Mission

To Be Me Forever: Empowering Young Girls

To Be Me Forever emerged from the inspiring book To Be Me and has grown into a dedicated 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where young girls can explore successful women's achievements across various careers.

Our Goals

  • Inspiring Reads: We provide a curated collection of stories highlighting women who have excelled in diverse fields.

  • Career Guidance: Young girls can ask questions and gain insights from women currently working in careers they're passionate about.

  • Mentorship Opportunities: We foster connections between young girls and mentors, offering guidance as they prepare to navigate unique challenges in the workplace and life.

  • Supportive Community: Our organization aims to empower girls with the resources and support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

Pr-order

To Be . . . Me

Meet Beatrice, or B for Short

B is a fictional character inspired by my granddaughter. Through her voice, I aim to capture the genuine concerns and thoughts shared by her and many other young girls I've spoken with. B embodies the spirit of youth, reflecting the dreams, challenges, and aspirations that resonate with girls today.

Join her on a journey of exploration as she interviews 20 remarkable women about their careers. Each woman shares her unique experiences, triumphs, and the challenges she faced along the way. B reflects on each story to  understand what path she wants to follow in her own life.

To enhance B's quest, the book is designed with interactive journal sheets where readers can join her in the process. These sheets encourage young readers to reflect on their aspirations, jot down their thoughts, and learn from the inspiring stories shared by these incredible women. Together with B, they can uncover their own dreams and navigate the journey to finding a fulfilling life.

The amazing women featured in the book

Tracy A. Stone is the innovative Principal and owner of Tracy A. Stone Architect, a renowned firm in California that has received numerous awards for its sustainable designs. As a member of the US Green Building Council and a LEED Accredited Professional, Tracy is passionate about creating eco-friendly buildings that benefit the environment. Beyond her practice, she actively contributes to her community, notably through the Preservation Plan for Angelino Heights. Tracy inspires others to embrace sustainability, making architecture a powerful tool for positive change.
Trupti Mahendraker has journeyed from a grade school dreamer to a NASA astronaut. Fueled by inspiration from Kalpana Chawla, the first woman astronaut of Indian origin, she mapped her path early on, ultimately earning a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and becoming a Spacecraft Navigation Engineer at NASA. Reflecting on her childhood ambitions, Trupti explains, 'As a kid, I dreamed of being a pilot one day and Miss Universe the next. But after learning about Kalpana, I knew I wanted to be a “rocket driver.” That dream has never left me.' Her story embodies perseverance and the pursuit of dreams, inspiring others to reach for the stars."
Emily Read is a passionate muralist fulfilling her dream of transforming spaces through art. With over 100 murals in her project titled 'Not So Hopeless,' she changes perspectives on wildlife, making a profound impact through her creativity. 'This is the perfect life for me,' she shares. Looking ahead, Emily envisions continuing her journey filled with exciting projects, inspiring children through art workshops in schools, and cherishing time at home. Her work not only beautifies environments but also uplifts communities."
For Jennifer “Jenn”  Dempster, General Manager, FAA Joint Air Traffic Operations. Aviation is a family tradition. Growing up alongside her father in the airline industry, she spent countless hours at the airport, captivated by the thrill of air shows where her family would sit on a plane's wing, watching the spectacle unfold. This early fascination ignited a lifelong passion for aviation, guiding her career path. Jenn continues to embrace her love for the skies, dedicated to her work and inspiring others in the field."
Captain Pia Kymalainen, hailing from Finland, grew up in a family of aviators. Her passion for flying took flight at just 5 years old when she sat in the cockpit with her father, a pilot, who would even let her take the controls during flights. This early exposure ignited her lifelong love for aviation, shaping her into the accomplished pilot she is today.
 
