As the organization that created World Leadership Day grows around the world, we will be a major player, bringing the female voice to the conversation for leadership. Participants in Leadership Circles will define leadership and we will be gathering their definitions and publishing them, helping to transform leadership from one of control and competitiveness, to be more inclusive and empowering.

www.WorldLeadershipDay.org

www.UNAPasadena.org

We are the only species on the planet that does not naturally teach girls to defend themselves. Even where it is part of the school curriculum, it is not always taught, e.g. California. Violence against women is global.

There's a book, Beauty Bites Beast, published in English, Spanish and Portuguese. A documentary is being made and the worldwide movement to help bring girl's self defense into the culture is being created. We're not polyanna enough to think we can eradicate violence against women and girls, but we can make a significant impact, and impact the AIDS epidemic by teaching girls in Africa that they can say "No".

For girls and women to be empowered as leaders, they first have to feel safe in their own skin. You can view the Beauty Bites Beast trailer at http://youtube.com . The documentary reveals what happens when women who are workers in a Tijuana factory are empowered by self-defense classes. "Think Globally, Act Locally" and as Ellen says, "There is nothing more local than our bodies!"