Raising a Powerful Girl

Our guest today is Sheri West. Sheri has over 20 years of executive finance and leadership development experience. Her education includes a BA Finance and Masters of Human Resources and Leadership Development from Michigan State University. Ms. West spent 15 years as a finance executive at General Electric Co.,where she was actively involved in the GE Women’s Network as a mentor. Four years ago, she founded LiveGirl to “pay it forward” and prepare the next generation of female leaders. Research shows that girls are twice as depressed, anxious and stressed out as boys. 7 out of 10 girls feel that they are not enough or don’t measure up in some way, no matter how many achievements they rack up. In the so-called age of girl power, girls are still trying to fit a perfect mold of pleasing others and looking sexy. They are striving for unattainable perfection and avoiding risks. LiveGirl has shown sheri how vulnerable today’s girls are as they face adolescent pressures magnified by social media and role overload. LiveGirl’s mission is to empower girls through year-round leadership development and mentorship. Their programs build social emotional intelligence and self-esteem which equip girls to have a positive impact on the world. Specifically, they focus on surrounding their girls with a positive community. They teach girls how to cultivate healthy and positive relationships. They teach them NOT to compare themselves to others, but rather to embrace their quirky, original selves. Live Girl also surrounds girls with positive role models. Their professional mentors  lead our 10-week after school mentoring groups + they feature accomplished female professionals at all of our leadership summits and summer camp. These role models help  girls explore what’s possible and discover their best selves. 

Our guest today is Sheri West. Sheri has over 20 years of executive finance and leadership development experience. Her education includes a BA Finance and Masters of Human Resources and Leadership Development from Michigan State University. Ms. West spent 15 years as a finance executive at General Electric Co.,where she was actively involved in the GE Women’s Network as a mentor. Four years ago, she founded LiveGirl to “pay it forward” and prepare the next generation of female leaders. Research shows that girls are twice as depressed, anxious and stressed out as boys. 7 out of 10 girls feel that they are not enough or don’t measure up in some way, no matter how many achievements they rack up. In the so-called age of girl power, girls are still trying to fit a perfect mold of pleasing others and looking sexy. They are striving for unattainable perfection and avoiding risks. LiveGirl has shown sheri how vulnerable today’s girls are as they face adolescent pressures magnified by social media and role overload. LiveGirl’s mission is to empower girls through year-round leadership development and mentorship. Their programs build social emotional intelligence and self-esteem which equip girls to have a positive impact on the world. Specifically, they focus on surrounding their girls with a positive community. They teach girls how to cultivate healthy and positive relationships. They teach them NOT to compare themselves to others, but rather to embrace their quirky, original selves. Live Girl also surrounds girls with positive role models. Their professional mentors  lead our 10-week after school mentoring groups + they feature accomplished female professionals at all of our leadership summits and summer camp. These role models help  girls explore what’s possible and discover their best selves. 

Our guest today is Cat Stack. Cat grew up in Long Island, New York and moved to Portland in 1994.  She is a single mom of 2 kids, who are 20 and 17.  After majoring in Spanish at Arizona State University, she became a flight attendant and had a 21 year career, with Pan Am and then Delta.  IN 2009, unnemployed and divorced, Cat moved through several career changes until finally realizing her dream of becoming a life coach.  She brings 9 years experience volunteering with a personal growth workshop and a training as a CoActive coach to her business.Through the many challenges of life as a single parent Cat discovered her gift for finding her way in times of crisis.  No matter what happened or how difficult the situation, she always finds clarity and a way through the chaos.  Cat has a passion of working with the parents of suicidal teens, knowing firsthand how great the need is.  Parenting teens is tough.  Through her coaching Cat helps parents find their power and inner strength to be the solid, loving parent their teen needs during the most difficult of times.

Our guest today is Cat Stack. Cat grew up in Long Island, New York and moved to Portland in 1994.  She is a single mom of 2 kids, who are 20 and 17.  After majoring in Spanish at Arizona State University, she became a flight attendant and had a 21 year career, with Pan Am and then Delta.  IN 2009, unnemployed and divorced, Cat moved through several career changes until finally realizing her dream of becoming a life coach.  She brings 9 years experience volunteering with a personal growth workshop and a training as a CoActive coach to her business.Through the many challenges of life as a single parent Cat discovered her gift for finding her way in times of crisis.  No matter what happened or how difficult the situation, she always finds clarity and a way through the chaos.  Cat has a passion of working with the parents of suicidal teens, knowing firsthand how great the need is.  Parenting teens is tough.  Through her coaching Cat helps parents find their power and inner strength to be the solid, loving parent their teen needs during the most difficult of times.

