iwd 2012: connecting girls, inspiring futures

today i'm taking part in the third annual blog for international women's day event.  in this post i plan to (a) discuss how can we, as a culture and as members of the global community, involve, educate, and inspire girls in a positive way and (b) describe a particular organization, person, group or moment in history that helped to inspire a positive future and impact the minds and aspirations for girls.

(a) this was way more difficult than i could have ever imagined.  to be completely honest, when i signed up for this i thought i would identify a few things i do that have impact and then easily tell you how and why i do them.  however i could only think of really lame examples and while i could create an entire post explaining how technically 'setting a good example' fit the parameters it felt like totally lame whenever i tried to start writing...especially considering people are constantly doing things that make an actual difference. 

obviously i needed to find out where women like me fit into the equation.  i needed to find my role.  but, before i go any further, i feel i should elaborate, that you should know what i am actually like.  i view myself as a reluctant adult.  i am a single, kid-free, multifaceted woman who is not following a one-track carer path.  i am creative, caring, and conscious.  i am community capacity builder who truly believes that it is her duty to involve, educate, and inspire.  i am a feminist.

these women are my village (part one)

in honor of women's history month i am working on a series of posts about the women in my life who have shared skills and knowledge, given me opportunities, and inspired me.  coincidentally this fits quite nicely with this year's theme: women’s education – women’s empowerment.  i have worked with (or for) many of them while others are friends or family members; some i'm connected to both professionally and personally.  i feel lucky to have encountered these powerful women who give me hope and aspirations.  my intentions and ideals are their collective reflection. 

i am grateful that they allowed me to learn from their experience and absorb their wisdom; without their influence and guidance i truly do not know where i would be.  i have no doubts that this is deeply rooted in their shared ability to encourage me to explore and sometimes test boundaries (to find myself).  because of this i do my best to remember how they have helped to change my perspective and attempt to frequently use the tools they have given me. my actions are their echos.

chef andrea baumgardner (ann arbor miller for mpr news)

to kick start the project i'd like to give a shout out to andrea baumgardner.  last year i had the pleasure of working with her at the green market kitchen.  unfortunately it wasn't very often or for long but i truly enjoyed every minute of it.  the way she operates her kitchen and her demeanor are a refreshing change of pace. she is far and away one of the best chefs i've ever met.

i definitely recommend eating there the next time you go out for dinner; but be sure to make reservations as they have limited seating and are quite popular.  once you taste her food it will immediately become obvious why - it is always impeccable.