1FOR1 WOMEN - A WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP GROUP

Vision:

1for1 Women is a Women's Leadership Group striving to empower, inspire and support women. Our vision is to develop self-worth and self-esteem, to encourage women in the belief that she can rise as high as her belief in herself. To help a woman understand that joy and happiness are always within her reach.

Mission:

1for1 Women will offer unique philanthropic and networking opportunities to a diverse group of women. We will bring women together to learn, be inspired, encourage and support each other.

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” ~Diane Mariechild

The Story:

One day while chatting over some coffee with my friend Carrie(yes, we are both Carrie's... seems I am surrounded this year, I am renaming my journal this year: Year of the Carrie's), we talked about starting a group for women.

We had been a part of several other groups. And those groups are wonderful but I had a yearning to do more. There always seemed to be limitations. Some groups have a catch, some are only open by invitation, another is exclusive to a certain type of person... well you get the idea. And while this group is in a sense 'exclusive' to women, if a man shows up and wants to help empower women, then more power to him, I am not leaving anyone out. It was simple really, we wanted to reach out to women who are leaders in our community while also reaching women who could be inspired to become leaders. And you don't need to feel as if you are stuck in any predetermined label! All women, for women, period. I wanted to attach the principle of '1for1' also, inspiring the women in our group to reach out to another, mentor, empower and nurture the very capable, strong leadership qualities of at least one woman they know (even if the person you decide to mentor doesn't see it in themselves).

"True leaders understand that leadership is not about them but about those they serve. It is not about exalting themselves but about lifting others up." ~Sheri L. Dew

We are making the commitment to change each others lives for the better. Lucky me, I know many women who are already doing just that. Being a mentor is such an honorable and rewarding gift to give someone. I know, I have one (a few actually.. some wonderful men and women who have changed my life for the better) and now I am going to do my best to pay it forward... it's time to mentor, my turn to reach out and give help to those women who work hard to be everyday superheroes, at home, at school, at work, and in their communities. So that is how it all started, just two girls wanting to do more for the women in our community, because honestly, if someone hadn't taken the time to show me that I was worthy, that I was capable, I may not be here now. So lets pay it forward ladies. Lets make a difference and unite in our efforts to improve our own lives and the lives of our fellow woman in every aspect of our journey.