Latest news with #selfadvocacy
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Women Need To Talk Openly About Money
For women, talking about money has been long considered taboo. For generations we've been told that it's rude to discuss income, investments, or net worth and that wanting to make money and build wealth is greedy. But silencing these discussions come at a cost. Without open and honest conversations about money, women miss out on learning the strategies, opportunities, and confidence needed to build lasting wealth. It's time to change the narrative around women talking about wealth. When women speak about wealth it isn't bragging, it's a powerful act of self-advocacy and self-care that can help close the gender gap on wealth and create financial freedom for generations to come. The Cost of Silence Around Money The old 'nice girls don't talk about money' mantra has left a lingering negative effect around ambition and wealth for women. While men are often praised for being financially driven, women can still be judged as greedy or self-serving for expressing the same goals and desires. This conditioning has kept too many women quiet about their financial goals, earnings, and financial wins. This silence comes with a high price. When women avoid talking about money it leaves a void of knowledge about key financial concepts such as investing, negotiating, and building wealth and leaves us without knowing what is possible for our finances. Without transparency, the gender pay gap and funding gap for women entrepreneurs persist, leaving women without the knowledge to close them. In the absence of these conversations, financial literacy suffers along with the progress toward economic equality. Why Talking About Money is a Power Move Talking about money is a strategic move that equips women with the knowledge, confidence, and mindset needed to build wealth. Here are some reasons why talking about money is a power move for women: Having real conversations unlock a wealth of practical knowledge. By learning financial literacy skills from others about their wins and mistakes, women can bypass costly trial and error and make informed decisions faster. It's important to have these conversations to accelerate our path to wealth. It's time to break the shame cycle and start talking about money. Wealth is about choice, security, and the ability to create meaningful impact. When women use money as a tool for freedom and influence, they step into their power and open doors for others to do the same. This means learning that true wealth comes from creating assets that grow in value over time. Instead of focusing on short-term gains, women can build businesses, investments, and property that generate ongoing returns. How to Start Talking About Wealth (Without Awkwardness) The bottom line is that when women talk openly about money, they break down barriers, challenge outdated norms, and create empowerment. These conversations spark learning, build confidence, and inspire action. The more we share, the faster we close wealth gaps and create a future where wealthy women are the norm.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
How Parental Advocacy Shapes The Next Generation Of Leaders
Developing the courage to advocate for yourself begins in childhood, as you observe how your parents show up for you. It starts in the school principal's office or a crowded hospital waiting room. A parent leans forward, asks the hard questions and refuses to accept 'that's just the way it is.' In that moment, the child beside them isn't just being defended; they're watching a masterclass in leadership. Advocating for your children, especially if they are experiencing a medical condition, teaches self-advocacy. It shows them how to be confident and not accept the status quo. 'When a child witnesses a parent advocating on their behalf, whether in medical, educational or social settings, they're not only being protected, they're also being mirrored a model of personal agency,' states psychotherapist Victoria Grinman, Ph.D., LCSW-R, founder of Growing Kind Minds. They experience what it feels like to be seen, heard and valued, which lays a foundation for internalizing their own sense of worth and capability.' But it's not just that a parent advocates; the real value is in the 'how' they do it. Dr. Grinman continues to explain, 'Children are highly attuned to the method, tone and emotional regulation of their caregivers. When advocacy is assertive yet respectful, grounded in empathy and strategic communication, children learn that they too can be agents of change, not just the recipients of it.' This modeling enhances a child's belief that their actions can influence outcomes, which is the core of self-efficacy. Championing Your Child Julia Dennison, digital director of Woman's World magazine, understands the importance a parent plays in building their child's self-confidence. For her, advocacy began when she noticed that her daughter, Esme, was finding certain aspects of school more challenging and required tailored resources. 