We live in a viral-conditioned/image-obsessed society that continuously sabotages opportunities to promote the ideals of who women are, and have been, based on what is expedient-at-the-moment to assure consumer-engagement and the bottom line of profitability. Even women of influence, no matter how well-intentioned, are caught in the crosshairs of this conundrum. This faulty approach is self-defeating on so many levels, but mainly because: 1) consumer appetite is fickle; 2) effective advocacy and education cannot be reduced to sound-bites or 140 characters; and, 3) the targeted audience who will provide the most support is not being reached…at all.

Real stories about real women who have made and are making a difference must be written, produced, promoted, shared and embraced by women who are committed to challenging and re-defining the platforms we’ve been given. Scary? Perhaps. Stepping out on faith against the status quo usually is, but the results are always worth it.