A few days ago I was in Las Vegas attending the Blogalicious Weekend Conference. During one of my breaks, I checked my email and read a message from my digital sister, Chrysula Winegar, that invited me to participate in Women Online’s Social Media Sprint Campaign. When I visited the Women Online (WO) web site to research the campaign, I learned WO is a boutique digital public relations and marketing firm founded by Morra Aarons-Mele, an Internet marketing professional who established The Mission List and served as the founding Political Director for BlogHer.com. After digesting this information, my response to Chrysula’s invitation was YES…YES… YES!!!!! So I joined the group of amazing women bloggers and top social media voices in a “social media sprint” to Election Day (#blogforobama).
Photo Credit: BarackObama.com
So why join? I think President Obama is the only Presidential candidate who represents my interests as a woman. Since June, I have actively participated in the Obama 2012 campaign by:
Using my social media platforms to promote the campaign each week.
Photo Credit: Ananda canvasing in her U Street neighborhood in DCPhoto Credit: Ananda volunteering at Obama phone bankPhoto Credit: Ananda volunteering at Obama phone bankPresident Obama speaking at BlogHer 12 ConferencePhoto Credit: Leigh Mosley wwwleighmosley.comPhoto Credit: BarackObama.com
Today, I participated in WO’s first conference call and learned more about the role I will be playing in the Social Media Sprint Campaign. I also learned my digital sisters, Stacey Ferguson, BeBlogalicious.com co-founder and chief curator, and Xina Eiland, President of The Eiland Group and BeBlogalicious.com publicist, are also participating in the campaign. What great company I am in!
From now and until November 7 (the day after the Presidential Election), you will see me online a little more. For example, I will tweet during the Presidential Debate on October 3. Later this week, I will share more information from the Social Media Sprint Campaign. So look out for my tweets and posts on Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest.
Enjoy your day and remember to register to vote, get your ID, help others register or obtain their IDs, vote early (if you can), and vote for President Obama!
Ananda after the BlogHer12 5K which was really a shorter fun run she created with a few fellow bloggers on 8/3
Happy Friday!
Last week I joined over 5,000 women and a few good men at the Hilton New York in New York City to celebrate and experience the BlogHer community and economy!
BlogHer welcome sign
Since returning to my home in Washington, D.C., I have:
Reflected and journaled about my experiences and lessons learned during the conference (was able to write in my journal thanks to the time I had on my Bolt Bus ride home to D.C. and my daily subway rides to and from work).
Prepared several blog recaps (posted a few on my blog) that I will be using in chapters for my forthcoming book, Digital Sisterhood: Fierce Living Online for 25 Years.
Talked to my book editor, parents, team of business advisors, and a few friends about lessons learned from the conference.
Posted my photos of the moments I cherished most and shared them on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Twitter, and my blog.
Reached out and connected with new and old blogging friends via Twitter (especially on #DigitalSisterhood Wednesday), Facebook, email, and text messages on my best friend, my HTC EVO smartphone.
Read and was inspired by many recap blog posts and tweets written by conference attendees.
Begun to map out the follow up work I need to do between now and the end of 2013 (yes next year) to enhance my talents and skills, expand my thought leadership, deepen my connection and engagement within my own network and the online/offline communities that support me, and further develop my revenue generating streams as an author, artist, blogger, coach, speaker, workshop facilitator, yoga teacher, and Reiki practitioner (what a mouthful!).
Mailed thank you cards to some of the BlogHer team members and people I did not have a chance to meet or deliver a card to (the southern belle debutante and sorority girl inside of me is compelled to write thank you cards …. my mother is responsible for this behavior).
Organized my small stash of swag with plans to give some of it away as gifts to family and friends (adoring my favorite swag … the Martha Stewart orange journal …. What can I say? The writer in me loves journals and the Martha Stewart brand!).
