Burju Perez "Creator of Burju Shoes"

AMP3 PR was the official PR agency for the launch of Burju Shoes, a new line created by professional salsa dancer Burju Perez. One of my favorite Twitter connections, @AlyAMP3 coordinated the festivities. The creation of Burju Shoes wasn't a fly-by-night idea. After years of dancing, designer Burju was determined to find an attractive shoe that was also comfortable. She loved the comfort of her performance shoes and the look of her street shoes. No longer wanting to wait for the perfect shoe to find its way to the market, Burju created her own line.

The launch, held at the Nest Lounge in NYC, featured two floors of beautiful models showcasing the shoe line. While only women were on hand wearing Burju Shoes, the company offers over 50 styles of shoes, which also feature items for men and children. The shoes range from one to three inches in height and are designed to fit like a sock for all day comfort. I attended the event for at lease three hours and not once did I see a model or other attendees wearing Burju Shoes looking for a seat to rest their soles. That definitely says a lot for fashionable women shoes.

What I enjoy most about the Burju Shoes collection is its ability to custom design pieces. Custom pieces can include a variety of colors, details or beading. Brides are definitely taking the company up on its offer to prepare a special shoe for their wedding day. The bride and her wedding party can dance the night away in something special that's sure to be stylish and comfortable. The company's philosophy says "there's no reason beautiful shoes can't be comfortable."

Receiving an opportunity to preview some of the cutest and most comfortable shoes a gal can find is a great treat for the upcoming Spring season. I'm excited that I'll be able to step-out in style and not have to sacrifice my feet in the process.

Women, start making Moves today!

The Smart Cookies' Guide to Making More Dough

I often review books relating to women and my most recent read, The Smart Cookies Guide to Making More Dough is a how-to-guide for making and saving more money. Ultimately, the five authors want women to take control of their finances and not let it control them.

The story of Andrea, Robyn, Katie, Angela and Sandra is not uncommon, but they're unique because each person made a commitment to ensure other women are financially self-sufficient. These friends formed a money group, exceeded their goals upon expectations and are now providing expert advice to other women hoping to do the same. After watching an episode of the Oprah show about personal finance in 2005, these woman knew it was time to make their financial well-being a priority. Each were at different stages in their lives, but working together allowed them to achieve their money goals.

Like most, you're probably wondering how it is possible to save money when many are on the verge of becoming unemployed, prices increasing and each day is uncertain. It seems impossible, but it's not. The Smart Cookies provide practical advice such as hanging with friends for lunch vs. dinner, participating in clothes swaps instead of buying new items and how to reduce credit card dependence.

Encouraged by their 2007 visit to the Oprah show to discuss their success along with support from best selling money author Jean Chatzky, the idea to write a book was solidified. While many tips are shared throughout the book, the one that sticks out the most is ensuring family and friends are supportive. The Smart Cookies' Guide is a fast read packed with powerful information. Buy a copy today, visit the website or borrow it from your local library if you're being extremely budget conscious. This is a great book for yourself or the perfect gift for upcoming graduations. Let's make 2009 and beyond the year of financial freedom.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Shaun Robinson "Exactly As I Am"

Access Hollywood's entertainment reporter, Shaun Robinson, debuted her new book Exactly As I Am: Celebrated Women Share Candid Advice With Today's Girls On What It Takes to Believe in Yourself at an intimate event in Harlem, NY. The elegant brownstone was filled with Shaun's friends and family celebrating as she accomplished another life goal. I took two of my high-school mentees to the book signing with hopes they would gain encouragement from Shaun's book.

Exactly As I Am includes interviews from some of the top women in Hollywood giving tips to young women about self-esteem, self-worth and self-sufficiency. Media extraordinaire Oprah Winfrey, powerhouse entertainer Queen Latifah along with Kansas Governor and Health & Human Services Secretary nominee, Kathleen Sebelius, took part in Shaun's book. Each provided their own view of what young women can do to live life to the fullest.

Shaun, an award winning journalist, shared that young girls should value themselves and embrace who they are. She understands the pressure teens may feel as they attempt to emulate their favorite superstar. But Shaun's advice, along with the input of other successful women, reminds young women to live their dreams and not the dreams of others.

Exactly As I Am provides positive reinforcement to the millions of teen girls searching to find themselves. Shaun's book should be read by every teenage girl. I encourage you to purchase a copy for the teen girl in your life and encourage her to read, re-read, highlight and share information she finds helpful. I would also like to know of other books helpful to teens as they experience growing pains. Share your suggestions in the comments area.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Bettina Lee, far right, of Tinalee Media & Events, myself,

Shaun Robinson and my mentees enjoy the book signing.
(Pictures courtesy of The Creative Cookie and Kamau Studios)

Girls in Tech

(I enjoy myself along with other Girls in Tech attendees.)

This week I attended the relaunch of the New York chapter of Girls in Tech, an organization created for women working in technology to connect. I only stayed a short while since the event occurred the evening of my wedding anniversary. But the mission of Girls in Tech is encouraging and I wanted to support the organization.

The GITNYC chapter debuted last year, but it's relaunch includes a new Managing Director, Amy Cham, and advisory board. Drinks and hor d'oeuvres flowed at M1-5 in Soho as women, along with men, celebrated the re-emergence of a solid female tech community in NYC. There are many ways to become involved with the chapter. Follow GITNYC on Twitter or join the chapter's Facebook or Meetup.com groups.

While there, I connected with a Facebook friend, Juliette Powell who's new book, 33 Million People in the Room, has received rave reviews. This was our first time meeting and her energy was amazing. The event was chronicled by The New York Observer, so I was able to get a full recap of what I missed since I dashed out early.

I'm excited that so many people were there to support women in the technology field. We're certainly under represented, but the numbers are growing each day. Women Making Moves will continue to showcase outstanding women in the tech industry, which hopes that more women will become interested. Girls in Tech is paving the way for future generations, which I applaud.

Women, start Making your Moves today!