Let's Dream Together

"I raise up my voice, not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard...we cannot succeed when half of us are held back."

―Malala Yousafzai

This past November, I attended the Women's Funding Alliance Luncheon in Seattle, an event I look forward to annually. I'm not only inspired by the program but also by the wonderful women whose presence I enjoy for an afternoon of focus around the empowerment of women and girls.

Two years ago, our speaker was Shiza Shahid - Co-founder of the Malala Fund and a passionate social entrepreneur and women’s rights advocate. I remember hearing Malala's story and realizing that if a young girl can overcome being shot multiple times by the Taliban, survive to share her story, win the Nobel Peace Prize, and continue to stand up for girls' rights to an education, that nothing here in the States could be too daunting for me as a woman.

At this year's luncheon, I had the opportunity to share a table with Gerry Ebalaroza Tunnell, a powerhouse and co-creator of Na Wahine o ka Mana: The Power of Women International Summit. Sometimes, the universe places you in the company of those you hope to meet before you even realize you've wished for them. That's exactly how I felt when meeting Gerry originally and again today.

Gerry's vision for Na Wahine o ka Mana is to bring women from all walks of life under one roof for three days this March, to empower one another and share in each other’s fire in order to shine brighter together. I believe this is exactly what we need in today's climate.

Although we are living in a time of much unease, mistrust and pain, I also believe that we are on the verge of greatness - if we play our cards right. Gerry's concept with Na Wahine o ka Mana is a card in that equation.

By pulling our female energies together for the greater good, rather than compete or expend our energies fighting, we can change the world. This is our tipping point. Today, I accepted a role of co-creator of this fabulous event and I am so excited to be engaged in this worthy cause.

I look forward to the next few months, the event in all it's greatness, and to see where we land next as women and fabulous Goddesses here on earth. Stay tuned while dreaming on your feet. And in the meantime, check out Na Wahine o ka Mana - early bird registration is open through January. I hope to see you there!