'Being a woman,' she comments, 'you spend a lot of your life having experiences where you find yourself thinking one thing, and then either the medical establishment or society tells you that that thing is not true. When it's just you, it's easier, in a way, to let things go. But when you have a child and things don't sit right with you, there's this Mama Bear instinct that kicks in, where you're compelled to advocate for yourself and your child. All of a sudden, you realize it's not just for you.' Dennison took all the necessary steps to make sure her daughter was supported in the classroom. When that didn't work, she switched her approach. First, she ensured her daughter understood what identifying her needs entailed and then showed her how to ask for what she needed. Dennison sought additional guidance from outside experts and continues to push for the right school and resources so her daughter can thrive without feeling different in an institution that normalizes mundane structure. 'I want to teach [Esme] to have confidence, but then the ability to ask questions and challenge things,' Dennison shares. 'If my daughter grows up knowing how to advocate for herself, having the education, or having knowledge of herself and what supports she needs to succeed in the world, and then the ability to ask for that support, that is a win. She'll be able to go out into the world trusting herself and helping others.' Dr. Grinman says children in such households often internalize problem-solving and coping patterns they later apply in leadership roles. 'They also learn emotional regulation, negotiation skills and how to remain regulated in the face of resistance and conflict,' she says. From Survival Mode To Strategic Mindset Nicoletta Sozansky, founder of Healthcare Refined and Clinika, had an even higher-stakes introduction to advocacy. At her 20-week ultrasound, she learned her unborn daughter, Aspen, had Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, a life-threatening birth defect. With no local guidance, she had to find a medical team that could save her baby's life. That search led her to Johns Hopkins in Florida. Sozansky remembers the moment after Aspen's diagnosis as 'survival mode.' She spent nights combing through medical journals and connecting with other parents online. For 20 weeks, she prepared for the moment her daughter would be born straight to life support. That urgency, she says, taught her the importance of preparation, a lesson she now carries into her work. 'Leadership is not only about doing easy things and flashy things,' she explains. 'It's about doing this hard work and dealing with life emergencies, where you have to also fight for your funds, because you have to pay your mortgage at home, and you have to pay for your stay in St. Petersburg, which is super expensive, and you have to feed your kids over there. You have to find a new childcare for them, and then you have a baby on life support.' She learned that the little things, like how to apply for grants or ask for help, add up to the bigger picture. 'Learning how to fight in those really difficult situations helps others feel that they can do it too,' she explains. Sozansky's daughter turns four in a few days and has already witnessed her mother advocating for her through regular check-ups and helping other mothers who are facing the same situation. Sozansky's advocacy didn't just secure Aspen's life-saving care. It also shaped her daughter's relationship with healthcare providers. 'She's developing trust in her doctors at this young age,' she smiles. 'She knows that they will solve her issue. And I want to keep it up that way.' That trust, Dr. Grinman notes, is an early lesson in building supportive networks. The Risk Of Over-Advocacy While advocacy can equip children with confidence and skills, Dr. Grinman cautions against over-functioning. When parents remain the spokesperson long after a child is developmentally ready to speak for themselves, they risk stunting autonomy. 'As the child grows, the parent's role ideally shifts from advocate and doer to encourager,' she says. Without this shift, children may internalize the belief that they cannot navigate challenges on their own. Turning Everyday Moments Into Leadership Lessons Advocacy is about shaping tomorrow's leaders. These four habits help transform everyday interactions into lifelong skills: These moments—often exhausting in real time—yield adults who are not only confident in their own voices but also skilled at elevating others. That may be the ultimate measure of leadership.
