I want to use this Women Empowering Women blog to honor strong women among us of all ages who dare to take a chance and make a change in their communities. 

I am starting with Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan, a familiar name to most if not all. Her bravery began as early as 11 amidst gunfire and death in her community, she began chronicling her life in Pakistan in a diary for BBC. A strong advocate for women's education and rights, Malala was not moved by her country's ban on female education but moved full steam ahead with teaching, reading, and educating young girls. Her determination and dedication were so extraordinary she  earned the National Peace Prize in Pakistan in 2011. At the ripe age of 14, Malala was shot in the head by a militant Islamic extremist associated with the Taliban. 

Despite the extremist attempt to end Malala's life she did recover. The doctors were able to successfully remove the bullet from her head. Driven by her need to see equality among women, Malala did not allow this horrific act of hate to chain her to fear. Author and educator Malala is continuing to inspire more young women by working with refugee camps to set up schools. 

I could go on endlessly about Malala's accomplishments, her strength, journey, and determination but what I have learned from her is to live my life with purpose and to not allow fear to deter the greatness that lives inside of me.

I want to use this Women Empowering Women blog to honor strong women among us of all ages who dare to take a chance and make a change in their communities. 

I am starting with Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan, a familiar name to most if not all. Her bravery began as early as 11 amidst gunfire and death in her community, she began chronicling her life in Pakistan in a diary for BBC. A strong advocate for women's education and rights, Malala was not moved by her country's ban on female education but moved full steam ahead with teaching, reading, and educating young girls. Her determination and dedication were so extraordinary she  earned the National Peace Prize in Pakistan in 2011. At the ripe age of 14, Malala was shot in the head by a militant Islamic extremist associated with the Taliban. 

Despite the extremist attempt to end Malala's life she did recover. The doctors were able to successfully remove the bullet from her head. Driven by her need to see equality among women, Malala did not allow this horrific act of hate to chain her to fear. Author and educator Malala is continuing to inspire more young women by working with refugee camps to set up schools. 

I could go on endlessly about Malala's accomplishments, her strength, journey, and determination but what I have learned from her is to live my life with purpose and to not allow fear to deter the greatness that lives inside of me.