Molly Wills is an entrepreneur at heart with a passion towards the arts, fashion, travel and, most of all, empowering and mentoring girls. She founded The Waverly Project in 2012 after being inspired by many female mentors in her life that helped realize her own creative passions. The Waverly Project connects young girls and women through creative projects and experiences called “Tours” with a mission to empower girls to find their passions, build confidence and think globally.The Waverly Tours are designed by Wills for elementary school girls to high school age girls. Each Tour is led by Molly or another female role model that shares her story on topics ranging from business, culture, cuisine to fashion and leads the girls in a creative project that inspires and educates. Each girl must sign a code of kindness that Molly has created to foster a positive and respectful community.Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Wills has established new roots in Greenwich, CT where she currently resides. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, Molly started her career in art and fashion, with two years at the Polo Ralph Lauren Fashion House. Molly’s passion for travel and service led her to work closely with organizations such as Eschool 4 girls in New York City, South African Orphanage and Empowers Africa Foundation, all of whom she still supports today with her Waverly girls.The Waverly project is based inGreenwich, CT in addition to travel tours that take place at local businesses and studios. Waverly has hosted pop-up tours in New York City, London and South Africa with plans to expand to other cities.Wills also founded The Waverly Foundation to provide resources and support for girls around the world. Waverly raises money to provide Waverly Tours to girls in underserved communities as well as for orphan girls in Africa and other parts of the world.

Molly Wills is an entrepreneur at heart with a passion towards the arts, fashion, travel and, most of all, empowering and mentoring girls. She founded The Waverly Project in 2012 after being inspired by many female mentors in her life that helped realize her own creative passions. The Waverly Project connects young girls and women through creative projects and experiences called “Tours” with a mission to empower girls to find their passions, build confidence and think globally.The Waverly Tours are designed by Wills for elementary school girls to high school age girls. Each Tour is led by Molly or another female role model that shares her story on topics ranging from business, culture, cuisine to fashion and leads the girls in a creative project that inspires and educates. Each girl must sign a code of kindness that Molly has created to foster a positive and respectful community.Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Wills has established new roots in Greenwich, CT where she currently resides. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, Molly started her career in art and fashion, with two years at the Polo Ralph Lauren Fashion House. Molly’s passion for travel and service led her to work closely with organizations such as Eschool 4 girls in New York City, South African Orphanage and Empowers Africa Foundation, all of whom she still supports today with her Waverly girls.The Waverly project is based inGreenwich, CT in addition to travel tours that take place at local businesses and studios. Waverly has hosted pop-up tours in New York City, London and South Africa with plans to expand to other cities.Wills also founded The Waverly Foundation to provide resources and support for girls around the world. Waverly raises money to provide Waverly Tours to girls in underserved communities as well as for orphan girls in Africa and other parts of the world.

My Guest today is Ellen Schaeffer,. Ellen is an artist with a background in theater design and community arts development. She launched Persistent Sisters, which produces women's history trading cards, in 2017. The mother of a 12 year old daughter, Schaeffer could not find many women-centered products for middle age school girls. Putting her project development and artistic skills together, she completed a successful Kickstarter campaign in November and produced the first series of trading cards, with three new sets on the way this spring. With a broad library of accomplished women spanning the fields of science, exploration, writing, mathematics, art and more, Schaeffer hopes that Persistent Sisters trading cards will inspire all girls to find their passion and make it a reality. They CAN be what they CAN see!

My Guest today is Ellen Schaeffer,. Ellen is an artist with a background in theater design and community arts development. She launched Persistent Sisters, which produces women's history trading cards, in 2017. The mother of a 12 year old daughter, Schaeffer could not find many women-centered products for middle age school girls. Putting her project development and artistic skills together, she completed a successful Kickstarter campaign in November and produced the first series of trading cards, with three new sets on the way this spring. With a broad library of accomplished women spanning the fields of science, exploration, writing, mathematics, art and more, Schaeffer hopes that Persistent Sisters trading cards will inspire all girls to find their passion and make it a reality. They CAN be what they CAN see!

