners aren't exclusive to women. Men can attend if they're invited by a female attendee.

Geek Girl Dinners are held around the world. Events have taken place in Canada, Europe and a number of cities throughout the U.S. The dinners are designed to bring together women in the technology and science fields. As a PR professional, I don't work directly in those fields, but I'm always enthusiastic about immersing myself in anything involving tech. During dinner, I met a network engineer, a search engine optimization expert (SEO) and someone who works with youth to create video games. As you can see, the fields varied tremendously.

Hosts Jennifer, Melissa and Emily greeted me warmly when I arrived. The evening started with informal networking and snacks, which gave attendees and opportunity to get to know one another before the program started. Speakers included Jessica Carter, author of Double Outsiders; Cathy Erway, food blogger turned author; and Vanessa Bertozzi, Editor-in-Chief of the Esty.com Blog. Each shared their experiences on using technology to enhance their professions. The third installment of Geek Girl Dinner NYC was awesome. The next dinner is planned for December. To ensure you're notified when tickets go on sale, join the GGDNY Facebook group or follow them on Twitter. It's an event you don't want to miss.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Doral Bank Extends Women a Helping Hand

2009-08-11T21:33:00.027-05:00

In this economy, positive news is rarely reported about the financial industry. But there is at least one company standing out among the rest. Doral Bank, based in Puerto Rico, is the only community bank on the island. Doral is a vital part of the community and continuously provides more than just financial guidance. The company is determined to be the poster child for Corporate Social Responsibility and so far, Doral is doing a great job.

One of the company's most prominent community service program is its Pink Program. The Doral Pink Account is geared towards women, who often are the financial planners of their household. The account allows women to manage all their finances in one place. Each time a Pink Account is opened, Doral makes a contribution to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Puerto Rico. But Doral goes an additional step by providing free mammograms to women throughout Puerto Rico.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that almost 200,000 women are diagnosed with this form of cancer each year. And unfortunately, almost 40,000 of those women will die from the disease. To help combat these statics, Doral sponsors a Pink Mobile that travels around the island on Saturdays. Since 2008 more than 2,000 women have benefited from the services of the Pink Mobile. The mammogram screenings have become a family event. Women bring their mothers, sisters, daughters and friends. The sessions also focus on self-esteem, healthy living and features breast cancer survivors. This year Doral expanded the program and expects to serve more people including men. The bank also formed an alliance with a major radiology clinic in Puerto Rico to provide medical services for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Major sponsors for the screenings include Ford and L'Oreal.

The vision of actively giving back to the community of Puerto Rico comes Doral Bank's CEO. Employees are encouraged to become involved and are voluntarily present at each Pink Mobile stop. This program is customer service at its best. Besides helping women establish financial stability, Doral Bank goes the extra mile and provides a medical service that's a necessity for women. It's refreshing to see an authentic company. What a joy in today's environment. Let's take a page from Doral Bank's book and help those around us most in need.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Ralph Lauren Supports Female Artisans in Developing Worlds

2009-08-03T22:26:00.023-05:00

If you're visiting the Hamptons this weekend, do your part in supporting female artisans in developing worlds. On August 8, Rugby Ralph Lauren will host an exclusive shopping event in conjunction with Nest, a non-profit organization that has provided microloans and mentors to women artists since the 1970s.

Rugby's East Hampton store, located at 32 Main Street, offers casual pieces with a youthful twist. Since its 2004 launch, Rugby has provided timeless pieces. Customers can buy their favorite clothing items and purchase handmade merchandise as well as crafts from Nest designers.

For a $25 donation, guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres and organic cocktails. Rugby Ralph Lauren will donate 10% of all sales and donations to help Nest continue their commitment to women around the world.

