The focus of Strong Women, Strong Girls is fostering mutual cycles of empowerment among women and girls of all ages. But after our days of formal education are long over, do we, as women, ever pause to recognize when we are actively being empowered? Do we acknowledge how many forms empowerment may come in – whether it is a connection made through a mentor, a word of encouragement from a coworker, or…the moment of inner peace...

After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you might be thinking, “Wow, I need a break!” If you’re a young girl with a female mentor, you’re in luck! “‘She Gives Me a Break from the World’: Formal Youth Mentoring Relationships Between Adolescent Girls and Adult Women” highlights benefits with which female-youth mentoring relationships provide girls: Real emotional support; Development of new skills and...

When I heard the buzz about the performance of Rihanna and Britney Spears the day following the Billboard Music Awards, I was peeved for a couple of reasons.   And I hadn’t even seen it yet. First of all, there was buzz.  The fact that people were talking about it means that the uninspired formula worked.   The two singers sang the “S&M remix” while gyrating around two stripper poles, holding chains, neither wearing pants,...

Ladies, have you enjoyed the time that you have spent mentoring young girls? Would you like to continue? Your time spent making a difference in a girl’s life does not have to end when you graduate. Join the Big Sister team! We offer one-to-one and group mentoring programs that give you the opportunity to mentor girls near where you work or where you live. The program that fits you will depend on your time, your location, and the type of...

Growing up, my mom and dad realized the effect that parental enthusiasm and support has on children, and only constructively criticized me when it was absolutely necessary. I was never told I wasn’t good enough, that I didn’t do a good job, or that my performance had been disappointing. In fact, it was quite the opposite; I was constantly showered with love, appreciation and applause, perhaps even when it was not quite...