WMM~Governor Jennifer M. Granholm

Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has appeared on every political program you can imagine within the last month with the ultimate goal of saving the livelihood of her state. The auto bailout has caused the riff between Republicans and Democrats to widen. And the United Auto Workers are seeing first-hand that they do not have the support of many Americans.

Governor Granholm has continuously been the auto industry's number one cheerleader. Of course she's aware of their misgivings. The Big Three hasn't been as innovative as its foreign counterparts and their overhead expenses are extremely higher, but Granholm knows that the failure of these institutions will have a negative impact not only on Michigan, but also the entire U.S.

Granholm's most recent TV appearance was on Meet the Press where she spoke to new host David Gregory about the automobile industry and its necessity to the U.S. I'm sure these repetitive talking points are getting harder to repeat by the day. I admire Granholm's steadfast commitment to Michigan. And while it's not looking good at the moment I wish her and those with a direct connection to the auto industry good luck.

Women, start making your Moves today!

WMM~Girls for Gender Equity

The title of my blog says it all. Women Making Moves is dedicated to showcasing women and organizations doing positive things for other women. When I began my mission of providing a space to highlight women, I didn't realize the number of organizations who were committed to doing the same. WMM has featured women-focused organizations such as Give 'N Take, the StepUp Women's Network, Girls Write Now and a number of other outstanding groups. This post recognizes Girls for Gender Equity whose mission includes creating opportunities for women and girls to lead self-determined lives. GGE believes that improving the physical, psychological, social and economic environment of women and girls will ensure their lives are successful.

I'm a believer of GGE's mission. I do my part as a mentor for high-school girls throughout the academic school year. The opportunity to positively impact the lives of others is a goal that we should all aspire to accomplish. GGE offers programs that implement health and fitness initiatives, mobilize youth to provide change in their communities and run an urban leadership academy.

It amazes me that so many individuals and organizations what to leave a footprint on women and girls to ensure they lead productive lives. Of course these organizations can not accomplish these goals without the help of volunteers and donors, especially considering these tough economic times. I encourage you to make a donation this holiday season to a program that supports other women. This gift will go farther than any item that can be purchased in a store. If you are interested in donating to the Girls for Gender Equity, visit their website to find out various ways to show your support.

Women, start making your Moves today!

WMM~Ederle Greene

I had the wonderful opportunity to connect with Ederle Greene, founder of Sacred Glo a holistic company that sells candles and bath products. Sacred Glo is dedicated to providing healthy and healing alternatives to relieve stress.

I immediately felt a kinship to Ederle when I found out she's had several strokes. Five years ago, my mother suffered a brain aneurysm that nearly caused her to have a stroke. My mom was blessed, but I certainly remember the hardship my family experienced during that time. Ederle's story and her road to launching Sacred Glo is inspirational. Read below to learn more how she is making moves!

Q: What prompted you to start your own business?
A: I have 20 years tenure in a large financial institution. Over the past few years, I suffered several minor strokes, one of which I had while on the job. When I returned to work after my last stroke my co-workers began to treat me differently due to my disability.

After having a horrible day at work, I went home upset. As I was bathing that evening, I begin crying and praying to God that I could not take working in a negative environment. While laying in bed that night I heard a voice say “make soap.” "Soap?" I thought. "God, you have lost your mind, because I do not know the first thing about making soap!" Two weeks later, while at work, I went into the coffee area and there were three free books on the counter on how to make soap.

I went out to lunch and when I returned, I noticed the books were still there. I went back to my desk and started praying. I said to God, "if those books are for meant for me they will still be there when I leave for the day." Well, they were there. I took the books and read all three of them that night.

Q: How did you become familiar with the art of soap making?

A: I purchased additional books and took soap making classes. Each evening after dinner, I went into my kitchen to stir essential oils, mix fragrances and create lotions, body butters, soap and shampoo. Then I started examining scented candles.

This started as a hobby. It then became a passion and now it's a business. I've always dreamed of owning my own business and now that dream has become a reality. No one would have ever thought that I'd be able to fulfill that dream, especially after experiencing disabilities.

The process of making soap was a stress reliever for me. I started reading the labels on my cosmetics, body lotions, soaps and creams. I also started researching all of the ingredients, mostly chemicals, that the large cosmetic manufacturers are adding to the products we use on a daily basis. I could not believe what I was putting in and on my body. I wanted something natural. I wanted to heal my body and my spirit.

Q: Has it always been your desire to offer holistic beauty products?
A: No, it hasn't. In fact, I was unaware of all of the ingredients that go into the beauty products we use on a daily basis. It was not until I suffered several minor strokes and severe migraines that I began to pay close attention to my health including the products I used.

Q: What was your first job?
A: Almost 30 years ago I was a teenage single mother. I had no choice, but to find work to take care of my family. I worked as a cashier at a restaurant. It was common for fast food restaurants to be robbed and I found myself in a situation where a gun was held to my head. After that occurred, I realized it was time to complete my education and get a better job to support myself and my daughter.

Q: What are you currently reading?
A: The books I've read lately are related to starting and running a business. When things slow down, I will relax and read something for fun.

Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: Woman Art Thou Loosed. It's my favorite movie because I could relate when it was released. At the time, I was going though a bad relationship. The movie helped me realize it was time to get out and it taught me to let go and let God.

Q: What makes you a woman making moves?
A: While holding a full-time job, I started my own business with a revolutionary product, the Sacred Glo lotion candle. I pray that my accomplishments will show other woman, black or white, disabled or not, that "Yes, you can! Yes, you can do whatever you want to do. Yes, you can turn your dream into a reality." In addition, I plan to bring more awareness about Americans with Disabilities and the discrimination we face.

Q: Do you have any advice for women wanting to make their own moves?
A: Don't let fear stand in your way, especially fear of failure. You only fail if you don't try.

Women, start making your Moves today!