During the Blogalicious Tech Summit that was held on April 18, 2013, at the Microsoft Innovation and Policy Center in Washington, D.C., Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico discussed the importance of making sure women caregivers have the resources they need to provide the best care possible to their loved ones. Congresswoman Grisham personalized her comments when she shared several stories about serving as her mother’s primary caregiver. Her stories reminded me of how important it is to provide women caregivers with online resources and tools they can use to support their self-care and loved ones.

Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, (D-NM) at Blogalicious Tech Summit held on 4/18/13 at the Microsoft Innovation and Policy Center

If you are a caregiver or have family members, friends, or colleagues who serves as caregivers, please encourage them to visit AARP’s Caregiving Resource Center. The web site has great articles and tips that caregivers can use to support their wellness journey as they care for their loved ones. See several links below.

• Gadgets to Make Life Easier
• 6 Tips for Setting Caregiving Limits
• 10 Ways to Deal With Caregiver Stress
• Develop a Respite Plan

FYI – You can now access AARP’s Caregiving Resource Center on your iPad!

AARP is a nonprofit organization that helps people who are 50 and over turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities, and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment security,  and retirement planning.

Photo Credit: AARP.org

Disclaimer: This blog post was written in support of Digital Sisterhood Network’s Leadership, Lifestyle and Living Well initiative and participation in AARP’s #CareSupport Campaign.

Photo Credit: Adria Richards – http://butyoureagirl.com

Happy Digital Sisterhood Wednesday!

Today, Digital Sisterhood Network (DSN) is using Digital Sisterhood Wednesday to support and stand in solidarity with Adria Richards, an amazing digital sister and technology evangelist who we love, respect, and learn from. We’ve known Adria since we met her at the Blogalicious Weekend Conference and interviewed her on Digital Sisterhood Radio in 2009. She is one of our Digital Diva Sheroes!

Last week, Adria used her voice and digital platform to speak up against inappropriate comments made by two men during the PyCon 2013 conference. Click on the links below to read related articles and blogs.

• Time to Stand Up for Adria Richards by Helena Andrews
• Standing with Adria by Jill Filipovic
• Sexism in the workplace is alive and well: Adria Richards is its latest victim by Jill Filipovic
• It’s Bigger Than Adria Richards by Jamilah King
• I Support You Adria Richards by Kin Lane
• The Tech Industry Needs to Grow Up by Liel Leibovitz
• Sexual Harassment Online and Why You Should Care about Adria Richards by Marie Lindberg
• Shakesville: Adria Richards Does Belong at Tech Conference by Melissa McEwan
• The Need to Respect Women in Tech by Anjuan Simmons
• Why Asking What Adria Richards Could Have Done Differently Is The Wrong Question by Deanna Zandt

Like many of you, we are shocked and deeply troubled by the harassment and abuse  directed at her and her supporters. We support the actions she took and stand in solidarity with her and everyone who is on #TeamAdria. We hope this experience reminds each of us to practice civility and respect in our communications. May we also work to confront, transform, and eliminate sexism, racism, and other forms of oppression in technology and society.

Happy Friday!

Today, Digital Sisterhood Network (DSN) is celebrating the power of healing music created and/or sung by women in honor of National Women’s History Month. Our celebration represents our commitment to sharing information and resources that support our Leadership, Lifestyle and Living Well initiative and AARP’s #CareSupport Campaign. AARP is a nonprofit organization that helps people who are 50 and over turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities, and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment security,  and retirement planning.

“Music was my refuge,” says Dr. Maya Angelou, author and poet. Dr. Angelou’s wisdom reminds us that music helps us create sacred space inside of ourselves and in our families and homes. It keeps us company as we move through the cycles of life. It soothes our spirits, opens our hearts, and energizes our bodies. Check out some of our favorite women singers who create beautiful healing music below.

Brazilian singer and guitarist musician Rosa Passos

Rosa Passos is a Brazilian composer, singer, and guitarist born in Bahia State, Brazil. Passos’ music is great for listening to in the morning. Her sweet and soothing voice allows you to begin your day with grace. Click here to watch a video.

