Bursting with Pride for Girlhood and Humankind...

I could burst.  I can't stop smiling and a single tear rolls down my face every now and again.

Seriously, girls of the world are showing off how incredibly AMAZING they are.  TEEN GIRLS.  They receive a lot of flack for being...well, for being teenage and girls.  But today, two amazing teen girls showed the world how incredibly brave, wonderful and powerful teen girl voices can be.

http://www.sfgate.com/news/education/article/Malala-celebrates-16th-birthday-with-UN-address-4661150.php

Today, sixteen year old Malala Yousafzai gave a powerful and poignant speech about a child's right to education.  Surely many teens believe in access to education, but Malala- if you can recall- was shot by the Taliban for going to school.  Instead of hiding in fear, she delivers a beautiful, peaceful and moving speech to the UN.  On her birthday.  The UN declared it Malala Day.

http://www.upworthy.com/if-they-think-they-can-silence-this-female-rapper-just-look-at-what-she-does-to-defy-them?c=mrp1

In the face of death threats, Sosan Firooz, Afghanistan's first female rapper, presses on.  With the support of her father, she continues to rap and perform.  Despite family members disowning her, despite the fear of bodily injury or death, Sosan continues to stand up for herself, for girls and for self-expression.  She wants to help her family and eventually break into the international music scene.

I have never been more proud of teen girls.  Amazing and inspiring young women are the reason I started my own business- a teen girl empowerment magazine.  My heart could literally burst with pride and happiness and hope for the future.

Secondly- unfortunately a friend's mother needs a kidney transplant.  Luckily she found a match, a close friend.   However, even with insurance, the procedure (and medicine and recovery and other expenses) is costly.  My friend, Mitch, is trying to raise money to help cover the costs.  In one night, ONE NIGHT, they raised $8,000. He's so loved, and the world is wonderful for helping him out.  Some friends even made special shirts to sell.