Laura Prepon of That 70's Show is 5’10” and proud of her height. She doesn’t hesitate to wear high heels when she gets dressed up. “I was always the tallest one in the class,” she says. “In middle school, that’s hard, because you’re taller than all the boys and they’re kind of intimidated by you. I had red hair on top of it so I stuck out like a sore thumb,” she remembers. “But now I love it, and I wouldn’t want to be any shorter.”
 

Daryn Kagan is the creator and host of DarynKagan.com, an inspirational online community that features a daily Web cast of stories that, "Show the World What is Possible." DarynKagan.com has become a daily destination for thousands of Internet users who seek news stories that inspire.  Launched in November 2006, the Atlanta Journal Constitution described DarynKagan.com as "a lively gathering spot," while the Boston Globe noted DarynKagan.com is "bucking the media tide," with its "emphasis on stories that illustrate the triumph of the human spirit." 

“Many people ask me how I have such a positive outlook after more than 20-years in the news business.  Simply, I believe in the adage, "Create what you seek."  I was seeking inspiration, so I decided to create a home where those stories could live. My mission and the motto of the website is to "Show the World What Is Possible!" one story at a time.”

We thank Daryn for her positive energy and commitment to seeking stories of courage and inspiration.  By creating her own path, Daryn demonstrates the beauty in trusting your instinct and listening to your own voice.
 

http://www.darynkagan.com/about.html

Sheila C. Johnson

Women everywhere have enormous potential to create change. With the right resources and opportunities, an impoverished woman has the power to improve her life, her family and her community.

In 2007, businesswoman, philanthropist and CARE Ambassador Sheila C. Johnson made a $4 million gift to CARE to issue a singular challenge to individuals and businesses in the United States: Join a global movement to empower women in the fight against poverty. Sheila's I Am Powerful Challenge, launched in June 2007, promised to match gifts to CARE dollar for dollar, engaging Americans to connect with women in poor countries and help them break down the barriers of poverty and inequity that have held them back for so long.

"If we're going to improve the lives of women around the world — and I believe we must — then we have to stretch beyond ourselves. We have to challenge ourselves and we have to challenge others. That's what the 'I Am Powerful' movement is all about. I'm honored to be a part of it."
—Sheila C. Johnson

Shonda Schilling is the founder of The Shade Foundation of America. The wife of a successful major league baseball player, Shonda had a very public battle with malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.
 

In 2002, Shonda accepted the Melanoma Monday national spokeswoman role with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). An overwhelming response from fellow melanoma survivors resulted in Shonda creating The Shade Foundation of America in September 2002. Her goal was to change society's attitude towards sun exposure.

Since launching The Shade Foundation, Shonda has received an incredible amount of media exposure and national recognition for her work. She has reached millions of Americans with her sunsafety message and is a powerful force in the prevention of skin cancer.

Shonda is also extremely active in the crusade to find a cure for ALS. Since 1992, Shonda and her husband Curt have been instrumental in developing public awareness and fundraising campaigns to improve the services of the ALS Association. Together they have donated and raised over 5 million dollars for ALS. She chaired the "The Shonda Schilling Say It with Flowers" Luncheon in Arizona which raised over $250,000 in three years. She regularly visits ALS patients, their family members and caregivers, and is involved in helping with a variety of events associated with ALS.
 

Shonda is a powerhouse of action, social activism, philanthropy, and leadership. She is quite certainly a shining example of Real Beauty.
 

http://www.shadefoundation.org
 

Stacee Gillelen
Dragonfly Designs

My grandparents first opened my eyes to the art and beauty in nature when I was a child. I loved to work beside them as they explored many different forms of artistic expression, from gardening and painting to mosaic, sculpting, and stained glass. Over the years, they have continued to be my greatest source of inspiration.

My passion for beading began one day while I was 'making jewelry' with my three young daughters. I discovered how to attach a clasp, and a love affair was sparked! I started taking classes at local beading stores and couldn't stop practicing my newfound skills.

Soon, I was dreaming about beads and patterns that I would make into jewelry. With beads, I found yet another artful way to express the beauty I found in nature and in my imagination. In February of 2005, I launched Dragonfly Designs.

I feel immense gratitude for the abundance in my life and for the opportunities I have been given. I also feel a personal responsibility as a global citizen to give something back to the community, which is why I am choosing to donate a portion of each sale of Dragonfly Designs jewelry to an organization that works to improve the human condition (especially for women and children), promote equality, and protect the environment.

The great loves of my life are laughter, family, friends, travel, nature, and, of course, beads. All of these passions are now embodied in the inspiration that is Dragonfly Designs. I hope you receive as much joy from wearing my jewelry as I do in making it for you.

Stacee's Answers to the Real Beauty Questions

I am a Real Beauty because…

               "I am able to create wearable art which feeds my soul and in doing so make a difference in

               the lives of others."

I am most beautiful when…

               "I am living in the moment, I think this quote expresses it best; Happiness is when what

               you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony" - Mahatma Ghandi.