Keiko Matsui

Keiki Matsui is a Japanese smooth jazz keyboardist and composer. Matsui’s music is a great for taking an afternoon break with tea, journaling, a short walk, or reading a book or magazine. Check out her amazing YouTube channel.

Snatam Kaur

Snatam Kaur is an American singer and songwriter who performs Indian devotional music and kirtan. Her music is great for self-care moments that include acupuncture, massage, Reiki healing touch, and yoga. Listen to her sing “By The Grace.”

Yolanda Adams

Yolanda Adams is an American gospel singer, record producer, actress, and radio host. Her music is great for moments when you need to be uplifted and energized. Her voice gives you hope. Click here to watch a video of her singing ‘This Too Shall Pass.”

Diana Krall

Diana Krall is a Canadian jazz pianist and singer. Her music is wonderful to listen to while you soak in a soothing bath or have a relaxing dinner. It is elegant and reminds you how important it is to savor the small moments in life. Click here to watch a video of her singing “Fly Me to the Moon.”

Disclaimer: This blog post was written in support of Digital Sisterhood Network’s Leadership, Lifestyle and Living Well initiative and participation in AARP’s #CareSupport Campaign.

Springtime offers us an opportunity to check in with ourselves to see what’s been happening since we started the new year. How is your year going so far? Springtime also offers us space to renew and recharge ourselves with healthy living choices and practices. How are you renewing and recharging yourself?

Spring flowers by Ananda Leeke

This Spring, Digital Sisterhood Network’s Leadership, Lifestyle, and Living Well Initiative has been inspired by Spelman College’s Wellness Revolution to relaunch the Digital Sisterhood Unplugged Weekends Initiative (#DSUnplugged) to encourage women to slow down and take a break from their digital lives and electronic devices once a month. The break could be 30 minutes, an hour, a half-day, a full day, or an entire weekend. It’s up to each woman to choose and commit to a timeframe that  works best for her. If you’d like to join us on our 2013 #DSUnplugged Weekends, check out the schedule below and use the #DSUnplugged hashtag to share your plans, comments, and questions on our Facebook and Twitter pages. We’ll also be posting more blogs with digital wellness resources and tips on how to unplug and take better care of yourself while you are online in the coming days, weeks, and months.

Unplug from your digital life once a month!

#DSUnplugged Weekend Schedule

• March 23-24
• April 27-28
• May 25-26
• June 22-23
• July 27-28
• August 24-25
• September 28-29
• October 26-27
• November 23-24
• December 28-29

Happy #DigitalSisterhood Wednesday!

Black History like Women’s History is made every day. During the month of February, Black History celebrations are held online and offline to recognize the contributions of Black people in America. Today, Digital Sisterhood Network’s Leadership, Lifestyle, and Living Well Initiative is celebrating 28 Black women who are making history as they use crowdfunding platforms to bring their creativity and dreams to life with art, books, blogs, creative learning opportunities, dramatic performances, films, music, photography, social entrepreneurship, webisode series, and travel experiences. These women represent the best of Digital Sisterhood Leadership. Their efforts are AMAZING because they inspire and empower others to dream and act bigger. They embody our 2013 theme, “Too Bold for Boundaries = Fierce Living.” See the list below.

We encourage you to get to know them and their work by visiting their web sites and blogs regularly in 2013. Talk about them to your network. Support their creative efforts. Follow them on Twitter. LIKE them on Facebook. Connect with them on Flickr, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Vimeo, YouTube, and other social media sites. Celebrate their beauty, brilliance, courage, creativity, and leadership in the digital space!

Photo Credit: David Goehst
http://technorati.com/business/small-business/article/crowdfunding-novels-possible-through-authrcom/

About Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding is a web-based financial model that allows individuals to network and pool their money in community to support projects and ventures initiated by other people and organizations. gofundme, indiegogo, and Kickstarter are three of the most popular reward-based crowdfunding platforms. PayPal is also another platform people use to collect crowdfunding donations. To learn more about crowdfunding, click here to see Ananda Leeke’s Crowdfunding Pinterest board of resources.

