"Woman must not accept; she must challenge.She must not be awed by that which has been built up around her; she must reverence that woman in her which struggles for expression."
-Margaret Sanger
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Erin Weed: "empowered women overcome fear"
Erin Weed is a professional speaker, author, self-defense instructor and college safety expert. She specializes in educating young women about their personal safety and motivating them to become their own best protectors. Her calling to the field of violence prevention and self-defense began in 2001 as a direct response to the murder of her friend and sorority sister, Shannon McNamara. After Shannon’s murder, Erin abandoned her career in TV production to study with some of the best anti-violence activists, personal safety specialists and self-defense experts in the world. In January 2002, she began traveling the nation giving keynotes and safety seminars. To date, she has spoken to over 100,000 women across the country. She is also the founder/owner of New Jersey’s only women’s self-defense studio, Girls Fight Back. Erin is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University where she was actively involved with her sorority, Alpha Phi. Erin took some time to talk to us a little bit about her thoughts on leadership and women’s empowerment.
Where did you learn your most valuable lessons on leadership?
I probably learned my most valuable lessons on leadership in college, when I served as speaker of the student senate for a year. This position was a stressful but amazing experience. This job made being President of Alpha Phi seem like a cakewalk!
Tell us a little bit about how you decided to start Girls Fight Back.
After Shannon was killed, I was filled with fear and paranoia. I needed to learn to fight just to get my confidence back. The more I learned, the more I wanted to share with others. That is when I began speaking, and I have not looked back.
What do the words “women’s empowerment” mean to you?
These words mean never making choices that stem from fear. Whether it is fear of failure, safety, or not being good enough; fear, in general, holds us back from our greatness. Empowered women overcome fear and do awesome things.
How is the topic of women’s empowerment important for college-aged women?
This topic is crucial because college women are told they can do anything. They can be presidents of companies or the President of the United States, but often they are not given the skills, confidence, or support to accomplish these things. Instead of just sending the politically correct message that college women can do these things, we need to educate them and provide them with tools to accomplish what they are capable of.
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What is the biggest challenge you face as a woman professional?
In the self-defense world, sometimes I am not taken seriously by some men with military backgrounds. Oftentimes I think they are more biased towards my young age than the fact that I am a woman. I often deal with creepy guys when I am on the road. It is amazing how many sleazy guys I have to deal with on a daily basis while I am traveling.
Is there anything else you want to tell us?
I want to scream it from the rooftops...THERE’S NOTHING MORE DANGEROUS THAN AN ANGRY WOMAN!
For more information on Erin please visit:
WWW.GIRLSFIGHTBACK.COM
WWW.SHOPGFB.COM
WWW.ERINWEED.COM
... justice, we ask equality, we ask that all the civil and political rights that belong to citizens of the United States, be guaranteed to us and our daughters forever."
- Declaration of Rights for Women, July 1876
"Each of us has that right, that possibility, to invent ourselves daily. If a person does not invent herself, she will be invented. So, to be bodacious enough to invent ourselves is wise."
-Maya Angelou
"The only tired I was, was tired of giving in." (on refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white male)
-Rosa Parks
"My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment."
-Oprah Winfrey
"Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
"Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe you must become its soul."
- Coretta Scott King