This event is a great opportunity to support a charity that builds up families one woman at a time. Nest realizes that when women are empowered, stability spreads to the rest of the household. Make plans to attend this weekend's event or donate to Nest on-line. To see how your donation will help women in Israel, Mexico and Tanzania, read personal stories from Nest on its blog.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Surgeon General Nominee Dr. Regina Benjamin

2009-07-29T21:29:00.012-05:00

I was immediately impressed with Dr. Regina Benjamin's background when President Obama nominated her for U.S. Surgeon General. She's led an impressive career, one that includes deciding to practice in a low-income community in the Gulf Coast of Alabama. The Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic has been a staple for residents since 1987 and often doesn't charge patients who can't afford to pay. The clinic also focuses heavily on preventative illness since this hits close to home for Dr. Benjamin. She lost her father to diabetics and high-blood pressure, her mother to lung cancer and her brother from a HIV-related illness.

Personally and professionally, Dr. Benjamin has longed fought for the well-being of others. After researching her background, I had a gut feeling she was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a non-profit community service based organization. And it was confirmed several days later when the sorority's national president announced Dr. Benjamin became a member while completing her undergraduate degree at Xavier University in New Orleans, La.

While I wasn't the only one impressed with Dr. Benjamin's background, there were also some who questioned her ability to perform the duties of Surgeon General. An article with the subtitle: "Do you have to be thin to be fit for the role of nation's Top Doc?", was published shortly after Dr. Benjamin's nomination. Dr. Arthur Caplan penned the article and defended Dr. Benjamin due to her tireless effort of serving those less fortunate. I applaud him for taking a stand on Dr. Benjamin's behalf.

I don't condone a unhealthy lifestyle, but I'm sure Dr. Benjamin is probably like many of us. With hectic work schedules and families, it can be difficult to find time to lead a healthy lifestyle. I struggle with juggling my to-do-list daily and sometimes exercise and healthy eating doesn't make the cut. It's no secret that women are confronted with these issues more than men. I'm calling on women to speak up for Dr. Benjamin. You don't have to agree with the policies of President Obama or even with the nomination of Dr. Benjamin, but we can't continue to allow society to dictate our outer appearance.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Activist and Syndicated Radio Commentator Bev Smith

2009-07-27T22:48:00.018-05:00

I attended the live airing of the Moment of Truth hosted by CNN's Soledad O'Brien. This panel event took place an hour before the launch of Black in America 2 and brought together several well-known African-Americans to talk about their experiences on being a Black person in America.

Under the Manhattan sky in Times Square, Tom Joyner, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., D.L. Hughley, Steve Harvey and Bev Smith spoke openly to an audience of 100+ plus people and I'm sure what was an audience of millions. Each guest had their own story, but I was immediately drawn to syndicated radio commentator and activist Bev Smith.

Bev, like several of the panelist, grew up in the Civil Rights era. She spoke fondly of her close-knit family, but she also shared a disturbing story about an incident that happened to her father. Bev grew up in a household of activists. Her father organized a union for mine workers at his job. He was invited to Washington, D.C. to share his experiences with Congress. Before Bev's father could share his experiences, he was brutally beaten as he exited the train when arriving in D.C. He was beaten, put back on the train and informed never to return. But that didn't discourage Bev's father. He ordered his family to clean him up and he returned to D.C.

Bev said this incident was one of the main reasons she considers herself an activist today. On her radio show, Bev discusses issues affecting all. She focuses education, HIV/AIDS, homelessness and much more. She's won over 300 awards for her work as an activist. Bev energized me to continue volunteering in my community. She encouraged me to keep speaking up for those who's voices may not be loud enough to be heard. Bev Smith has been in the trenches since she was a young child and I'm grateful for her commitment. If there's a person who continuously encourages you to help others, please share with the Women Making Moves community.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Women Technology Bloggers

2009-07-21T20:05:00.008-05:00

There seems to be a new list of outstanding people in their field on a weekly basis. But I have to admit, I can never get enough of them! I recently came across an oldie, but goodie list of the most influential women bloggers in the tech space from Fast Company. The list, which was published in January of this year, includes 11 women, most of whom are well-known. There's the BlogHer trio, Elisa Camahort, Jory Des Jardins and Lisa Stone. And Arianna Huffington along with over 2,000 bloggers from the huffingtonpost.com site are also included.