Music Therapy is a highly accessible medium for active, goal-oriented engagement in a fun and empowering way. Music therapy activities led by a board-certified music therapist provide children with opportunities to practice non-music-related skills in all developmental areas, including cognitive, motor, communication and language, social, behavioral, psychosocial, and emotional areas - regardless of musical skill or experience. Research-based music interventions are designed and implemented by music therapists to target individualized goals while simultaneously providing opportunities to practice leadership skills, foster independence, improve relationships, and allowing for freedom of expression in individual and group settings. Music is relatable, in some way, to all people regardless of age or ability and is a part of every culture; therefore, engaging in music therapy through singing, moving, listening, and/or playing instruments is an accessible and adaptable medium through which girls can become empowered. My Guest today is Eric Ervast. Eric  is a board certified music therapist and he received his bachelor's and master's degrees in music therapy from Florida State University. He completed his internship at University of Kentucky HealthCare and has a background in primarily medical and pediatric music therapy with a variety of additional clinical experience. Prior to joining the Tampa Bay Institute for Music Therapy in May of 2017, he provided music therapy services to patients at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and to individuals and groups in the Tallahassee Community. Eric has a passion for working with infants and children in a variety of settings, and is an active member of the American Music Therapy Association.

Music Therapy is a highly accessible medium for active, goal-oriented engagement in a fun and empowering way. Music therapy activities led by a board-certified music therapist provide children with opportunities to practice non-music-related skills in all developmental areas, including cognitive, motor, communication and language, social, behavioral, psychosocial, and emotional areas - regardless of musical skill or experience. Research-based music interventions are designed and implemented by music therapists to target individualized goals while simultaneously providing opportunities to practice leadership skills, foster independence, improve relationships, and allowing for freedom of expression in individual and group settings. Music is relatable, in some way, to all people regardless of age or ability and is a part of every culture; therefore, engaging in music therapy through singing, moving, listening, and/or playing instruments is an accessible and adaptable medium through which girls can become empowered. My Guest today is Eric Ervast. Eric  is a board certified music therapist and he received his bachelor's and master's degrees in music therapy from Florida State University. He completed his internship at University of Kentucky HealthCare and has a background in primarily medical and pediatric music therapy with a variety of additional clinical experience. Prior to joining the Tampa Bay Institute for Music Therapy in May of 2017, he provided music therapy services to patients at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and to individuals and groups in the Tallahassee Community. Eric has a passion for working with infants and children in a variety of settings, and is an active member of the American Music Therapy Association.

 Hadley Pollet is a contemporary American designer from New Canaan, Connecticut  known for her timeless accessories that inspire kind, powerful women to shine strong.Hadley’s signature belt designs sprung from inspiration while at Rhode Island School of Design. Her unique style caught the eyes of many when she wore a belt made of vintage ribbon and a buckle out to a birthday party in Boston where several people asked where she got the belt. Since then, her line has exploded with extensive press coverage, and exposure in high end stores worldwide, quickly  growing from just belts into a lifestyle brand including handbags, jewelry and homegoods made with Hadley’s copyrighted textile designs.Her inspiration for not only her business, but also her business's purpose was discovered after 9/11. Hadley felt propelled to channel the chaos going on politically, economically, and socially into something positive and uplifting. After several years of working in marketing and public relations for textile and fashion companies, in January 2002 Hadley Pollet launched her own line belts made with copyrighted textiles that conveyed hope and happiness.  Hadley and her signature designs inspire women to radiate the power of kindness despite the ongoing negativity in our world. She prides herself for creating a brand that represents self expression, empowerment, and confidence by igniting an emotional desire for women to feel spiritually uplifted when dressing. Her brand is known to deliver women the ability to express themselves wholeheartedly, whether someone is a hippie, downright preppy or both. Her hope is that every day, women wake up and dress as the best form of their spiritual selves, expressing themselves brightly.Hadley Pollet is dedicated to aiding and inspiring young women to be future leaders of the world. 

 Hadley Pollet is a contemporary American designer from New Canaan, Connecticut  known for her timeless accessories that inspire kind, powerful women to shine strong.Hadley’s signature belt designs sprung from inspiration while at Rhode Island School of Design. Her unique style caught the eyes of many when she wore a belt made of vintage ribbon and a buckle out to a birthday party in Boston where several people asked where she got the belt. Since then, her line has exploded with extensive press coverage, and exposure in high end stores worldwide, quickly  growing from just belts into a lifestyle brand including handbags, jewelry and homegoods made with Hadley’s copyrighted textile designs.Her inspiration for not only her business, but also her business's purpose was discovered after 9/11. Hadley felt propelled to channel the chaos going on politically, economically, and socially into something positive and uplifting. After several years of working in marketing and public relations for textile and fashion companies, in January 2002 Hadley Pollet launched her own line belts made with copyrighted textiles that conveyed hope and happiness.  Hadley and her signature designs inspire women to radiate the power of kindness despite the ongoing negativity in our world. She prides herself for creating a brand that represents self expression, empowerment, and confidence by igniting an emotional desire for women to feel spiritually uplifted when dressing. Her brand is known to deliver women the ability to express themselves wholeheartedly, whether someone is a hippie, downright preppy or both. Her hope is that every day, women wake up and dress as the best form of their spiritual selves, expressing themselves brightly.Hadley Pollet is dedicated to aiding and inspiring young women to be future leaders of the world. 