Celebrating Black Women’s Digital Leadership in Creative Crowdfunding Projects:

Photo Credit: girltank.org

1) Crowdfunding Projects You Should Know About

• Alexis Pauline Gumbs’ Eternal Summer of the Black Feminist Mind Blog’s Donation Station (the project uses PayPal)
• Tara Roberts, founder of girltank, a capacity-building community hub and crowdfunding platform designed to help female social entrepreneurs and changemakers grow and scale their ventures

gofundme.com

2) gofundme Campaigns

• Jessica Solomon’s gofundme campaign for her participation in the Urban Bush Woman Summer Leadership Institute (raised $731 in 2011)
• Jeshawna Wholley’s gofundme campaign for her Bahia, Brazil Study Abroad Summer Program (raised $2,920 in  2011)

indiegogo.com

3) indiegogo Campaigns

• Kathryn Buford’s LiveUnchained.com’s idiegogo campaign for Terrifying, Strange and Beautiful, an awards ceremony for women artists (still accepting donations to meet $15,000 goal)
• Alyscia Cunningham’s indiegogo campaign for Feminine Transitions photo book (still accepting donations to meet $11,700 goal)
• Numa Perrier’s indiegogo campaign for RoomieLoverFriends SEASON 2 webisode series (Numa worked with her husband and co-creator Dennis Dortch to raise $16,067 in 2013)
• Kim Williams’ indiegogo campaign for Unwritten Rules webisode series (raised $13,582 in 2013)

kickstarter.com

4) Kickstarter Campaigns

• Amy Aniobi’s Kickstarter campaign for THE SLUTTY YEARS webisode  series (raised $6,000 in 2013)
• Yaba Blay’s Kickstarter campaign for (1)ne Drop: Conversations on Skin Color, Race, and Identity photo essay book (raised $10,212  in 2011)
• Jeanine Daniels and Numa Perrier’s Kickstarter campaign for Black and Sexy TV’s THE COUPLE – THE MOVIE (Jeanine and Numa worked with their creative partners Dennis Dortch and Brian Ali Harding to raise $32,665 in 2012).
• Crystal Emery’s Kickstarter campaign for Present and Unaccounted For: Black Women in Medicine film (raised $51,906 in 2011)
• Kiratiana Freelon’s Kickstarter campaign for the Multiculti London – A Travel Guide to Multicultural London book (raised $6,047 in 2012)
• Kaneisha Grayson’s Kickstarter campaign for BE YOUR OWN BOYFRIEND: a guide to life and love book (raised $11,771  in 2013)
• Hekima Hapa’s Kickstarter campaign for FOREVER, Harriets by Hekima, a fashion line (raised $5,375  in 2011)
• Eunice Kindred’s Kickstarter campaign for “Soundtracks : Freestyle” solo art show (raised $10,686 in 2012)
• Ananda Leeke’s Kickstarter campaign for Digital Sisterhood: A Memoir of Fierce Living Online book project #1 (raised $1,159 in 2010) and project #2 (raised $701 in 2011)
• Shantrelle Lewis’ Kickstarter campaign for “Black Pete, Zwarte Piet: The Documentary”  (still accepting donations – has met $20,000 goal)
• Melissa A. Matthews‘ Kickstarter campaign for Outta Context, a showcase of artwork (raised $3,725 in 2011)
• Natasha Ngaiza’s Kickstarter campaign for “Blackout” (raised $3,070  in 2012)
• Nefertite Nguvu‘s Kickstarter campaign for “In the Morning,” a feature film (raised $27,195 in 2011)
• Issa Rae’s Kickstarter campaign for The Misadventures of AWKWARD Black Girl webisode series (raised $56,259 in 2011)
• Raven’s Kickstarter campaign for “Padre!” film (raised $16,180 in 2013)
• Tiffany Russell‘s Kickstarter campaign for Colored Me: Black Women Shout from the Ivory Tower book (raised $7,235 in 2011)
• Jessica Solomon’s Kickstarter campaign for The Saartjie Project presents…”Four Women” (raised $595 in 2011)
• Sosena Solomon’s Kickstarter campaign for MERKATO film (raised $14,710 in 2011)
• Imani Uzuri’s Kickstarter campaign for The Gypsy Diaries Album (raised $19,845 in 2011)
• Monda Webb, Aimee Dixon, and Sabrina L Gray’s Kickstarter campaign for 7:33 am the Movie (raised $12,872 in 2011)

NOTE: This post is an excerpt from Ananda Leeke’s Digital Sisterhood: A Memoir of Fierce Living Online (2013). If you would like Leeke to facilitate a workshop, give a presentation, or speak about crowdfunding, please contact her at kiamshaleeke@yahoo.com or 202.607.3509. Visit www.anandaleeke.com.