If I were not afraid I would…

               "hmmm, I'm not sure."
 

Today I celebrated my beauty by…

               "being present with my 4 beautiful children!"

My advice to a young woman struggling with her body image and self-esteem is…

               "I don't think I could truly appreciate my body until I became a mom. Suddenly I could see

               past and accept my flaws as they no longer seemed all important."


http://www.jewelrybydfly.com
 

Jess Weiner

Have you ever met a person and instantly felt like you wanted to tell them your life story? Well, Jess Weiner is one of those people!

Women and girls everywhere have opened up to Jess through her books, speaking engagements, and media appearances. She is a best-selling Author, Self-Esteem Expert, and Advice Columnist who really understands her subject matter having overcome many of today’s tough teen issues herself. She courageously shares her wisdom through her books “A Very Hungry Girl” and “Life Doesn’t Begin 5 Pounds From Now”.

She offers advice on various self-esteem topics ranging from body image to relationships, friendships, and family issues. She oozes with authenticity and her honest manner of self-disclosure and compassion make Jess a celebrated public speaker who has presented to some of the nation’s most prestigious universities, institutes and Fortune 500 corporations.

In 2007 she was named the Global Ambassador for the Dove Self-Esteem Fund and writes a column on pop culture and beauty on the dove website. She hosted the online series, Dove Reality Diaries, navigating four teenage girls through the journey of self-esteem, facilitated the Dove and Step Up workshops, and recently hosted a mother/daughter workshop for Dove in Australia.

Determined to shine a light on teen issues, Jess is a contributing editor for Seventeen Magazine and writes a monthly column on body image and self-esteem. You may have seen her as a frequent guest on The Tyra Banks show, The Today Show, and CNN Showbiz Tonight. Her work has been featured on Oprah, MTV, The View, Good Morning America and in The Washington Post, NY Times and countless other media outlets.

However, out of all the accolades and accomplishments, Jess will tell you that she is most proud of her role as a daughter, a big sister, a best friend, and an authentic role model.

Jess' Answers to the Real Beauty Questions

I am a Real Beauty because…
 

               "I am not afraid to be messy. Life is messy, emotions are messy, and being real can

               be messy."
 

I am most beautiful when…

               "I am being most true to myself and the people around me. Honesty makes you glow."


If I were not afraid I would…

               "Climb the rest of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. I stopped at 150 feet because I am terrified

               of heights.


Today I celebrated my beauty by…

               "Promising myself I’ll go to bed early tonight!! I need at least 8 hours or I’m grumpy!"


My advice to a young woman struggling with her body image and self-esteem is…

               "See the big picture. Remember that you are more than your face, your belly, your legs.

               You are a whole and complete person and your body is just the package that your soul

               comes in. One of the deepest sighs of relief you’ll ever have is when you finally accept

               that you aren’t perfect and you never will be. Embrace who you are – now – incomplete,

               imperfect, and messy." :)

Learn more about Jess and connect to her blog at http://www.jessweiner.com
 

Gabrielle Bernstein was just one year out of college, when she co-founded the Women's Entrepreneurial Network, a non-profit professional organization that connects female entrepreneurs. WEN started a local mentor program for young women, WEN Mentors, and is best known for its signature Gift of Service Exchange events. That same year, Gabrielle incorporated her own boutique public relations company, SparkPlug Communications. Clients included local and international brands that ranged from Urban Rebounding to Gallo Wines and Rockstar Energy Drink.

Since 2004 Bernstein, who has a degree in theater from Syracuse University, has been on the speaking circuit. Her lecture, Falling in Love with Your Future is regularly presented at the Learning Annex, Femalethink, The Give and Take Network, New York University, Fashion Institute of Technology, and Baruch College, Georgetown University and other venues. She also shares her message through her regular guest spot on Sirius Satellite Radio's LIME station 114 as the featured "ING Girl".

In 2007, she launched the brand Falling in Love with Your Future: A Young Woman's Guide to Passion and Happiness, which takes the form of books, life coaching, lectures and more. An integral part of the program is the emphasis on guidance and mentors. Bernstein recently launched her social networking site www.HerFuture.com for young women to find mentors.

Bernstein has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times, Marie Claire Magazine, Crain's, Clubplanet, AdWeek, Sirius Satellite Radio, Am-NY and New York Moves Magazine. She can also been seen riding around the West Village on a unicycle.

Gabrielle's Answers to the Real Beauty Questions

I am a Real Beauty because…

       It is my mission to share my inner light with the world.  When my inner light is on my

       outer beauty shines.
 

I am most beautiful when…

       I am being of service to others and sharing my truth.
 

If I were not afraid I would…

       I am always working through my fearful blocks.  At this time I am very focused on

         releasing my fears around receiving abundance in all areas of my life.  I am working       

       towards removing my fears so that I can accept that I can have everything I want and

       live my life at 10.
 

Today I celebrated my beauty by…
 

        Exercising my mind through meditation, my body through exercise and my spirit through

        prayer.  I celebrate my beauty by treating my human vessel with love.  Most

        importantly I celebrate my beauty by sharing love with the world.