I'm excited whenever women are recognized for their business achievements, especially in the technology field. A majority of the women aren't amateurs to the blogosphere, but a fairly new stand-out in the community is Corvida Raven of SheGeeks.net. She's quickly created a path for herself and has become a role model for other young women to follow!

But now that the list is over six months old, it's definitely time to add some additional women. Is there a stand-out that should be added? List your suggestions in the comments section and I'll share your feedback with other Women Making Moves readers.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Kimberly Anyadike

2009-07-20T21:38:00.027-05:00

Picture courtesy of Collective Vision

By now, I'm sure you've heard of 15 year-old Kimberly Anyadike. She's believed to be the youngest African-American female to fly solo across the country. Kimberly flew a single-engine plane and was accompanied by 87 year-old Tuskegee Airman, Levi Thornhill during her 13 day flight. The on-line community was buzzing with excitement when her accomplishment was reported.

I was excited to hear of such positive news about a young woman. This is information I can share with the group of high-school girls I help mentor with hopes they will realize, nothing is unattainable. With negative news being reported about teen girls, this news is certainly encouraging to other young women everyone. While this is a wonderful achievement, what stood out was how humble Kimberly was. During one interview, Kimberly mentioned she would return home to complete her advanced placement homework. She's flown around the country and her education still comes first! That's awesome!

What are your thoughts on Kimberly's achievement? Are there enough positive images of young women in the media? I believe there could be more, but I would love to hear everyone's input. How can we ensure there are more Kimberly Anyadike's of the world verses Paris Hilton? Share your thoughts with Women Making Moves in the comment section.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris

2009-07-07T22:17:00.027-05:00

Women Making Moves features women from all walks of life. There are professional women who are making great strides in their career, those working to ensure their communities are well taken care of and rising Women Making Moves.

Like many I watched the memorial service for Michael Jackson and there were several memorable moments. One that stood out the most came from 11 year-old Paris. When she shared with the world her unconditional love for her father, it made Michael more human than he ever was. We never really knew Michael Jackson as his children knew him nor did we know the love shared amongst the family. But love was obviously present from Paris' aunts and uncles. And it confirmed that his children were well-loved.

Paris put everything into perspective. The media reports about Michael were no longer important because ultimately there are three children who will grow up without their father. They'll always have memories of the time spent with him, but new memories will never be made.

It took an extreme amount of courage for Paris to take the stage. With her aunt Janet's embrace, she let down her barriers and showed us what true love is made of. Paris is a rising young women who will no doubt make moves as she grows older. As we mourn the loss of a great icon, let's remember the Jackson's lost a family member.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Women in Academia

2009-06-30T22:51:00.026-05:00

I recently read an article that highlighted the achievements of several Harvard women from the Women and Public Policy Program's class of 2009. These women are standouts for their extraordinary work involving women. They were recognized by their superiors and peers for being leaders. It's encouraging to see such positive women in an age where being "a lady" is often lost in the wind.

Wivina Belmonte was awarded the Barbara Jordan Leadership Award, which highlights women who are committed to being positive role models for other women. In 1966 Barbara Johnson, a well-known public-servant and politician, was the first Black woman selected as a member of the Texas Senate. Wivina was deserving of this award for her ability to bridge the gap between her classmates of difference backgrounds.

Working directly to ignite the women of Harvard, Erica Lewis, received the Holly Taylor Sargent Prize for Women's Advancement. Erica was determined to positively affect the lives of women she interacted with daily at Harvard.

And finally, Shanza Khan, originally from Pakistan, was the recipient of the Jane Mansbridge Research Award. Shanza received this honor through nominations from her advisors. Her exceptional research paper, "An Evaluation of the Capacity Building Component of the Punjab Safe Motherhood Initiative," made her a stand-out among other students in her program. The paper focused on healthcare issues in rural Pakistan.