AARP Blogger Kitchen Cabinet #CareSupport campaign

Happy #DigitalSisterhood Wednesday!

Today, Digital Sisterhood Network (DSN) is sharing information about digital wellness resources for women caregivers as a part of our Leadership, Lifestyle and Living Well initiative and participation in AARP’s #CareSupport Campaign. AARP is a nonprofit organization that helps people who are 50 and over turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities, and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment security,  and retirement planning.

Photo Credit: AARP.org

AARP’s web site and social media presence offer a diverse portfolio of resources to its membership of more than 37 million and the general public. AARP’s Caregiving Resource Center is one of DSN’s favorite online destinations. Here’s why. There are plenty of great articles and tips that women caregivers can use to support their wellness journey as they care for their loved ones. Check out our list of favorite resources below.

• Gadgets to Make Life Easier
• 6 Tips for Setting Caregiving Limits
• 10 Ways to Deal With Caregiver Stress
• Develop a Respite Plan

Be sure to join AARP’s online chat on how to stay healthy while caregiving with Dr. John Whyte, author of AARP New American Diet, today  from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Click here to access the chat. Be sure to use the Twitter hashtag #cgchat  and follow @AARP.

Also, plan to celebrate National Nutrition Month in March by visiting the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ EatRight.org site and incorporating the “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day” tips and resources into your daily life.

Womenshealth.gov

Photo Credit: WomensHealth.gov

Women’s Wellness Resources:

Check out WomensHealth.gov, an online resource center managed by the Office on Women’s Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health  at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Click here to find the fitness and nutrition  resources.

Did you know that the Office of Women’s Health sponsors National Women’s Health Week? It will be held on May 12-18, 2013. Click here for more information and resources that can support women caregivers.

I have included additional caregiving, meditation, and yoga resources below that women caregivers can use to nurture their bodies, minds, and spirits.

1) Caregiving Resources

• Caregiver Stress Fact Sheet by WomensHealth.gov
• Six Self Care Strategies for Women by Centerstone
• Taking Care of the Whole You by NewLatina.com founder Angélica Pérez-Litwin
• A Black Academic Woman’s Self-Care Manifesto by Dr. Erica Lorraine Williams, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Spelman College
• APA.org presentation on women’s self-care by Dr. Anabelle Bejarano

2) Meditation Resources

• The Meditation Podcast (free audio podcasts)
• UCLA Free Meditation Podcast Series

3) Yoga Resources

• Ananda Leeke’s Kind & Gentle Office Yoga Video on Opening Your Heart
• Yoga Journal’s Round Out Your Practice: Stress-Relief
• Yoga Journal’s Office Yoga for De-stressing at Work

Happy #DigitalSisterhood Wednesday!

Guess what’s happening this week? Social Media Week! That means lots of opportunities for me to connect with and learn from digital sisters and brothers in Washington, D.C.

Are you attending or following Social Media Week events in your city or another city?

What have been your favorite events so far?

Denise Graveline and Anthony Shop

PRSA NCC Social Media Week DC 2013 Event

This morning, I attended a great Social Media Week DC panel discussion on 2013 social media communications trends for communicators featuring Denise Graveline, founder of Don’t Get Caught, and Anthony Shop, managing director of Social Driver. It was sponsored by the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter.

Denise Graveline

My biggest takeaways were three of the trends Graveline discussed in her presentation: Visual, Mobile, and Integrated. They are now my “VMI” communications strategy for the Digital Sisterhood Network. Click here to read Graveline’s fantastic blog post about her trends.

Digital Sisterhood Network founder Ananda Leeke at PRSA NCC Social Media Week DC 2013 event

Here are some of my notes from the presentation.

