Surgeon General Nominee Dr. Regina Benjamin

I was immediately impressed with Dr. Regina Benjamin's background when President Obama nominated her for U.S. Surgeon General. She's led an impressive career, one that includes deciding to practice in a low-income community in the Gulf Coast of Alabama. The Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic has been a staple for residents since 1987 and often doesn't charge patients who can't afford to pay. The clinic also focuses heavily on preventative illness since this hits close to home for Dr. Benjamin. She lost her father to diabetics and high-blood pressure, her mother to lung cancer and her brother from a HIV-related illness.

Personally and professionally, Dr. Benjamin has longed fought for the well-being of others. After researching her background, I had a gut feeling she was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a non-profit community service based organization. And it was confirmed several days later when the sorority's national president announced Dr. Benjamin became a member while completing her undergraduate degree at Xavier University in New Orleans, La.

While I wasn't the only one impressed with Dr. Benjamin's background, there were also some who questioned her ability to perform the duties of Surgeon General. An article with the subtitle: "Do you have to be thin to be fit for the role of nation's Top Doc?", was published shortly after Dr. Benjamin's nomination. Dr. Arthur Caplan penned the article and defended Dr. Benjamin due to her tireless effort of serving those less fortunate. I applaud him for taking a stand on Dr. Benjamin's behalf.

I don't condone a unhealthy lifestyle, but I'm sure Dr. Benjamin is probably like many of us. With hectic work schedules and families, it can be difficult to find time to lead a healthy lifestyle. I struggle with juggling my to-do-list daily and sometimes exercise and healthy eating doesn't make the cut. It's no secret that women are confronted with these issues more than men. I'm calling on women to speak up for Dr. Benjamin. You don't have to agree with the policies of President Obama or even with the nomination of Dr. Benjamin, but we can't continue to allow society to dictate our outer appearance.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Activist and Syndicated Radio Commentator Bev Smith

I attended the live airing of the Moment of Truth hosted by CNN's Soledad O'Brien. This panel event took place an hour before the launch of Black in America 2 and brought together several well-known African-Americans to talk about their experiences on being a Black person in America.

Under the Manhattan sky in Times Square, Tom Joyner, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., D.L. Hughley, Steve Harvey and Bev Smith spoke openly to an audience of 100+ plus people and I'm sure what was an audience of millions. Each guest had their own story, but I was immediately drawn to syndicated radio commentator and activist Bev Smith.

Bev, like several of the panelist, grew up in the Civil Rights era. She spoke fondly of her close-knit family, but she also shared a disturbing story about an incident that happened to her father. Bev grew up in a household of activists. Her father organized a union for mine workers at his job. He was invited to Washington, D.C. to share his experiences with Congress. Before Bev's father could share his experiences, he was brutally beaten as he exited the train when arriving in D.C. He was beaten, put back on the train and informed never to return. But that didn't discourage Bev's father. He ordered his family to clean him up and he returned to D.C.

Bev said this incident was one of the main reasons she considers herself an activist today. On her radio show, Bev discusses issues affecting all. She focuses education, HIV/AIDS, homelessness and much more. She's won over 300 awards for her work as an activist. Bev energized me to continue volunteering in my community. She encouraged me to keep speaking up for those who's voices may not be loud enough to be heard. Bev Smith has been in the trenches since she was a young child and I'm grateful for her commitment. If there's a person who continuously encourages you to help others, please share with the Women Making Moves community.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Women Technology Bloggers

There seems to be a new list of outstanding people in their field on a weekly basis. But I have to admit, I can never get enough of them! I recently came across an oldie, but goodie list of the most influential women bloggers in the tech space from Fast Company. The list, which was published in January of this year, includes 11 women, most of whom are well-known. There's the BlogHer trio, Elisa Camahort, Jory Des Jardins and Lisa Stone. And Arianna Huffington along with over 2,000 bloggers from the huffingtonpost.com site are also included.

I'm excited whenever women are recognized for their business achievements, especially in the technology field. A majority of the women aren't amateurs to the blogosphere, but a fairly new stand-out in the community is Corvida Raven of SheGeeks.net. She's quickly created a path for herself and has become a role model for other young women to follow!

But now that the list is over six months old, it's definitely time to add some additional women. Is there a stand-out that should be added? List your suggestions in the comments section and I'll share your feedback with other Women Making Moves readers.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Kimberly Anyadike

Picture courtesy of Collective Vision

By now, I'm sure you've heard of 15 year-old Kimberly Anyadike. She's believed to be the youngest African-American female to fly solo across the country. Kimberly flew a single-engine plane and was accompanied by 87 year-old Tuskegee Airman, Levi Thornhill during her 13 day flight. The on-line community was buzzing with excitement when her accomplishment was reported.

I was excited to hear of such positive news about a young woman. This is information I can share with the group of high-school girls I help mentor with hopes they will realize, nothing is unattainable. With negative news being reported about teen girls, this news is certainly encouraging to other young women everyone. While this is a wonderful achievement, what stood out was how humble Kimberly was. During one interview, Kimberly mentioned she would return home to complete her advanced placement homework. She's flown around the country and her education still comes first! That's awesome!

What are your thoughts on Kimberly's achievement? Are there enough positive images of young women in the media? I believe there could be more, but I would love to hear everyone's input. How can we ensure there are more Kimberly Anyadike's of the world verses Paris Hilton? Share your thoughts with Women Making Moves in the comment section.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris

Women Making Moves features women from all walks of life. There are professional women who are making great strides in their career, those working to ensure their communities are well taken care of and rising Women Making Moves.

Like many I watched the memorial service for Michael Jackson and there were several memorable moments. One that stood out the most came from 11 year-old Paris. When she shared with the world her unconditional love for her father, it made Michael more human than he ever was. We never really knew Michael Jackson as his children knew him nor did we know the love shared amongst the family. But love was obviously present from Paris' aunts and uncles. And it confirmed that his children were well-loved.

Paris put everything into perspective. The media reports about Michael were no longer important because ultimately there are three children who will grow up without their father. They'll always have memories of the time spent with him, but new memories will never be made.

It took an extreme amount of courage for Paris to take the stage. With her aunt Janet's embrace, she let down her barriers and showed us what true love is made of. Paris is a rising young women who will no doubt make moves as she grows older. As we mourn the loss of a great icon, let's remember the Jackson's lost a family member.

Women, start making your Moves today!