Ananda feeling like she is in 7th heaven at the Martha Stewart Staples booth on 8/2Hanging with digital sister Tracey Friley at President Obama’s live video address to the BlogHer community on 8/2Martha Stewart sharing her wisdom and experiences at Blogher luncheon on 8/3Podcasting Panel with Jasmin Singer, Deborah Shane, and Ananda on 8/3Arnebya Herndon, Ananda’s #BlogHer12 roomie, rocking the Voices of the Year with her Trayvon Martin blog postAnanda and her digital sister Veronica Arreola at breakfast on 8/4Soaking up the wisdom from the Erotica Out in the Open Session on 8/4Learning and listening to Tracey Friley at the Travel Philanthropy session on 8/4Enjoying Lisa Stone’s interview with Katie Couric during the luncheon on 8/4Paying close attention to what the panelists were sharing during the Pricing session on 8/4Ananda sitting next to her digital sister/PR coach Xina Eiland during the closing keynote and hearing Lisa Stone and Elisa Camahort Page discuss the BlogHer economyAnanda’s Instagram photo collage of the Come As You Are party sponsored by Aiming Low on 8/4BlogHer Fashion Show featuring digital sister Laurita Tellado strut her fabulousness on the runwayBlogHer models rocking the runway with their fierceness!Enjoying the BlogHer/Blogalicious brunch on 8/5
This morning I woke up with a deep sense of gratitude for all of the things the BlogHer team and community have done and continue to do. I reflected on how I am a direct beneficiary of their efforts. I remembered the impact their efforts have had on me since my first BlogHer conference in 2009 and the conferences I attended in 2010 and 2011. I smiled at how much I have been able to dream and do as a result of the lessons learned, skills developed, connections I have made, and speaking opportunities I have had. So I wrote an email to BlogHer co-founders Elisa Camahort Page, Lisa Stone, and Jory des Jardins, and members of their amazing team, Polly Pagenhart, Shannon Carroll, Maria Niles, Lori Luna, Amelia Elsbee, and others that was filled with sweet words of gratitude and thanksgiving.
BlogHer Conference Logo
My email talked about how much I value what the BlogHer team does to build and nurture its ever-growing and evolving community, conference, and economy (just love that I can say BlogHer economy … I need a t-shirt to wear in D.C.). I acknowledged how hard it is for them to build a movement, community, business, and economy. I reminded them that because they invest in me I invest in them, and we are ONE! I sprinkled in some of my flowery words and phrases to make them smile and touch their hearts too!
Ananda feeling grateful for BlogHer during the Podcasting 101 Panel on 8/3
Now I am writing this blog post to say thank you to everyone connected to BlogHer. That means YOU … my fellow attendees, conference volunteers, online community members, speakers, sponsors, vendors, brands, companies, and organizations. Together, we are a movement of passionate and powerful people. May we each recognize, affirm, value, and express our contributions in ways that support our highest and greatest good as individuals, communities, businesses, brands, companies, and organizations!
With deep gratitude and blessings,
Ananda, your digital sister
PS: I am feeling really good due to a Starbucks de-caf venti Cafe Americano with three pumps of raspberry and my own rice milk, my comfy and cute Ann Taylor Loft dress, and Pandora.com playing in the background! LOL! It’s just that kinda day! Can you feel me?
Last week was AWESOME! Why? The BlogHer 12′ conference in New York City. During the conference, I had the privilege of moderating a fantastic Podcasting 101 panel discussion with my brilliant co-panelists Deborah Shane and Jasmin Singer. These ladies were INCREDIBLE! They shared from their hearts and gave the audience lots of great information and feedback. Special thanks Deborah and Jasmin for making the panel a success!
Podcasting Panel members Jasmin Singer, Ananda Leeke & Deborah Shane at BlogHer Speakers Orientation on 8/2/12
Deborah, Jasmin, and I met during the Speakers’ Orientation and recorded a podcast preview of what we planned to share the day before our session. Click here to listen to the Cinchcast podcast.
I opened the panel discussion with a brief introduction on podcasting that included a definition and reasons why people use podcasts and Internet radio shows. See below.