1) Visual

Graveline stated that visual content is the strongest trend in social media that will increase in 2013. So that means it is time to return to my 2011 passion for videos. Here I come YouTube, Animoto, Vimeo, Vine, Facebook video chats, UStream livestreaming, and Google Hangout! It’s time my brother Matt give me editing lessons too.

My love affair for “all things photo” will continue to play itself out on Flickr, Instagram, and Pinterest.

2) Mobile

Graveline shared some interesting statistics about mobile technology users. According to the Harvard Business Review, 46 percent of mobile phone users like you and me use their smartphones for “ME” time. Yes I said “ME” time — pure relaxation, fun, and entertainment. I totally agreed. She talked about how mobile devices give more people access to the web. She also stressed the importance of making sure blogs and web sites are optimized for mobile devices.

3) Integrated

Graveline stressed the value of having one online site as a “base camp” (I like this phrase) for your messages and content. Social media platforms should be used to amplify the messages and content.

She talked about how some folks create a roadblock in their communication efforts by thinking of social media as something you have to add to your long list of things to do rather than as a tool that  enhances your communications efforts. She suggested these folks transform their attitude and accept that social media is how they do business. In short, EMBRACE IT. It’s not going anywhere. It’s here to stay.

She recommended using blog posts instead of press releases or major announcements to achieve better search engine results and connections with reporters.

PS: If you like what you read on Graveline’s blog, click here to subscribe to it. I did. I am also following her on Twitter and Pinterest. She is my new favorite Digital Sisterhood Leader! She rocks!

Photo Credit: Christy Little Jones

Meet Digital Sisterhood Leader Christy Little Jones, M.S., is the Head Coach of My Relationship Revolution, a coaching and resource center that inspires more intentional interactions within the key relationships that impact your life. Christy is featured in the March issue of Real Simple magazine. Her story about forgiving her husband is AMAZING. Be sure to pick up a copy of the magazine and read it! She and her husband will be chatting about relationships at the “What’s Love Got To Do WIth It!” event on Sunday, February 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Busboys and Poets in Shirlington, Virginia. Click here to register for the event.

Digital Sisterhood Leadership Project (#DSLead) Interview

1) How can people find you online?

• Web Site/Blog: http://christylittlejones.com/
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Relationship-Revolution
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/christyinspires
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/christylittlejones

2) Why did you start using social media?

I launched my business in November 2011 and used social media to build a following and connect with my tribe.

3) What has social media allowed you to do in your life (personal, professional, business, nonprofit, community)?

It has given me the platform to inspire action and influence change in the lives of men and women around the world. Essentially, it’s helping me to make a difference in the world.

4) In her 2011 Digital Women: from geeks to mainstream presentation that was given at the WIFT International Women Conference for Digital Women, Dr. Taly Weiss, a social psychologist and CEO/Founder of Trendspotting, concluded that “women are dominant digital users – they breathe and live digital.”  Dr. Weiss’ conclusion echoes BlogHer’s 2011 Social Media Matters Study findings.  They include 87 million women (18 to 76 years old) are now online, 69 million women use social media weekly, 80 million women use social media monthly, and 55 million women read blogs monthly. These facts illustrate the power and presence women have in the digital space. Now that’s Digital Sisterhood!

How has social media helped you carve out leadership roles as you interact online and offline?

Social media has helped me to share my strengths and experience to women who need it most. In particular, relationships. The most important relationships that we hold as women – in marriage, friendships and as mothers.

5) Social media has helped women become Digital Sisterhood Leaders, ambassadors of social expression who share what they are passionate about online.  In her upcoming book, Digital Sisterhood: A Memoir of Fierce Living Online (2013), Ananda Leeke, founder of the Digital Sisterhood Network, writes, “Without even knowing it, women have become Digital Sisterhood Leaders as they use their social media platforms to advocate causes; to build communities; to create apps, art, books, businesses, products, publications, services, tools, and webisodes; to curate content; to educate and inform; to give voice to their thoughts as subject matter experts, thought leaders, and brand ambassadors; to share information and experiences; to explore and experiment with new technologies as early adopters and trendsetters; to engage in social good; to influence others with their lifestyles and personal interests; to inspire and motivate; to mentor; to network; to tell their personal stories; and to promote and celebrate the expertise, gifts, and talents of others.  Based on my online and offline interactions, I have identified 12 key leadership roles they play: advocate, community builder, creator, curator, educator, influencer, mentor, motivator, promoter, social do gooder, storyteller, and thought leader.”