Kerrigan McDonald-Ortega, Captain, United States Space Force, has dreamed of becoming an astronaut since kindergarten, when a captivating TV show sparked her fascination with space. Her determination is truly inspiring; with every step she takes—tackling college courses, undergoing extra training, and acquiring unique skills—she keeps her astronaut goal firmly in sight. Kerrigan envisions achieving her dream within the next 10 to 15 years, unwavering in her commitment to reach for the stars.
Jennifer Wironen Aube is a dedicated financial advisor and entrepreneur, holding prestigious certifications including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA). With a master’s degree in psychology and currently pursuing a PhD in leadership, she teaches at a local college, authors impactful works, and hosts a podcast—all while being a mother of four. For Jennifer, discovering her purpose has been a gradual journey, likening it to a fuzzy picture that gradually becomes clearer. Regardless of her business ventures, her focus remains on helping others.
Siyu Zhou is a Financial Analyst with an undergraduate degree in forensic accounting and a master’s in computer science. Currently pursuing her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, she aims to deepen her understanding of the accounting process, enriching her expertise in financial analysis. 'I enjoy working in a smaller company, as it allows me to gain diverse experience,' she shares. While she aspires to join a large company like Amazon or Google in the future, she is content with her current role and plans to stay for a while.
Rachel Hammons and Jamie Smyers are dedicated forensic scientists at the crime lab in Arizona, part of the unseen team that supports law enforcement in keeping our community safe. Their position is a vital role behind the scenes, extending far beyond the police we see on patrol. Both Rachel and Jamie highlighted the importance of teamwork in their work, drawing parallels to their backgrounds in sports. The collaboration and support they experienced as athletes mirror the strong sense of unity they rely on in the lab.
Janet Charchuk lives in Canada and has dedicated her adult life to making a difference in her community. For her, understanding Down Syndrome means recognizing her own abilities and unique talents. 'When I face challenges, I find ways to overcome them,' she shares. Diagnosed with Down Syndrome is merely a part of who she is; it does not define her. Janet views it as a gift rather than a barrier, believing it has opened many doors and allowed her to share something truly special with the world.
Maeva Bambuck, Award Winning Senior Producer, resides in New York City but has traveled the globe producing original features and documentaries, often in conflict zones. Her reporting has taken her to Haiti, Pakistan, Ukraine, Central Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mexico, Cuba, and Syria. Maeva describes her career as one where she sometimes works as an investigative journalist, yet she is equally drawn to human stories—narratives that resonate emotionally, even when they aren't breaking news or lengthy investigations."
Inka Cresswell is a dedicated marine biologist, researcher, and ocean advocate, as well as an accomplished underwater photographer, videographer, filmmaker, producer, diver, author, and public speaker. While she loves diving and photography, her true passion lies in directing. She thrives on the challenge of explaining complex scientific concepts in captivating ways. Inka has produced documentaries featured on Netflix and has won major film competitions, showcasing her talent and commitment to raising awareness for ocean conservation.
Dr. Olga Bertelsen is an esteemed historian and Associate Professor of Global Security and Intelligence, specializing in Ukraine and Russia's history. Her passion for researching, documenting, and teaching stems from both her real-life experiences and her commitment to preserving the truth. Growing up in Ukraine, Olga lived through the final three decades of the Soviet era, an experience that deeply informs her work as an author and expert in her field
Judge Stavig, formerly the District Attorney, is now the Presiding Judge for the City of Lakewood, Colorado. Despite her initial shyness, presenting cases in court became a transformative experience that boosted her confidence and deepened her appreciation for collaborating with local law enforcement officers. Serving as both a District Attorney and now a judge has been a true privilege in her career.

 

Emma Sargent is a dedicated lawyer from Colorado with a profound love for reading that inspired her to major in English and minor in Philosophy in college. Her interest in local politics led her to work for a nonprofit focused on making healthcare more affordable and accessible in Colorado. This led to a fulfilling career as a lawyer.  Emma emphasizes the diverse opportunities available with a law degree and encourages new lawyers to be brave, creative, and open to various possibilities.
Jada Lamar completed her studies at the University of Georgia, where she double majored in Atmospheric Sciences and Geography. She is now pursuing her graduate degree in meteorology at Mississippi State University. Her passion for integrating social science with meteorology stems from her desire to create change through understanding people's communication needs. 'I’ve always felt connected to community service and enjoy making connections with others,' she shares.
Meg Coffee, a landscape architect, is the creative mind behind outdoor spaces, planning everything from public parks and gardens to private homes and parking lots. Her work focuses on how places look, function, and connect with the environment. She owns her own company in California and also teach landscape architecture at the University of California, Los Angeles Extension. Landscape Architecture is a blend of creativity, science, and nature
Teresa Janiszyn co-owns Pete’s Farm in a close-knit town in New Hampshire, where the farming community feels like family. She emphasizes the science behind farming, including the importance of testing soil for nutrients, understanding which plants thrive, and identifying missing nutrients to reintroduce them effectively. Despite the numerous challenges posed by unpredictable weather, Teresa genuinely loves her work. She feels a deep responsibility as a steward of the earth and is committed to preserving the land.
Faith Gavin, Lobster Boat Captain and Horse Breeder. She loves being out on the water and thriving in the fast-paced grind of getting everything done. It’s incredibly rewarding moments include seeing dolphins and whales and soaking in the ocean's beauty. When Faith isn’t out on the water, you can find her with her horses. Her love for horses began in childhood and has always been a significant part of her life.