1) Definition
Podcasting represents a type of digital media that allows you to create audio content, organize it into an episodic series of audiofiles that can be subscribed to and downloaded through web syndication or streamed online to a computer, lap top, netbook, tablet, or mobile device when it is convenient to the listener.
2) Key Podcasting Points
Podcasting is used to:
Generate conversations through storytelling, sharing information, and interviewing others.
Create, curate, and market content.
Advocate and promote causes and campaigns that promote social change, social good, social justice, and other issues.
Build and engage community.
Market and promote events, products, and services.
Develop thought leadership expertise and speaking skills.
Gather research and document best practices.
I asked the attendees several questions to determine their level of interest and skills. See below.
How many people host a podcast or radio show?
How many people want to launch a podcast or radio show?
How many people listen to podcasts or radio shows?
After the audience responded with a show of hands for each question, Deborah, Jasmin, and I shared how and why we started podcasting and hosting Internet radio shows. We also gave podcasting and Internet radio show tips and explained the benefits of podcasting and hosting Internet radio shows. Click on the links below to read my blog posts that feature podcasting tips and benefits and to view the Podcsting 101 Pinterest (lots of great resources).
Deborah gave a talk on branding and marketing podcasts and Internet radio shows.
Photo Credit: Sahaj Kohli
Many thanks to Sahaj Kohli for taking the photo above and tweeting it out during the session.
For more information about the panel’s comments, click here to read Arie Rich’s live blogging notes. She captured the essence of the panel! Thanks Arie! You ROCK!
Photo Credit: Ananda Leeke
Click here to listen to my Cinchcast interview about the Podcasting Panel 101 session her with Laura E., publisher of Fresh From My Desk blog.
Ananda and Podcasting 101 Panel attendee Laura E.Podcasting 101 panel attendees
Check out the Podcasting 101 Twitterstream below to learn what other attendees said about the session.
I am headed to the BlogHer Conference to moderate the Podcasting 101 Panel on August 3 from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hilton New York in New York City. My co-panelists are Deborah Shane and Jasmin Singer, two amazing women who rock the web with their Internet radio and podcasting skills. Click here for more details.
Podcasting 101 Digital Treats:
Blog post about my podcasting journey and 14 tips on launching a podcast or Internet radio show
Today BeBlogalicious.com posted an excerpt from my forthcoming memoir, Digital Sisterhood: Fierce Living Online for 25 Years (late fall 2012). My excerpt discusses how Blogalicious gave birth to my Digital Sisterhood bond with PR and communications professional Xina Eiland. Click here to read it. Let me know what you think in the comment section below.
Join me and my Kind and Gentle Yoga Meet Up Group for Sunday morning yoga from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m on June 24, July 29, August 26, September 9, October 14, and November 4 in Malcolm X/Meridian Hill Park located at 16th Street and Florida Avenue, NW Streets in Washington, DC. The U Street Metro on the Green Line is the closest subway stop. To stay updated on the class schedule, please click here to join the Meet Up Group (free to join). You can also find information about the classes on BarackObama.com’s event listiings.
The yoga class will take place by the reflecting pool (with ducks and flowers) and waterfall located near the Malcolm X/Meridian Hill Park entrance at 16th Street and Florida Avenue (at the bottom of the hill).
Photo Credit: BarackObama.com
The yoga class is offered free of charge with an invitation for class members to make a donation to President Barack H. Obama’s successful 2012 re-election campaign online through the donation button on BarackObama.com: https://contribute.barackobama.com/donation/index.html. You can also make a donation offline by giving me your donation before or after the class. I will submit all yoga class donations online as a part of my OBAMA 2012 campaign fundraising efforts.
Today is #DigitalSisterhood Wednesday on Twitter. It’s a weekly celebration that I host to honor women in social media. It always energizes me and leaves me feeling proud to be a woman who uses her digital voice to honor, connect with, and build community with a diverse group of social media women. Many of these women keep me informed, inspired, and encouraged.