What other types of leadership roles do women play in social media?

Supporter, accountability partner, coach, and encourager

6) What types of leadership roles do you play in social media?

I help remind women of their God-given strength, power and influence. I am the leader who affirms, supports and lovingly pushes women to step into their magnificence with confidence and authenticity. I am a coach and a cheerleader, helping women to become fearless!

7) What lessons have you learned as a leader in the digital space?

It’s mandatory to be authentic as you build your tribe as well as consistent.  Your followers need to be able to trust you.

8) Do you have plans to expand your leadership roles in the digital space? If so, what are they?

I would like to expand my leadership role by bringing awareness to digital space about my global platform – Child Sex Trafficking. Together we can bring about change, but not without knowledge and commitment to the cause first.

9) Who are your favorite social media women leaders and why?

Some of my favorite social media women leaders include Ananda Leeke and Fabienne Frederickson. Ananda encourages and include other women entrepreneurs in her success. She also creates a sisterhood among women. I love Fabienne’s strength, passion, and commitment to making your business thrive.

10) Share three ways women can use social media to define and express their personal leadership brand.

Women can use social media to define and express their personal leadership brand through video, developing relationships via Facebook and Twitter, and publishing an e-zine or newsletter.

Photo Credit: Kathryn Buford

Photo Credit: LiveUnchained.com

Meet Digital Sisterhood Leader Kathryn Buford, Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Live Unchained. Kathryn is also a writer, digital media consultant, and sociology Ph.D. student at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Digital Sisterhood Leadership Project (#DSLead) Interview

1) How can people find you online?

• Web Site/Blog: www.liveunchained.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/iliveunchained
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/liveunchained
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/liveunchained

2) Why did you start using social media?

I started using Twitter at the recommendation of my friend Michelle, Facebook (after a long hiatus) at the recommendation of my friend Ciara, and created a blog at the recommendation of my friend Abadeu. My friends were active on these outlets and they recommend I joined to promote my organization, my baby, Live Unchained.

3) What has social media allowed you to do in your life (personal, professional, business, nonprofit, community)?

Wow, I don’t think this is enough space Personally, I have built some great relationships with artists, activists and experts across the country and world. Here, I’d like to give shout-outs to my friends Kristen Nicole (Texas) and Lucia Asue (Equatorial Guinea) who have been so supportive. And, our offline relationships first began with requests to feature them on Live Unchained. It’s help me realize that my organization can be everything I want it to be and more because I get to meet talented people from around the world who have great ideas to share. From a business perspective, it helps me to establish Live Unchained as a taste maker and international platform for women’s creative works across Africa and the diaspora. Also, Twitter, especially, helps me appreciate the beauty in brevity and not overthinking things.

4) In her 2011 Digital Women: from geeks to mainstream presentation that was given at the WIFT International Women Conference for Digital Women, Dr. Taly Weiss, a social psychologist and CEO/Founder of Trendspotting, concluded that “women are dominant digital users – they breathe and live digital.”  Dr. Weiss’ conclusion echoes BlogHer’s 2011 Social Media Matters Study findings.  They include 87 million women (18 to 76 years old) are now online, 69 million women use social media weekly, 80 million women use social media monthly, and 55 million women read blogs monthly. These facts illustrate the power and presence women have in the digital space. Now that’s Digital Sisterhood!

How has social media helped you carve out leadership roles as you interact online and offline?

Well, actually, it has taught me that sometimes being a leader means letting other people lead. Thanks to the persistent advice of one of my advisors, I learned to accept that I am not superwoman and cannot be on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and writing regular phenomenal blog posts 24/7. So, I’ve decided to take on interns to help out with our social media presence. And, as I lead them, I plan to play to their strengths and encourage them to share their own ideas. I want our collective internship experience to be an exercise in communal leadership.

