Life oftentimes is about ideas and actions coming full circle.

In 2004 I wrote a chapter in If Women Ruled the World: How to Create the World We Want to Live In – Stories, Ideas, and Inspiration for Change. My chapter called “Female Genital Mutilation Would Cease to Exist” was in the section entitled “The Compassion to Embrace the World”. In the book I wrote alongside extraordinary women like Arianna Huffington, Gayle Brandeis, and Lisa Loeb. Being a part of this book is one of the highlights of my life. Little did I know then that I would be deeply immersed in global issues affecting women and girls today; but the groundwork was laid, the framework had already been set.

Today it is my intention to help solve some of the issues facing those in poverty in developing nations and even here in the United States. For me the best way I know how to lend my voice is to utilize the platforms I have created over the years to spread the word about the issues that matter to me and I am excited and humbled that over 600 women have joined me in this effort to help spread the word about the issues they care about.

This, no doubt, is a long journey. No problem as big as access to clean water and sanitation, world hunger or global disparities in maternal health will go away in a year or two. These journeys are for those who are steadfast and patient, but persistent and determined. I hope you  join me on this journey.