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Nufer: The importance of children's mental health
Summer has come to an end and families are now focused on the upcoming school year. Our children may experience some anxiety as the new school year approaches. They will encounter new teachers, new classmates, or maybe a new school. They will make new friends and reconnect with old ones. While there may be a lot of excitement, they may face challenges they have never experienced before and it can be a very unsettling time for them. Establishing healthy relationships and learning effective conflict resolution is vital for a productive school year and it is never too early to teach our children how to speak up or advocate for themselves. (Advocacy is taking responsibility for communicating one's needs and desires in a straightforward manner.) Communicating your needs and wishes can be unsettling and listening to the opinions of others, especially when their opinions differ from yours, can be a real challenge. Like many other important life skills, self-advocacy is a critical tool our children need in order to achieve goals in their lives. Self-sufficiency develops self-respect and helps to become a healthy, productive young adult. It is a lifelong process that begins with them learning by watching you, as a parent, be a good advocate and a parent can be their best advocate when needed. Parents can teach their children to be good advocates by: Being a good role model and talking about your own feelings without expressing anger or violence. Use positive problem-solving skills. Encourage your child's talents and skills, while also accepting their limitations. Celebrate your child's accomplishments. Give your child opportunities to learn and grow, including being involved in their school and community with other caring adults and friends. Set clear expectations and be consistent and fair with consequences for misbehavior. Make sure to acknowledge both positive and negative behaviors. Take the initiative to help your children if you notice they are struggling with life. Children may need extra support at times. If there is concern that your child may be experiencing a mental health problem, it is important for parents to immediately seek help from a doctor or licensed mental health professional. Caring for your child's mental health is just as vital as caring for their physical health. Pay attention to warning signs, and if you're concerned there might be a problem, seek professional help. Let your child know that everyone experiences pain, fear, sadness, worry and anger, and that these emotions are normal. Warning signs should be taken seriously. Consider consulting a professional if your child: Feels very sad or hopeless Feels overly anxious, scared, or worried. Feels irritable or is excessively angry. Begins using drugs/alcohol Wants to be alone all of the time or talks about suicide or death or hurting other people, or animals. Has major changes in eating or sleep habits Loses interest in friends or things usually enjoyed. Grades have declined Life can become overwhelming at times for our children, just as it can for us. Caring, loving support can save a young life and help children to live healthy, happy lives. More from Betty Nufer: Nufer: Happy is as happy does Betty Nufer is a community advocate and cheerleader for those who need support getting through the rough times in life. She can be reached at 72bettynufer@ This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Nufer: The importance of children's mental health Solve the daily Crossword
Associated Press
25-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Pink Stork Honors Emma Marine With First-Ever Fightback Award: A Bold Tribute to Women
From survival to self-advocacy, Pink Stork calls on women everywhere to reclaim their fight, no matter where they are. SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL / ACCESS Newswire / July 25, 2025 / Pink Stork, a women-owned wellness company, has announced its first-ever Fightback Award, honoring Emma Marine, an 18-year-old who made national headlines after fighting off an attempted kidnapping. But this award isn't just about what Emma survived, it's about what she Stork | The Wellness Brand for Women Emma's story began in a Florida smoke shop, where she was violently attacked and dragged by an assailant attempting to kidnap her. Instead of freezing or surrendering, she screamed, kicked, and refused to be taken. She fought back and the world noticed. But what's even more powerful is what Emma did next: she spoke up, shared her story, and challenged the silence so many women are forced to sit in. 'Emma reminded us that fighting back doesn't only happen in moments of crisis,' said Amy Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork. 'It happens in doctor's offices, classrooms, boardrooms, and quiet conversations where women are told to stay small. Emma fought for her life, but she's also inspired us to fight for ours.' The Fightback Award was created not as a recurring campaign, but as a statement, a recognition of the women who choose resistance over resignation. Emma's message is one Pink Stork believes every woman needs to hear: 'You always fight back.' Emma said in a now-viral interview. Whether it's advocating for your health, speaking up in a room where you've been ignored, or breaking generational silence, fighting back is not always loud, but it is always brave. Emma's courage became the catalyst for something bigger at Pink Stork: a renewed commitment to standing behind women in all stages of life, not just through wellness products, but by amplifying voices that challenge the norm. 