It's extremely encouraging for myself and future generations of young ladies, to see such great examples of women making outstanding achievements in their fields. These three stand-out because they're directly affecting other women. Kudos to their awesome achievements.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Farrah Fawcett

2009-06-29T22:08:00.027-05:00

By now we're all aware of Farrah Fawcett's passing. On Thursday, June 25, she succumbed to cancer, which she battled for three years. It's an extremely unfortunate situation, but one I know she was prepared for. Her family and friends are now making preparations to pay their last respects on Tuesday, June 30 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. The funeral will be a private event, one where those who loved her most will surely celebrate Farrah's life.

Fawcett's career spans from the ultimate pin-up girl to more serious roles such as The Burning Bed that focused on domestic violence. Diving head-on into the character of Francine Hughes, Fawcett gave a face to the violence that millions of women encounter everyday. For this Fawcett joins the ranks of other Women Making Moves. She also went against the naysayers who refused to take her seriously as an actress.

As Farrah Fawcett is laid to rest, I will forever remember her as a woman who created her own path instead of traveling one that was already well-worn. Rest in Peace Farrah.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Rachel Sklar's Charitini

2009-06-15T21:28:00.023-05:00

Several weeks ago New York City celebrated Internet Week. The week-long celebration featured tons of activities from cocktail events, a Webutante Ball and Social Media Camp. The first event I attended was New York City Ignite. Ignite brings together "geeks" for five minute presentations featuring topics of their choice.

In it's fourth installment, hosts Tikva Morowati and Brady Forrest, gave the floor to eight presenters including a satirical skit about Swine Flu to the first annual 15 Second Ignite Film Festival. My favorite speaker was Rachel Sklar who discussed her Charitini cause. It's designed to provide monetary gifts to nonprofit organizations. Rachel receives donations from her friends, family and anyone else willing to give. What started as a way to celebrate Rachel's birthday has snowballed into a continuous effort to help nonprofits in need. Kudos to Rachel for forgoing birthday drinks to ensure the need of charitable organizations are taken of!

Women start making your Moves today!

Neri Oxam "#43 on Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People"

2009-06-10T21:20:00.026-05:00

(Neri Oxam: Picture courtesy of Fast Company's June 2009 issue)

I was fortunate to have attended a reception celebrating The 100 Most Creative People in Business hosted by Fast Company Magazine. Those who received this honor ranged from a SVP with the Apple uber brand, to fashion icon Stella McCartney and music maven Lisa Ellis. While these are stellar names, I was extremely impressed by the everyday people making extraordinary strides in their professions.

One of the honorees that stood out the most was Neri Oxman who serves as a Presidential Fellow for the MIT Media Lab. Neri's background includes work as an architecture, computer scientist and artist. She considers herself a professional student, having spent a number of years completing various degrees, but in 10 months she'll receive her Ph.D. Neri's portfolio is impressive. She's known for combining her knowledge of sustainable materials and design to create unique master pieces.

Neri is doing awesome work in her field. Fast Company reports she's currently seeking a patent for a one of the kind 3-D printer. It's refreshing to see a women in a non-conventional field stand-out as Neri does. All 100 honorees are featured on Fast Company's website, but I encourage you to buy the print version because it includes a more indepth profile of everyone. Congrats to all who made the list!

Women, start making your Moves today!

The Women of the T3PR Conference

2009-06-09T22:45:00.022-05:00

The Technology Section of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) held its annual T3PR Conference in NYC on June 9. I attended for the first time and this year's program confirmed that I'll attend again. The event was well planned and attended by a variety of PR professionals in the technology field. There were a number of prominent speakers from the tech and social media field present, but what amazed me the most is that half of the speakers were women. I was super excited when I realized that a full day of tech talk would include women!

I've blogged on several occasions about the need for more women involvement in the tech field. And I fully believe providing PR representation to a tech company equates to working in the field. As a PR professional, you have to fully understand how a client's business works before providing them with publicity services. My final count consisted of eight women who presented at the conference.

