Think of three young women or girls you know.
One from work, one from your family, and one who is the daughter, niece or granddaughter of a close friend.
Now, think about sharing part of your story with them, and then helping them craft a vision of their "future selves" -- a future where there are no insurmountable obstacles.
How would you feel if you knew that you helped these -- and other -- young women and girls expand their sense of what's possible for their futures?
This is what FierceWomenProject is all about.
Hi. I'm J.G. Boccella and I want to introduce myself and welcome you to the first post of FierceWomenProject.
FierceWomenProject is a portrait series and a platform -- online and off -- where diverse women from diverse professions share their stories with young women and girls to inspire them, and help them create a vision of their "future selves".
The three core elements of FWP are: mentoring, leadership development, and "men as allies". Here's the site: FierceWomenProject.com
I'm a dad, husband, son, brother, friend and I'm grateful to the incredible Fierce Women in my life: my wife, mother, two sisters, and dear friends (and also to my 9-year-old daughter and my father) for teaching me how to be a better man.
Three years ago, I painted a portrait of a friend simply because I was inspired to do so. That one painting turned into a portrait series. And that portrait series began to take on a life of its own. I have been following its evolution -- and just trying to keep up -- ever since. Now, three years later, I'm amazed at what that simple creative impulse has become.
The portrait series features accomplished women from many different fields who are doing great work and who are committed to leadership development and mentoring. So far, we have engaged women and organizations in Pittsburgh, Providence, Boston, San Diego, Palm Beach, Chicago and Miami.
YOU'RE INVITED
What's your definition of a Fierce Woman? I invite you to tweet your response with the hashtag #FierceWomenProject
And if you're really feeling ambitious...
Pair up with a friend, grab your smart phones, and interview each other using some or all of the ten FierceWomen questions listed below. Then post your videos on Twitter, Facebook and wherever else you want. Remember, your story and experiences have value, and you never know what young person you could be impacting with your sharing.
The FierceWomen Questions:
What is your definition of a Fierce Woman?
What do you love most about your work and life?
How did you get here?
What advice do you have for young women and girls who are exploring possibilities for their future?
What was one of your biggest professional challenges? How did you meet that challenge?
How did you overcome doubts and fears that you may have had early on in your career/life journey?
What have mentors (formal or informal) meant to you?
What are the best ways men can demonstrate to young women and girls that we believe in an unlimited future for them, and that we believe in, and value women's leadership?
Who was a Fierce Woman (historical, literary, pop-culture, or personal) that really made an impact on you?
What is your vision for the next generation of empowered girls, women's leadership, and men supporting women's leadership?
J.G. BOCCELLA
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