What do you think about Barbara's program for middle school age young women?

Carol: I think it is critical for our young women to have role models of professionals of all types. I believe that Barbara provides real life people around this area that the young women can easily relate to.

Kim: I think her program is wonderful. I have a middle school-age daughter, and I think the cards in Barbara's program would be very helpful. The information that Barbara has collected on each industry covers the details that a middle schooler would be interested in hearing about, and it is in a simple format that will keep them interested.

I like that Barbara was able to profile so many women. I think it is very important for girls to see that women can do all kinds of work. It is helpful to open up their eyes to all possibilities. Many young girls just dream of getting married and having children. I think Barbara's program will open up opportunities for girls to see past that and dream about bigger careers for themselves.

What motivated you to be one of her mentors?

Carol: There is an immense need to provide role models of color for all professions. Barbara gives us the opportunity to be that for our young women.

Kim: I love helping with programs that will expand children's minds. I have three of my own children, and my husband and I are always talking about possible career paths for each of them. It's something we feel children don't learn much about, [and that children need to be] exposed to different choices. One of the reasons I started my business at CereusWomen.com is to help mothers build a business that allows them to stay home. When mothers work from home, not only does it get children out of day-care environments, but it also allows the children to see their mothers working. It allows them to see what some of their options might be. It shows that you can be a mother and a career woman.

What do you hope students will gain from hearing your story?

Carol: Motivation. I hope that by seeing our very real stories, the young women are inspired to achieve.

Kim: I hope students, especially young girls, will learn about the many options that are available to them beyond the typical roles that woman tend to choose. I hope that the girls will learn that there is much more to an adult life than [what they see in magazines and on TV.] I hope that one of the industries or women on the cards will [grab] their interest enough to think about it and possibly consider that choice for themselves. I hope that the program provides a learning experience for some children who might not have great role models in their own lives.

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