'This isn't just Emma's story,' said Upchurch. 'It's a wake-up call. There's a generation of women who are done being quiet. Emma showed us what it looks like to fight. We're listening and we're joining her.' Pink Stork is proud to walk alongside Emma as she continues sharing her message. Her story is no longer just about survival, it's a rallying cry for women everywhere to trust themselves, speak up, and reclaim their power. To learn more about the Fightback Award and Emma's journey, visit or follow @pinkstork on social media. About Pink Stork: Founded by Amy Upchurch, Pink Stork is a women-owned wellness company committed to supporting women through every stage of life. From fertility to postpartum and beyond into menopause, Pink Stork delivers clean, effective products and proudly stands with women who fight for their bodies, minds, and spirit. Contact Information Alexa Singh PR Manager [email protected] (904) 263-8334 SOURCE: Pink Stork press release
Forbes
24-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
Master The Art Of Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy starts by cultivating a shock-absorbent, insulated core, where your worth, values, and strengths are kept as safe and unshakable as possible. Self-advocacy starts by cultivating a shock-absorbent, insulated core, where your worth, values, and strengths are kept as safe and unshakable as possible. This requires understanding related facets of yourself, such as what you're willing to sacrifice and what's non-negotiable. Reflecting on what you want to achieve in five years may bring helpful clarity to the process. Self-advocacy calls for owning your story and life experiences, including the fruits of your labor and the consequences of your actions. Store these in your shock-absorbent, insulated core, as well. Expose them to others when it's your choice and strategically appropriate. I'll never tell you this process is easy, but I will insist it's worth it. It's especially important for women and anyone from other underrepresented groups. The spaces where we must campaign hardest for ourselves, such as the workplace, were not planned with us in mind—proof that we're needed there. But the workplace can be confusing. People seem to speak in code you're not meant to understand, or play games without clear rules. Sometimes it's like being back in grade school, where cliques embrace some and shun others. Sometimes, it's like you're in Oz. Imposter Syndrome One of the biggest obstacles between a person and success is imposter syndrome, whispering that you're a fake, that promotions, merit raises, and commendations you've received were flukes, or that you're conning everyone and can't get away with it forever. It's self-sabotage that's hard to fight because the only one who hears that voice is you. Starting out, I coped with imposter syndrome. It was hard internalizing that I was qualified to contribute my ideas and warranted in pushing back when I saw a need. Finally, it hit me: Feeling like an imposter had nothing to do with me; it was about organizational structures built with no intention of someone like me ever being there. These were places designed for other people's success, where I would have to work much harder for the same or even lesser opportunities. Once I viewed reality through this clearer, more powerful lens, I realized my voice was needed to improve that space for everyone. Mentors and Sponsors A mentor providing straightforward advice or feedback can help you build confidence, identify your values, and set boundaries. Some companies have employee resource groups (ERGs), which can be sources of mentoring, and some will help match you with a mentor. If a mentor sounds like a good idea, and there's no mentoring program at work, look around for someone you respect who has achieved the level of success you seek and understands the system. Suggest to human resources that a group be established, and consider volunteering for its steering committee. Sponsors are another option. Sponsors are typically connected to corporate leadership development efforts and advocate for employees. A sponsor speaks to higher-ups on your behalf - people whose attention you might not have gotten on your own. Ask your human resources department if sponsorships are available in your organization. Speak Up and Write Up Self-advocacy requires you to know not only your worth, needs, and wants but also your rights and to communicate those things clearly. Be prepared to talk about yourself, including the value you bring, especially if an opportunity arises to speak with a higher-up. Keep your resume updated. Give serious consideration to any opportunities for advancement, comparing them to your skills, experience, and career goals. Don't expect to meet every item on the job posting's preferred qualifications list, and if your gut tells you the job's a fit, dive deeper. Learn interviewing and compensation negotiation. When interviewing, emphasizing your value is—again—key. If your employer or a prospective employer extends an offer, remember that your value should be reflected in your compensation. Do your homework, know what you should be paid at your level and with your skills, and prepare to discuss it unapologetically when the time comes. Role-play with a mentor or friend until you can self-advocate more confidently, and remember that we don't always get everything we want. Don't take it personally if an interview or salary negotiation doesn't pay off as hoped, but make sure there was no violation of your rights. Examine all aspects if something about a job or the compensation is more than slightly off the norm. It's all self-advocacy, it's a life skill, and you can do it.
