About Me:
Hello,
My name is Valerie. I am a teacher and a mother of two sons ages 17 and 20. I am very interested in learning more about issues that affect women throughout the world. I believe that if we improve conditions for women we will indirectly improve them for everyone. The challenges faced by women in my own community and throughout the world have concerned me more and more recently. I wonder what I as one person can do to help other than occasionally give a small donation or offer my prayers. I hope that by being a part of this community I can learn more about what others are doing to be part of the solution. I feel a strong need to be part of something much larger that myself in a truly meaningful way. No one speaks for me. I speak for myself really resonates with me because I believe that this idea goes to the core of understanding so many of the issues that women face every where. Women need a voice and that voice needs to be spoken out loud and in writing. That voice needs to be counted. Having a voice will ultimately empower women to have more of a say in their own lives. I hope this community will educate me on more ways that I can use my voice to speak up for all women. I look forward to becoming involved.

My Passions:
My faith, my family, education, art, womens issues

My Challenges:
Not always knowing what I can do to help, feeling powerless as an individual to affect real change

My Vision for the Future:
A world where women are not victims

My Areas of Expertise:
I am a teacher. I like to write. I am creative.