I have to recognize Sandra Fathi, Debra Dixon and Robin Lane. These three women served as Co-Chairs of the event. Each has a unique background in the technology field and due to their efforts, the conference went on without any major hitches. Other speakers included: Beth Murphy-Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for Digg; Dawn Marie Yankeelov-President of Kentucky based ASPectx; Shonali Burke-Owner of Shonali Burke Consulting; Caroline McCarthy-Staff Writer for CNET; and Deirdre Brenkenridge-President and Director of Communications at PFS Marketwyse. Most of these women are active on Twitter. I encourage you to reach out and thank them for their work in the technology field. T3PR Twitter updates are also available. Start there to find out what was discussed and consider attending next year. You'll certainly see me there.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Ariane de Bonvoisin

2009-06-08T22:36:00.017-05:00

I'm sure some of you can relate to me. I'm reevaluating my goals and changing the way I approach life. It's now or never. We've entered the half-way point of 2009 and now is the perfect time to see if you're on the right track. As I was going through this process, it just so happened that I came across an uplifting book by author Ariane de Bonvoisin. As the Founder and CEO of http://www.first30days.com/, Ariane's passion involves helping people achieve the change in their life they deserve. She refers to herself as the Chief Change Optimist. A title that's sure to bring forth positive outcomes.

Ariane recently authored "The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Any Change (and Loving Your Life More)." Change can't be avoided. It's happening today more than ever. People are reconsidering what's important as they experience layoffs and foreclosures due to the current economy. The First 30 Days is designed to show readers how to confront change head-on. The first chapter begins: "Change Your View of Change" and the last chapter encourages readers to: "Get Unstuck." You've heard of the power of positive thinking, I'm sure. This is exactly what Ariane suggests as she tells us to change the way our mind works. Positive thoughts normally lead to positive outcomes. And most of the time when a person thinks negatively, they can't open themselves up for the good things that are sure to come.

I encourage women who are looking to jump-start a change in their life to read The First 30 Days or connect with Ariane via Twitter to receive her up-to-date thoughts on creating a new you. Don't wait until tomorrow to do what can be done today. One of my changes involves growing as an independent public relations consultant. Please share in the comments section the changes occurring in your life.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Mara Brock Akil "Creator-CW's The Game"

2009-05-18T22:41:00.025-05:00

Mara Brock Akil is a dynamic TV writer and producer. She's currently one of the few African-American women making a mark on the television industry. She's had several hit shows including South Central, which originally aired on Fox, UPN's Moesha, as well as two shows for The CW network, Girlfriends and The Game. Girlfriends was a hit show that aired for eight years, but it was abruptly canceled and its last episode aired in February 2008 without a series finale. Unfortunately, Mara's newest show, The Game, is on the verge of cancellation if the CW doesn't decide to increase the half-hour show to one-hour.

The Game quickly became one of my favorite shows. I stayed committed as a fan even when it was moved from Sunday night to Monday and finally to the Friday evening time-slot. The Game includes a number of talented actors such as Tia Mowry of Sister, Sister fame and Wendy Raquel Robinson from The Steve Harvey Show. The show has found a committed audience and many are petitioning The CW network to ensure it isn't cancelled. A final decision about its future will be made on May 21.

Mara, along with cast members, and a PR representative have joined forces to save the show. A Facebook Fan Page with almost 100,000 members, a Twitter page with an additional 100,000 followers and a campaign on The CW's website, "One Million For the Game" are currently underway.

I think the network should give the fans what they want. The season finale was a success and many watched in fear that it may be the last show of the series. Fans have been known to make noise if they're favorite show is in jeopardy of being canceled. Recently, through the support of social media, NBC decided to renew Chuck for another season. This proves that saving The Game can certainly be done. Mara Brock Akil is standing her ground and refusing to take no for an answer. These are ultimate attributes of a woman making moves. I'm wishing Mara the best of luck as she awaits the outcome regarding The Game.

Women , start making your Moves today!

Top 30 Female Internet Entrepreneurs

2009-05-14T23:20:00.021-05:00

A list of Top 30 Female Internet Entrepreneurs were featured on TheNextWeb.com site. The unscientific list originated from IncomeDiary.com. The creator of IncomeDairy, Michael Dunlop, is an advocate of being successful by making money online. The women highlighted in this list are doing exactly that. Some who were featured were very familiar. Most of us are well aware of Ariana Huffington of the Huffington Post and Gina Bianchini, Co-Founder and CEO of Ning.com. But many of the women are not well-known. A partial list is featured below.