Photo Credit: BarackObama.com
Last week was a hard one. I had difficulty watching and reading the attacks against President Barack H. Obama. I took it personal. I let it all get to me. I started doubting my power to affirm and support the successful 2012 re-election of President Obama. My attitude shifted when I started reading the Twitterstream of Dr. Goddess and Zerlinda Maxwell on Saturday, June 9. They were live tweeting from the Netroots Nation annual conference. One of Zerlinda’s tweets included a link to President Obama’s video message to the Netroots Nation attendees. Click here to watch it.
Photo Credit: BarackObama.com
After watching President Obama, I started to feel hopeful. My day got better when I went to run errands in my neighborhood and met two sistafriends who gave me a mouthful of reasons why they were stepping up their support for President Obama. I came home and wrote my mission statement and a list of the ways I will support President Obama’s successful re-election campaign. See below.
My Mission Statement
As a supporter of President Barack Obama, I choose to express my support by:
Sharing information and advocating Obama Administration policies and programs (especially the programs that support women and girls) with my fellow Americans;
Encouraging Americans to register to vote, to learn about President Obama’s successful policies and programs, and to invest financially in the Obama campaign; and
Investing in the Obama campaign financially each month to demonstrate my commitment to President Obama and to take ownership of the counrty I choose to live in as an American citizen.
Ways I Will Support President Obama
Create a mini vision board in my vision board book that affirms President Obama’s re-election and review it daily to keep my mind focused on the positive. (DONE)
Dedicate my daily yoga and meditation practice to sending positive energy to President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Obama family, Obama Administration, Obama 2012 Re-ElectionTeam, and people of the United States of America. (STARTED)
Invest in the Obama 2012 campaign on a regular basis by making a financial contribution each pay period. (WILL START THIS MONTH)
Use my summer and fall monthly yoga class as a fundraiser for the Obama 2012 Campaign. (WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 24)
Plan and host a local fundraiser for the Obama 2012 Campaign with one of my neighbors. (WILL BEGIN PLANNING IN JULY)
Stay updated on the White House Initiatives and Obama 2012 Re-Election Team’s efforts. (STARTED ON MONDAY)
Use my digital voice wisely to blog, post Facebook updates, and tweet about the great things the Obama Administration and 2012 Re-Election Team are doing each week. (STARTED TODAY)
Talk to people I meet about registering to vote and share the great things the Obama Administration has done to improve the United States since 2009.
Identify ways I can support the Obama 2012 Re-Election Team on the ground in the summer and fall. (STARTED ON MONDAY)
Talk to my father “J” about his digital activism in support of President Obama each week. Why? J stays on top of all things Obama. He uses his Facebook, Twitter, and email accounts to keep his network informed about the Obama Administration’s great works. His positive attitude and unwavering commitment to President Obama keep me uplifted. (STARTED ON MONDAY).
Photo Credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza of President Barack Obama delivering remarks at the “White House Forum on Women and the Economy” in Eisenhower Executive Office Building, South Court Auditorium, April 6, 2012Photo credit: WhiteHouse.gov
Check out my first week’s post about some of the great things President Obama and his team have done to improve the lives of women and girls. Most of my posts will focus on women and girls (so get ready!).
FYI — I read about the efforts on the WhiteHouse.gov’s Council on Women and Girls’ page. I also subscribed to the email updates. It makes it easier to stay updated (have been receiving them since the Council was created).
In April, the Obama Administration hosted the White House Forum on Women and the Economy and released a report that outlines a wide range of policies, programs, and initiatives that support women and girls at all stages of their lives. Nearly 200 women participated in a conversation about the critical role women play in driving U.S. economic progress. Click here for more details. WOMEN POWER ROCKS!
Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama and Chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls, published a WhiteHouse.gov blog post that discussed how women entrepreneurs are creating jobs in June. It includes an interactive timeline with profiles of different women entrepreneurs. I discovered Yes! Organic Markets owner Kathy Rachel is featured in the timeline. I shop at Yes! two to three times per week in my D.C. neighborhood. I’ve been supporting this woman-owned business since 1992. GO WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS!
Photo Credit: BarackObama.com
If you are on TEAM OBAMA, how are you supporting President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign? Share your comments below.
Ms. Delores, a 79 year old runner and Ananda at Komen Race for the Global Cure 5K on June 2 in DC
Happy June and Happy Tuesday!
Today I am marinating on the wisdom I received from Ms. Delores, a 79 year old runner. I met her while running the Komen Race for the Global Cure 5K on June 2 in DC (see photo). She started running at the age of 50 and currently leads a running group in her neighborhood. Her wisdom was rooted in moving your body, moving your mind, and moving your spirit. They all work together for your highest and greatest good. How are you moving your body, mind, and spirit this month?
Ananda giving a thumbs up after running Komen Race for the Global Cure 5K in DC on June 2
I am moving my body with daily yoga and walking, weekly running and core/weight training exercises, healthy eating, more sleep, weekly biking, and a 5K on June 16 for pancreatic cancer.
Cover of Ananda’s Vision Board Book
I am moving my mind with a daily writing schedule (it’s a fierce bootcamp that is getting me through the final chapters of my Digital Sisterhood memoir book). I am also moving my mind by reviewing my vision board book that I had to make as part of my Mastermind Group on a daily basis. It is filled with positive affirmations, goals, and mini vision boards that support all parts of my life.
Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley
I am moving my spirit with daily prayer, meditation, Reiki healing touch, and devotional reading. I am also making sure that I attend my Mastermind Group weekly meetings, People of Color Sangha Buddhist monthly meeting, and weekly church service at All Souls Unitarian Church. Enjoy June!
How was your Memorial Day Weekend? What did you do?
Memorial Day Weekend gave me an opportunity to relax, rest, and hang out in my U Street/Dupont Circle/Adams Morgan neighborhoods in Washington, DC.
A writer letting loose on 14th Street, NW in DC
I led a social media 101 workshop for my Mastermind group on Saturday morning.
Photo Credit: Madelyn Leeke
On Sunday, I took several walks in my neighborhood and captured some of my favorite flowers with my smartphone.
Sharon Malachi and Ananda
I also met up with my stylist Sharon Malachi (a/k/a Butterfly LP) and obtained summer styling tips at Blackbird, a cool spot for drinks and lite fare on 14th Street, NW.
L’Enfant CafeSharon with her Butterfly iPhone caseAnanda and Sharon Malachi at L’Enfant
I gave Sharon a business and social media coaching while eating a tasty brunch at L’Enfant on Monday.
Photo from Instagram
To stay updated on social media, I joined Instagram and created photos with my smartphone. Instagram has become one of my favorite apps. I also wrote, decluttered, and organized my home (year long process).
Social Media Panel featuring Roland Martin, Patricia Cesaire, James Andrews, and Ananda Leeke — Photo Credit: Lauren Brown Jarvis
Greetings All!
Last week was filled with Georgia peach sweet adventures during my trip to Spelman College’s Leadership and Women of Color Conference, a professional development opportunity for women aspiring to be leaders as well as those who are in leadership positions. The conference theme was “Leading with Purpose.” It was organized under the leadership of Dr. Jane E. Smith, Executive Director, Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement at Spelman. Click here to learn more about the conference.
My favorite moments from the conference included:
Hearing Dr. Beverly Tatum speak about composite mentoring during the conference opening.
Interviewing Tiffani Gatlin, founder of Tastemaker Magazine on day one of the conference. Click here to listen to the interview.
Attending the Book Fair and speaking with my digital sister Deborah Owens, “The Wealth Coach,” about her book, A Purse of Your Own (and having her sign my copy of the book!)
Hearing Dr. Tatum talk about H.O.P.E. = Having Optimism Produces Effort. Timeless wisdom!