My advice for a young woman struggling with her body image is and self esteem is...

             to be kind to herself.  We all put so much pressure on ourselves in all areas of our life.  The first

             step to achieve strong self-esteem is to take care of yourself inside and out.  Begin to speak

             kindly to yourself – recite positive affirmations, pat yourself on the back daily, take a bath,

             enjoy a meal (CHEW), go for a walk, breathe!  If you take action toward caring for yourself you

             will begin to feel love from within.  Fake it till you make it.    

http://www.gabriellebernstein.com/

Gina Gibney's choreography has been widely presented and commissioned in the United States and abroad at such venues as The Duke on 42nd Street, Works & Process at The Guggenheim Museum of Art, The Joyce Theater's Altogether Different series, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Joyce SoHo, Central Park SummerStage, Symphony Space, The World Trade Center, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Public Theatre, the New York platform of the Rencontres Chorégraphiques Internationales de Seine Saint-Denis, L'Agora de la Danse (Montréal), Maison de la Culture Frontenac (Montréal), Maison de la Culture Rosemont (Montréal), Gibraltor Point Center for the Arts (Toronto), and elsewhere.  

In response to her growing concern about the status of women in the professional dance world, she reorganized her company as an all-female ensemble in 1998.  Since that time, she has created five evening length works: Coming from Quiet (1998), Objects No Longer Present (2000), Several Truths (2001), Time Remaining (2002) and Thrown (2004).

A recognized leader in combining the arts with community initiatives, Gibney has most recently developed Domestic Violence Project, a program that offers dance and creative expression to women who are survivors of domestic abuse.  

She is the founder of Studio 5-2, an officer of Danspace Project's Board of Directors, and a recently elected trustee of Dance/USA. Gibney graduated with honors and received an MFA in Dance from Case Western Reserve University.  Gibney recently received the first ever “Inspiration Award” from The Retreat, and her company was named to the Vanity Fair Hall of Fame in April 2008.

http://www.ginagibneydance.org

Britt Menzies is a mother, a wife, and an artist with a flair for fashion and originality. Britt is the founder, creator and the spirit behind StinkyKids™. Inspired by her own two beautiful StinkyKids, Britt is constantly evolving the concept to make it the quintessential wearable art.

Britt is a graduate of Florida State University with two degrees — accounting and finance. While she was enjoying a career with a successful Fortune 500 company, that allowed her to travel the world, she had always had a passion for art. The birth of her son inspired her to leave the corporate world and revisit her creative side. Today, a few years and a daughter later, the result is StinkyKids.
 

Along with the full-time duties of being a stay-at-home mom, Britt is an active volunteer with Books, Bears and Bonnets, Inc. a non-profit organization founded by her mother in memory of Britt’s aunt who died of uterine cancer. Books, Bears, and Bonnets, Inc. provides whimsical gift boxes to courageous children and adults fighting cancer and other serious illnesses. A portion of the proceeds from StinkyKids is donated directly to this worthwhile charity.

Britt's Answers to the Real Beauty Questions

I am a Real Beauty because…

               I encourage my children (and all children) to be the best that they can be and to

               ‘Always Be A Leader of Good’!

 
I am most beautiful when…

               my kids wake me up in the morning with a hug and a kiss (which is every morning)!

If I were not afraid I would…

               buy a beach house in the Abacos (StinkyKids success will help overcome my fear)!

Today I celebrated my beauty by…

               savoring every bite of my Twizzlers candy while at the movies with my kids.

My advice to a young woman struggling with her body image and self-esteem is…

               that at some point in all of our lives, we have all struggled with the same emotions but

               to continue to love yourself for who you are because true beauty is not who you are on

               the outside, but who you are on the inside!!

http://www.stinkykids.com

Simply put, Master Fitness Instructor Ana Cabán is one of the most important Pilates instructors today.  Her award-winning videos, have sold millions worldwide, while her innate talent for teaching and drive for perfecting her craft have made her one of the most sought after Pilates instructors in the fitness industry.  Ana has been featured in countless media and has been invited to be a celebrity guest instructor at prestigious destination spas such as The Golden Door and Cal-a-Vie.  Ana has won numerous Aegis and Telly Awards and the title of Woman of the Year by the Business Professional Women’s Association.

Ana began teaching Pilates a decade ago.  She is proud to have had the honor of completing her certification under the tutelage of ”the grande dame of Pilates“, Romana Kryzonowska.  Ana truly enjoys teaching Pilates and seeing the benefits that her clients, and fans, derive from the method. 

Over the past decade Ana has owned and operated Pilates studios in both Miami and Los Angeles. Having recently relocated back to the Los Angeles area Ana is happy to be teaching at In and Up Pilates in the neighborhood of Silver Lake.  In her free time Ana enjoys being with her family, reading and volunteering with local charity organizations.
 

Read entire bio here:
http://www.anacaban.com

Ana's Answers to the Real Beauty Questions