5) Social media has helped women become Digital Sisterhood Leaders, ambassadors of social expression who share what they are passionate about online.  In her upcoming book, Digital Sisterhood: A Memoir of Fierce Living Online (2013), Ananda Leeke, founder of the Digital Sisterhood Network, writes, “Without even knowing it, women have become Digital Sisterhood Leaders as they use their social media platforms to advocate causes; to build communities; to create apps, art, books, businesses, products, publications, services, tools, and webisodes; to curate content; to educate and inform; to give voice to their thoughts as subject matter experts, thought leaders, and brand ambassadors; to share information and experiences; to explore and experiment with new technologies as early adopters and trendsetters; to engage in social good; to influence others with their lifestyles and personal interests; to inspire and motivate; to mentor; to network; to tell their personal stories; and to promote and celebrate the expertise, gifts, and talents of others.  Based on my online and offline interactions, I have identified 12 key leadership roles they play: advocate, community builder, creator, curator, educator, influencer, mentor, motivator, promoter, social do gooder, storyteller, and thought leader.”

What other types of leadership roles do women play in social media?

I think that’s a great list and I think what I’m about to say is reflected in those roles. To that I would add that women lead through demonstrations of humanity. By that I mean, I’ve seen a lot of women share vulnerable emotional sides of them through their blog posts and social media that they normally wouldn’t share otherwise. And, these aren’t melodramatic women that just want some attention. I respect that and it has encouraged me to be bolder about what I reveal in the hopes that it will resonate with other women as well. One of my greatest inspirations concerning this kind of leadership is Minna Salami of www.msafropolitan.com.

6) What types of leadership roles do you play in social media?

As a doctoral student, I think I’m leading by example, showing how scholars can use social media to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors and engage people outside of academia.

7) What lessons have you learned as a leader in the digital space?

Well, I’ve published so many of these lessons as Twitter and Facebook posts, so I’ll quote my own self here.  I’ve learned: You can’t wait for other people to “get” what you’re doing before you start doing it. Just because you’re not getting the results you want, when you want, doesn’t mean you’re not doing anything right. You’re unchained when uncertainty stops stopping you. Three things an artist must protect are their time, energy and emotional well-being. Have fun, but never surf without protection

8) Do you have plans to expand your leadership roles in the digital space? If so, what are they?

Yes. But, they’re still in the oven, so I’m not really to pull them out yet

9) Who are your favorite social media women leaders and why?

Ananda Leeke, Jessica Solomon (@jesssolomon), Lulu Kitololo (@afrilove), Minna Salami (@msafropolitan), Kristen Nicole (@kristennicole2), Laverne Wyatt (@lavernewyatt), Daisy Giles (@daisygiles), Kesha Bruce (@keshabruce) and Ciara Calbert (@blogofciarac) are some of my favorite social media women leaders. What I love about these women is that they write from a place of sincerity and take themselves seriously as entrepreneurs.

10) Share three ways women can use social media to define and express their personal leadership brand.

As far as expressing your personal leadership brand, I’d say it’s important to not overhink it. Recognize what’s important to you and let a theme emerge. If you look back over your life, you’ll see a theme in terms of your recurring interests. When it comes to defining your personal brand, I’d say note your personal core values like honest, creativity and freedom. Then ask yourself what colors and symbols reflect those core values. These colors and symbols can be combined to help create a simple clear logo and color scheme for your online presence.

Photo Credit: Melissa Bugaj

Photo Credit: NightLightStories.net

Meet Digital Sisterhood Leader Melissa Bugaj, co-founder of NightLifeStories.net and According to Mags blog.

Fun Facts: Digital Sisterhood Network founder Ananda Leeke met Melissa during the Podcasting 101 session at the BlogHer 2012 Conference in New York City. After the session, they chatted about Melissa’s podcast series. Ananda became an instant fan!

Digital Sisterhood Leadership Project (#DSLead) Interview

1) How can people find you online?

• Web Site/Blog: http://nightlightstories.net and http://accordingtomags.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Night-Light-Stories/188139509742
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/nightlight08 and http://twitter.com/accordingtomags

2) Why did you start using social media?

I began using social media in 2008 when we started our podcast, Night Light Stories. I started a Facebook page and then followed with a Twitter page.

