Calling all of my beautiful women. Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunties, nieces, and the community of girls in our preschools. Today, March 8, is recognised by the United Nations as International Women’s Day. What a wonderful thing to celebrate. All over the world, achievements of women are meant to be celebrated. Don’t get me wrong, women should be celebrated 365 days a year and not just one; but this is a special opportunity to empower women everywhere.
In the spirit of International Women’s Day, I wanted to shine the light on a few women in my world who are doing extraordinary things. I appreciate all the women whose lives I watch and witness and they inspire me.
“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” – Diane Mariechild.
Carly Thomson: Is quite the queen of all trades, and of the pen! She has authored three tween girls faith adventure novels called The Truth Seekers and her enterprises, Pure Heart Ministries and the She Collective help girls to dream, grow and rise up from challenges and find guidance in personal faith journeys. She writes for online blogs, Christian ministries and magazines, and has contributed many women’s devotionals. Oh I am so proud to know such a woman with strength in her heart and in her words. https://www.carlythomson.com
Jane Kennedy: Is beautiful and unstoppable. She is the volunteer Founder and Coordinator of “a Girl & her world“, a grassroots organisation getting girls back to school in the rural Pacific. For three years, she lived in Fiji working for the Fiji Red Cross Society and continues to work with communities in Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste. Never have I seen such a kind heart that is strengthened by watching others fly. I can’t begin to count how many girls lives she has changed and will change.
Jemima Gleeson: Alongside her husband, Ben is a woman following her two loves; people and coffee. Their family-run business, turned Central Coast coffee empire, Glee Coffee is a local meeting place of mine and there is such a welcoming from a community of beautiful faces. And spectacular coffee from the friendly and talented team. Jemima has just this peaceful charisma about her. She is changing the world; one cup of coffee and meaningful conversation with friends and strangers at a time.
Anna Parry-Jones: Anna is indeed one of the greats and has a special place in my heart because she will always be my sweet little girl. I am so proud of the woman she is, the family she is raising and the beauty that exudes from her. She works tirelessly for Little Miracles and her impact is felt throughout our team from management and directors to educators to students. She shapes, encourages and empowers the people in her sphere of influence and she is strong, confident and it is a joy for Rob and I to see her flourish. Anna is pivotal to Little Miracles and what our organisation has become, we wouldn’t be the same without her. We are forever grateful for her love and devotion to others.
Mel Hope: Mel is a young woman full of passion and love for the marginalised. Mel leads a team of people who are inspired by her passion every Wednesday night to feed and care for those in our city who have lost their way and many who have become homeless. Mel loves and cares for these incredible people through the week by supporting them by attending court hearings, medical and other appointments and a host of other things and whilst spending the time she reminds them how valued and loved they are. Her heart is to connect those who have lost their way along the loving path of Jesus.
Katie Kobler: Katie’s world involves talking about the topics always seem uncomfortable. But she is not afraid. With her husband David, Your Choicez is a program that takes Katie into schools around Australia. Speaking in seminars for high schools, designed for boys, girls and combined – they address the hard conversations that need to be talked about in a safe space. Katie’s extensive background in youth work, youth communications and leading young generations allows her to speak with both authority and compassion, paired with honesty and openness. Being a teenager is hard, and the presentations she delivers inspire teachers, students and parents to navigate our crazy world. This education is truly changing lives.
Susan Sohn: Is unlike any other woman I have met. Business powerhouse, mother of three, media guru and always a wise word to inspire and bless me with. Her business GetRealLive is truly a place of building community. She holds retreats that bring rejuvenation and is a time to gather, to connect and to leave empowered to live the life you dream of living. She speaks honestly about family, she educates businesses on marketing through her company SOMO Society and there is little that she cannot do.
“We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave, to embrace the strength within themselves and realize their full potential.”
– Malala Yousafzai.
Today, listen to these words of an empowered brave and incredible young woman – only 20 years old. Be inspired to go and do. To follow that passion, to love your community deeply. Women reading this, you are unique and beautiful and I am truly blessed to be in such a community of world changers.
Much love,
Susanna Bateman #littlemiraclescommunity
