1.What is your definition of women empowerment?

Empowerment signifies the connection of a Human to her (and his) inner strength, passion and commitment/mission. To be empowered, as a woman, is to put our blessed power into action.

2.What motivated you to get involved in being inspirational for change?

My motivation actually came from an early negative experience. My immigrant Russian mother dragged me to her weekly steam-room sessions. There, we undressed and entered the super-hot room filled with naked, overweight, sweaty old women.  At seven, I was the only child in the facility. My curious eyes looked up at these women and vowed, “If this is what ladies look like, I’ll never be a lady!” As I matured, remembering my vow, I made another promise, “I will discover ways to be youthful and beautiful for a lifetime” I registered a new word, “retroage” to help transform negative views of aging into positive ones. I wrote my first book, RetroAge: 4 Steps To A Younger YOU!  To inspire women to love and respect themselves through the passage of time.  I added Anti-Aging coaching to my therapy practice, as many patients were troubled that aging would rob them from what they most cherish.

3.What are some key characteristics of an empowered person?

Empowered people are not controlled or stopped by the views and censures of others. They live with impeccable integrity and honorably work to make a positive difference in the world. Attention to health, self-discipline, respect for oneself, others and the environment are essential characteristics. Kindness, compassion and gratitude add other valuable attributes. I believe ridding oneself of resentment, complaints, mindlessness, jealousy and rage is vital to nourish the blessing of power. I experience my empowerment as a divine gift allowing me to contribute to life, in a way that provides health, beauty, happiness and PEACE to our precious Planet and its inhabitants.

4.What can leaders or individuals interested in advocacy do to facilitate empowerment?

To facilitate empowerment, leaders should connect with like-minded other leaders and organizations that reinforce their mission/passion. The term generally used is “Networking.”  I’ve found that as soon as I decided to reach out to other leaders, wonderful partners/ideas/resources/ inspiration/miracles emerged. It was as if we were destined to connect to empower the world through our combined energy.

5.What advice would you give to those who want to give up due to a lack of empowered feeling, thinking and action? (e.g. What is an important first step)

The first step is to admit that you’re stuck without feeling at blame. Then, reaching out to groups and/or individuals and understand your frustration. Everyone has experienced “failure”, so reaching for help from those who have triumphed over their challenges and handicaps will help you move forward.

Being a leader is a true blessing. My gratitude and joy are endless, especially since, at 82, my dedication to inspire women keeps growing! Delicious!