Here is the scary reality. Most girls do not want to be leaders.RESEARCH INDICATES MOST GIRLS DEFINE LEADERSHIP AND BRAVERY AS SOMETHING ‘HEROIC.’ IN FACT, ONLY 1/3 OF MIDDLE-SCHOOL GIRLS TODAY BELIEVE THEY CAN BE A LEADER.THE NUMBERS GO DOWN AS THEY GET OLDER.  UNFORTUNATELY, THE DATA PROVES GIRLS HAVE AN UPHILL BATTLE. RESEARCH PROVES:-Girls pride themselves on perfectionism and, therefore, avoid taking risks that could help them grow. -They hate conflict, so they do not end up practicing self-advocacy or communicating during difficult conversations. -To avoid being labeled "bossy" they turn away from leadership roles.ON TOP OF THESE INTERNAL ROADBLOCKS, GIRLS FEEL SOCIETY'S TRIPLE BIND:-Be confident, but not conceited-Be smart, but no one likes a know-it-all-Ambition is good, but trying too hard is bad-Be assertive, but only if it does not upset anyone else.My Guest today is Laura Clydesdale Her goal is to shed light on these issues that affect girls so heavily. Of course, helping her daughter navigate these tough issues is her top priority, but by chronicling their journey, she  also strives to help other girls along the way.Laura writes, her daughter approves, they post.  She is the bravest person she knows. 

Here is the scary reality. Most girls do not want to be leaders.RESEARCH INDICATES MOST GIRLS DEFINE LEADERSHIP AND BRAVERY AS SOMETHING ‘HEROIC.’ IN FACT, ONLY 1/3 OF MIDDLE-SCHOOL GIRLS TODAY BELIEVE THEY CAN BE A LEADER.THE NUMBERS GO DOWN AS THEY GET OLDER.  UNFORTUNATELY, THE DATA PROVES GIRLS HAVE AN UPHILL BATTLE. RESEARCH PROVES:-Girls pride themselves on perfectionism and, therefore, avoid taking risks that could help them grow. -They hate conflict, so they do not end up practicing self-advocacy or communicating during difficult conversations. -To avoid being labeled "bossy" they turn away from leadership roles.ON TOP OF THESE INTERNAL ROADBLOCKS, GIRLS FEEL SOCIETY'S TRIPLE BIND:-Be confident, but not conceited-Be smart, but no one likes a know-it-all-Ambition is good, but trying too hard is bad-Be assertive, but only if it does not upset anyone else.My Guest today is Laura Clydesdale Her goal is to shed light on these issues that affect girls so heavily. Of course, helping her daughter navigate these tough issues is her top priority, but by chronicling their journey, she  also strives to help other girls along the way.Laura writes, her daughter approves, they post.  She is the bravest person she knows. 

We live in a media-centric world where popular culture tries to dictate the norms in values, beliefs, and body image.  A distorted picture of your body and negative body image contribute to low self-esteem, depression, obsession with weight loss, and risk of eating disorders.  According to Research “girls become increasingly aware their appearances are a barometer of their self-worth in our media-intense culture.” We need to teach girls how to reject toxic media messages and how to listen to their inner wisdom when it comes to eating, moving, stress, and their overall well-being.  Powerful girls practice self-care and experience confidence, resilience, happiness, fulfillment, and they are better able to lead others in a positive direction.My Guest today is Camille Kennard. Camille  is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Health and Wellness Coach and refers to herself as a “Self-Care Specialist.”  After spending over ten years working in healthcare and witnessing the general impact of mental and physical illness, she began her own coaching and counseling practice to promote health, “Flourish Wellness Consulting.” Camille’s work is to help people Flourish “to grow or develop in a healthy way, as a result of a favorable environment.” Camille’s empowers people to overcome mental and physical obstacles to making their health a priority. Camille believes that well-being begins in the mind.