#BeBoldForChange on International Women’s Day 2017

It's an honor to be born during Women's Herstory Month. The high energy shared this month to advance gender parity is electrifying. Today, March 8 the world unites to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD). Although some of us are unfamiliar with this day of honor, it has been observed since the early 1900's. It is a global day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

This year's theme, #BeBoldForChange urges people to commit to taking action that will truly drive the greatest change for women. The World Economic Forum predicts the gender gap won't close entirely until 2186.Who has time to wait that long? Not me! My future grandchildren might not even be around to enjoy the sweetness of a closed gender gap. Therefore change needs to happen now! "Change" and "Make a difference" sounds catchy but what does that even entail? It all depends on what type of fight are you passionate about. IWD highlights several areas: challenge bias/inequality, campaign against violence, forge women's advancement, celebrate women's achievement, and champion women's education. Education is my fight. Whether it is through being an ambassador for the Malala Fund or leading workshops for women to show them how to embrace their mental health so they can succeed in college.

For International Women's Day I honor my Nana for teaching me the importance of education. My house wasn't a happy place because it reminded me of my struggles, so school has always been a safe haven for me. It was a distraction from my worries. I know I have to do my part because there are more than 62 million girls around the world who are not in school.

Find a fight that resonates with you and dedicate yourself to it. Ways you can get involved: Social Media: use the #BeBoldForChange selfie cards for social media amplification. Volunteer: After you identify the cause you love. Contact organizations who are already doing the work to see how you can help. Share the Knowledge: Tweet a link to this blog post. Tell a friend about International Women's Day. Now that you know, it's time to share the information with others. Visuals are Queen: Indulge in these awesome videos from organizations who make women's rights a priority.

Now Tell Me What's On Your Mind: Which cause speaks to you the most? Let me know in the comment section below!

#BeSureSundays- Women's Rights

Happy International Women's Day! This observance dates back to 1911 and ever since has sparked economic, political, and social action on a global scale. The theme for this year is "Make It Happen"; which highlights the achievements of women while simultaneously serving as a call for greater equality. So obviously, it was a no-brainer that I had to highlight it for #BeSureSundays. The whole premise behind #BeSureSundays is to use Sunday as an opportunity to gear up for the week ahead by meditating and making sure we know what we are capable of. The YouTube spotlight campaign "#DearMe" made it evident that the discussion among women is that we aren't sure of ourselves. The videos were an opportunity for women to give their younger selves some advice. Many women explained doubting themselves, worrying too much, hating their bodies, being afraid to be themselves are consistent issues... I pray that one day we have a generation of girls who don't harvest any of those insecurities.

In 1995 at the Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Hillary Rodham Clinton stated our featured quote for this week. After 20 years this statement still seems to be debated by our society especially when we look at violence against women, insufficient  amounts of women in leadership roles, and the lack of accommodations for pregnant/working mothers.

Today please join me in celebrating women all over the world making strides and still fighting the battle. They are surely living the motto, "Don't Die Afraid."

Who are some inspirational women in your life? How do you show appreciation for these women?