Not a Finalist...but inspired by those who were chosen

Unfortunately I was not chosen as a finalist for the competition. However, the three young women that were chosen are huge inspirations to me. Check out their blogs. They are definitely deserving of this honor.
http://genderandme.blogspot.com/
http://www.treehugger.com/author/rachel-cernasky/
http://blogs.dfid.gov.uk/author/hannahryder/

Public Health-->Enivornmental Sustainability-->Women's Rights...yes, they are related!

I first heard about the LifeStraw in an International Studies class a few years ago. Our group assignment was to discuss various aspects of the UN MDG's. One group had researched this fascinating product and briefly mentioned it in their presentation. At the time, I was impressed by the capabilities of modern technology and a dedicated team of professionals to create such a product. Now, I may have the chance to join the ambitious public health campaign trail taking place throughout Kenya. I will aid in spreading the word about the effectiveness of simple, healthy life-style changes and life-changing abilities of products such as the LifeStraw.
I think the creators explain it best! Check it out: http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/lifestraw
Through the use of the Straw, carbon emissions will be decreased due to the reduced reliance of coal and firewood to boil and clean disease-ridden water. Without the need for such fuel, most often collected by women, their time will be freed up for alternative activities such as education. Educating women has proven to reduce the number of children she has, and allows her to take better control of her sexual health.
Just another example of how an isolated event can effect a community in a variety of ways!!!
Photo borrowed from: http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/lifestraw

“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more”

--Anthony Robbins

One day as I was sifting through my email inbox, weeding out the spam, the Living Social deals, and work updates, and I came across a short email from a colleague. She stated that she had read about an opportunity for young women bloggers to follow development work in Kakamega, Kenya. She said that she immediately thought of me because she had followed my blog during my trip to Kenya last year and knows how passionate I am about community development. I quickly clicked on the link that she provided. After reading the description of the contest, there was no doubt in my mind that I would not jump at the opportunity to continue development work in a community I have grown to love.
I have been busy composing my application these past few days. Talking about development is like second-nature to me. I have not only studied it for several years, but have lived it, and am constantly searching for opportunities to continue working in the international community development field. Therefore, I am reactivating my travel blog!
I often have people tell me that I should continue to blog about my life and my continued pursuit for a fulfilling career in...well....changing the world one person at a time. Reading over the years worth of posts reminded me of the work that my hardworking coworkers and I accomplished in Baltimore and Kenya. This Women Bloggers Deliver Competition, sponsored by Vestergaard Frandsen and Women Deliver, is opening up an opportunity for me to start blogging again about work and a community that is close to my heart.
The word of the day seems to be "opportunity". These organizations are giving me the opportunity to learn new development strategies and create awareness around issues that people around the world need to address. If I am chosen for this honor, it will be my chance to give women in Kenya the opportunity to be heard and to have access to resources they deserve.
Read more about it at: http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/women-bloggers-deliver/

Wish Me Luck!!!