I'm extremely excited to see women making strides in the technology field. I've mentioned several times via Women Making Moves the need for increased participation in this field. These women are definitely making moves. Although when the next list is composed, it would be more representative of society if women from all ethnics are represented. With that said, I'm soliciting the help of Women Making Moves readers. Is there a female Internet entrepreneur you think should be highlighted? Please share your suggestions in the comments section. Let's work together to showcase as many women as possible.

Ladies, start making your Moves today!

Amanda Marcotte www.pandagon.net

Ashley Qualls www.whateverlife.com

Catherine Cook www.flickr.com

Eileen Gittins www.blurb.com

Gina Trapani www.lifehacker.com

Juliette Brindak www.missoandfriends.com

Lisa Stone www.blogher.com

Louise Wannier www.myshape.com

Michelle Malkin www.michellemalkin.com

Nancy Price www.sheknows.com

Double X

2009-05-13T20:24:00.027-05:00

A new online magazine launched Tuesday in honor of all things women. The idea for DoubleX was conceived from group blog posting originally featured on Slate.com in late 2007. Women shared their opinions through, The XX Factor, which was named after the two X chromosomes women carry. Slate.com writers Emily Bazelon, Meghan O'Rourke and Hanna Rosin serve as the site's co-editors. The team is rounded off by Jessica Grose, who most recently served as an editor for Gawker's Jezebel blog.

I know you're probably thinking this is not a new concept. There are tons of websites, magazines, etc. dedicated to women. A Google search produces thousands of results. But editors at DoubleX insist that women focused content is more popular than ever. They're positive if the content is produced, women as well as men, will follow.

I'm excited there's more great content showcasing women writers in the blogosphere. It's often said asking the same question to a woman and a man will result in different answers. DoubleX is the ultimate resource to find out what's going on in the minds of women. Visit the site, check-out the content and support the writers by sharing your opinion.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Women Who Tech

2009-05-12T23:00:00.020-05:00

Women Who Tech is an outstanding organization that connects women working in the field of technology. The network is designed to encourage mentorship among members and inspire other women to enter the tech field. According to the Women Who Tech website, the organization was formed primarily because of three reasons. In the technology industry women are underrepresented, breaking down barriers is necessary and mobilizing a network of women is essential.

On May 12, the organization held its 2nd Annual TeleSummit for Women in Technology. The telesummit, which included over 600 women participants, included panels that focused on "Breaking Through the Digital Ceiling," "Social Networks and Diversity Barriers" and many more that will be available for download in the near future.

Since Women Who Tech is a strong advocate of networking, telesummit after-parties were held in Atlanta, DC, NYC, San Francisco and London. I attended the festivities in New York. It was full of extraordinary women programmers, graphic designers and social media enthusiasts. I connected with a number of women I'm sure I'll form lasting relationships with.

I'm a big believer in highlighting women in the tech field. There aren't enough of us in the industry and organizations such as Women Who Tech are great opportunities to expose new women to the field. Visit a previous Women Making Moves blog post that highlights other organizations working to increase the number of women in the field. Is there a reason why women are not becoming technology professionals? Share your thoughts in the comments section. Hopefully, we can work together to reverse the trend.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Rachel Sterne "CEO, GroundReport.com"

2009-05-11T21:23:00.030-05:00

I meet amazing women everywhere! During the NYC Entrepreneur Week festivities, I saw Rachel Sterne, CEO of GroundReport.com, as she spoke about entrepreneurship during BootUp NYC. (A video of Rachel's speech is below or you can view her presentation here.) GroundReport.com, launched in 2006, pegs itself as a global citizen platform designed to allow anyone to publish stories and get paid for their original reporting. Community members can share their opinions or provide news in various categories such as business, world news or politics.

Citizen journalism has become a full-contact sport. Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon, but GroundReport.com initiated its platform before many of the others became mainstream. The platform provides a unique opportunity for ordinary citizens to be a part of the conversation.