3) What has social media allowed you to do in your life (personal, professional, business, nonprofit, community)?

Social media has allowed me to connect with other people who share the same interests. It also has given me opportunities to learn more about podcasting and blogging. I’ve been able to utilize social media to view professionals in this area and learn from their expertise.

4) In her 2011 Digital Women: from geeks to mainstream presentation that was given at the WIFT International Women Conference for Digital Women, Dr. Taly Weiss, a social psychologist and CEO/Founder of Trendspotting, concluded that “women are dominant digital users – they breathe and live digital.”  Dr. Weiss’ conclusion echoes BlogHer’s 2011 Social Media Matters Study findings.  They include 87 million women (18 to 76 years old) are now online, 69 million women use social media weekly, 80 million women use social media monthly, and 55 million women read blogs monthly. These facts illustrate the power and presence women have in the digital space. Now that’s Digital Sisterhood!

How has social media helped you carve out leadership roles as you interact online and offline?

Since we have been producing the podcast for five years, we have helped others who are launching podcasts or thinking of starting one. We gave them tips on what we have learned through the years.  An example would be when we asked to interview the “Mommy Podcast” founders. We compared stories and shared our recording skills which helped to improve our podcasts. Everyone had something to share.

5) Social media has helped women become Digital Sisterhood Leaders, ambassadors of social expression who share what they are passionate about online.  In her upcoming book, Digital Sisterhood: A Memoir of Fierce Living Online (2013), Ananda Leeke, founder of the Digital Sisterhood Network, writes, “Without even knowing it, women have become Digital Sisterhood Leaders as they use their social media platforms to advocate causes; to build communities; to create apps, art, books, businesses, products, publications, services, tools, and webisodes; to curate content; to educate and inform; to give voice to their thoughts as subject matter experts, thought leaders, and brand ambassadors; to share information and experiences; to explore and experiment with new technologies as early adopters and trendsetters; to engage in social good; to influence others with their lifestyles and personal interests; to inspire and motivate; to mentor; to network; to tell their personal stories; and to promote and celebrate the expertise, gifts, and talents of others.  Based on my online and offline interactions, I have identified 12 key leadership roles they play: advocate, community builder, creator, curator, educator, influencer, mentor, motivator, promoter, social do gooder, storyteller, and thought leader.”

What other types of leadership roles do women play in social media?

Women are also trailblazers in social media. There are always new types of media or subjects to address. Women usually take a more sensitive subject and bring it into light with a little bit of sensitivity.

6) What types of leadership roles do you play in social media?

I am a storyteller, an educator, a creator, and an advocate for family time and providing positive learning to children.  We have built a community of listeners. I mentor my friends who are just starting out in the social media world. I promote myself and others who I find influential. You should always share other resources that are positive and useful. I think that by working together and supporting each other, that can help to build a strong sense of community.

7) What lessons have you learned as a leader in the digital space?

I have learned that you are nothing without the support of others around you. Everyone out there has something to offer. You never know how you can help someone each day. Wen you do help someone, it makes you feel like you are contributing. You can’t do it all on your own and finding people who can share ideas is invaluable.

8) Do you have plans to expand your leadership roles in the digital space? If so, what are they?

I would really like to be able to expand my leadership roles in the digital space. One thing I would like to do is apply to speak at conferences about podcasting or writing. I feel that after five years of experience of producing this podcast with my husband, we have some useful information and tips to share.

9) Who are your favorite social media women leaders and why?

One of my favorite social media women leaders is Mur Lafferty, host of “I Should Be Writing” and the editor of Escape Pod (science fiction podcast). Mur is a writer who interviews other authors on her podcast in order to learn from them and share valuable writing and publishing tips with her listeners.

I also admire MommyCast founders Gretchen and Paige. They were one of the first groups of “mommy podcasters.” They interview the latest movies, products, and ideas for raising kids.

10) Share three ways women can use social media to define and express their personal leadership brand.

In the 21st century, women are providing a multi-model experience. This is a way to draw in a maximum amount listeners and readers. It will help make others to feel comfortable in communicating with you as a host if you are seen in writing, video, and audio.