Chatting with Dr. Nicole LaBeach and purchasing her book, A Woman’s True Purpose at the Book Fair (getting the Choose Yourself t-shirt too!).
Meeting people like Nicole Roberts Jones, CEO of iDEFINE, during the Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner.
Listening to the empowering words of the Legacy of Leadership awardees Shinae Chun, Former Director, Women’s Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor; Evelyn Lowery, Founder, SCLC W.O.M.E.N.; Monica Pearson, News Anchor, WSB-TV, Channel 2; and Vivian Stringer, Women’s Basketball Coach, Rutgers University.
Chatting one-on-one with Vivian Stringer about social media after the Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner.
Having breakfast with my new digital sister Lynn Shareef, a proud Spelman alumna.
Learning from Dr. Kym Harris, President & CEO, Your SweetSpot Coaching & Consulting, during the Coaching Breakfast.
Being inspired by the Testimonies from the Field session featuring Kathleen McGhee-Anderson (Spelman Alumna), Writer/Producer, TV/Film/Theater; Alisha Thomas Morgan, Georgia State Representative (Spelman Alumna); Tisha Tallman, President & CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Jue Wong, CEO, Astral Health & Beauty, Inc.
Attending a leadership development workshop facilitated by Tai Beauchamp, CEO/On-Air Host, BluePrint Group, LLC.
Meeting Dr. Tatum, Dr. Jane E. Smith, and Patricia Cesaire, Director of Social Media at Black Enterprise.
Seeing the Faith Ringgold exhibit at the Spelman Museum of Fine Art during one of the breaks. AWESOME! Ms. Ringgold is one of my favorite artists. Love her memoir too!
Hanging out with some of my favorite social media peeps: Lauren Brown Jarvis (Spelman student), Lauren Thomas, and James and Sherrelle Andrews.
Sharing my experiences and lessons learned as a blogger and the Digital Sisterhood Network founder during the Social Media Panel.
Spending time with the awesome Spelman Media team: Tomika DePriest, Terrilyn Simmons, Joyce Davis, and Kia Smith
Meeting my new NYC sistalove Theresa at the end of the conference and chatting about our favorite moments.
Social Media Panel – James Andrews, Ananda Leeke, Patricia Cesaire, and Roland Martin
On day two of the conference, I served as a panelist for the Social Media Panel – Purposeful Posts: How Social Media Can Shape Your Leadership Brand. Click here to learn more about the panel discussion. Journalist Roland Martin moderated the panel. Patricia Cesaire, Director of Social Media at Black Enterprise, and James Andrews, Founder of SocialPeople.TV, served as panelists. During the panel discussion, I shared my experiences as a blogger and the Digital Sisterhood Network founder, insights on taking care of yourself online with a digital diet, tips on how to use social media tools, and the power of women online.
Check out several tweets about my comments below.
Lynn Shareef@lynnshareef
#anandaleeke it’s about the quality of the social media conversation
SC Women of Color @SpelmanWOCConf
.@anandaleeke advises us to take good care of ourselves. You can overdose on social media. Go on a social diet. #SpelmanWOCC#fb
#spelmanwocc woman are a powerful presence in the digital world #anandaleeke digital sisterhood! 69million strong
Jacquie Hood Martin@Jhoodmartin
#AnandaLeeke says take time away from social media as not to become ‘a social media schizophrenic’ it’s ok to back away #SpelmanWOCC
Jacquie Hood Martin@Jhoodmartin
Women view the Internet like its ‘social tv’ we use it as a mean of community and connectivity says #AnandaLeeke#SpelmanWOCC
Here are more photos from the conference. Enjoy!
Ananda, Joyce Davis, and James Andrews
Roland Martin and Tomika DePriestTastemaker Magazine founder Tiffini Gatlin and AnandaTai Beauchamp’s Leadership Development WorkshopAnanda and Deborah Owens
Ananda Leeke 