Rachel's professional background is remarkable. She's worked in the entertainment field, but her passion for reporting seems to come from her time as a Political Reporter covering the United Nations. While serving in that position, Rachel saw first-hand the affects of Darfur. This inspired her to create GroundReport.com, so people could report in their voice what's going on without the red tape.

It was refreshing to see a woman entrepreneur sharing her success story. Take a page from Rachel's book and follow your passion. Is there a dream you haven't acted on yet? Share it in the comments section and receive encouragement from the Women Making Moves community. Visit GroundReport.com to learn how you can become involved and connect with Rachel on Twitter.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Elizabeth Thode Hoard "The Gift of Music"

2009-05-10T21:16:00.029-05:00

It's not often that New Yorkers can take advantage of a free classical music concert, but that's exactly what The Bronx Conservatory of Music (BCM) provided on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in April. To honor the birthday of Founder and Director Emeritus, Elizabeth Thode Hoard, BCM hosted "The Gift of Music," which featured music from the conservatory's faculty and the legendary pianist Ana Maria Trenchi Bottazzi.

Miss Thode, as she's affectionately called, recently celebrated her 102nd birthday and the BCM faculty celebrated her commitment to the school. Miss Thode discovered music at at young age in her hometown of Walhalla, South Carolina. Her superb music skills led her to the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. She's received the honor of playing at the White House for First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and has traveled all over the world teaching and performing classical music. At 83, when most have long retired, Miss Thode established The Bronx Conservatory of Music. Today BCM is housed in its original location on the campus of the Bronx Community College. While Miss Thode no longer works with BCM, she provided the school with a foundation, which allows it to continue providing affordable music training to the Bronx community.

Those who attended "The Gift of Music" were treated to a performance by Maria Trenchi Bottazzi as she showed her appreciation to Miss Thode. Ana Maria, who completed her first world tour at 23 years old, dealt with the horrific tragedy of a severe car accident. Although Ana Maria was told she would never play again, she overcame those obstacles and is a world-renown concert pianist. I was in a state of peace listening to Ana Maria Trenchi Bottazzi perform. I encourage you to research Ana Maria's background, but below is a video of her perform during "The Gift of Music" concert.

Are you aware of a non-profit doing great things for the community? Please share your suggestions in the comments section. It's often forgotten how much non-profits positively affect communities and Women Making Moves wants to do its part in showcasing these organizations.

Women, start making Moves today!

Burju Perez "Creator of Burju Shoes"

2009-04-23T12:36:00.051-05:00

AMP 3 PR was the official PR agency for the launch of Burju Shoes, a new line created by professional salsa dancer Burju Pe rez. One of my favorite Twitter connections, @AlyAMP3 coordinated the festivities. The creation of Burju Shoes wasn't a fly-by-night idea. After years of dancing, designer Burju was determined to find an attractive shoe that was also comfortable. She loved the comfort of her performance shoes and the look of her street shoes. No longer wanting to wait for the perfect shoe to find its way to the market, Burju created her own line.

The launch, held at the Nest Lounge in NYC, featured two floors of beautiful models showcasing the shoe line. While only women were on hand wearing Burju Shoes, the company offers over 50 styles of shoes, which also feature items for men and children. The shoes range from one to three inches in height and are designed to fit like a sock for all day comfort. I attended the event for at lease three hours and not once did I see a model or other attendees wearing Burju Shoes looking for a seat to rest their soles. That definitely says a lot for fashionable women shoes.

What I enjoy most about the Burju Shoes collection is its ability to custom design pieces. Custom pieces can include a variety of colors, details or beading. Brides are definitely taking the company up on its offer to prepare a special shoe for their wedding day. The bride and her wedding party can dance the night away in something special that's sure to be stylish and comfortable. The company's philosophy says "there's no reason beautiful shoes can't be comfortable."

Receiving an opportunity to preview some of the cutest and most comfortable shoes a gal can find is a great treat for the upcoming Spring season. I'm excited that I'll be able to step-out in style and not have to sacrifice my feet in the process.

Women, start making Moves today!