Our guest today is Sheri West. Sheri has over 20 years of executive finance and leadership development experience. Her education includes a BA Finance and Masters of Human Resources and Leadership Development from Michigan State University. Ms. West spent 15 years as a finance executive at General Electric Co.,where she was actively involved in the GE Women’s Network as a mentor. Four years ago, she founded LiveGirl to “pay it forward” and prepare the next generation of female leaders. 

Research shows that girls are twice as depressed, anxious and stressed out as boys. 7 out of 10 girls feel that they are not enough or don’t measure up in some way, no matter how many achievements they rack up. In the so-called age of girl power, girls are still trying to fit a perfect mold of pleasing others and looking sexy. They are striving for unattainable perfection and avoiding risks.

 LiveGirl has shown sheri how vulnerable today’s girls are as they face adolescent pressures magnified by social media and role overload. LiveGirl’s mission is to empower girls through year-round leadership development and mentorship. Their programs build social emotional intelligence and self-esteem which equip girls to have a positive impact on the world. Specifically, they focus on surrounding their girls with a positive community. They teach girls how to cultivate healthy and positive relationships. They teach them NOT to compare themselves to others, but rather to embrace their quirky, original selves. Live Girl also surrounds girls with positive role models. Their professional mentors  lead our 10-week after school mentoring groups + they feature accomplished female professionals at all of our leadership summits and summer camp. These role models help  girls explore what’s possible and discover their best selves.