224: The Self-Empowered Woman: Big Eyes

Dear Followers, There haven’t been any blogs for the past six months because I was hard at work finishing my newest book (a memoir) titled “One Woman, Four Decades, Eight Wishes.” But since the “Big Eyes” movie (which stars Amy Adams) opened on Christmas day, it seems like this would be a good time to reprise the latest blog about artist Magaret Keane.  http://www.marilynwillison.com/223-self-empowered-woman-margaret-keane/  More blogs will … [Read more...]

223: The Self-Empowered Woman: Margaret Keane

Dear Followers, Sorry for the big gap in blogs, but I’ve undergone a major website revamp. As a result, the blogs had to be placed on hold until all the kinks got ironed out. Fortunately, we’re back in business and I’m ready to introduce you to another amazing Self-Empowered Woman.  Most Baby Boomers probably remember (from their high school and college years) the popularity of those “big eyes” Keane paintings that littered the landscape of our … [Read more...]

222: The Self-Empowered Woman: Bring Back Our Girls

Dear Followers, Today, I'd like to remind everyone about the tragic event that took place in Nigeria almost a month ago, on April 15th. That's when Abubakar Shekau, the deranged leader of a militant Islamic splinter group in Nigeria, Boko Haram (which means "Western education is a sin") kidnapped close to 300 girls. The students were asleep in their dormitory at one of the few girls' boarding schools still open in Nigeria. Dozens of … [Read more...]

221: The Self-Empowered Woman: Ida Tarbell

Dear Followers, Last month, I was lucky enough to attend a lecture by Doris Kearns Goodwin, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Bully Pulpit, and meet her afterwards. Naturally, the moment I got home I immersed myself into her joint biography of Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft. Since my father was born in 1903, the events in her book were of special significance to me--I even have Daddy's original teddy bear, the popular childhood … [Read more...]

220:The Self-Empowered Woman: Lupita Nyong’o

Dear Followers, Have you seen the current issue of People magazine? Lupita Amondi Nyong'o is on the cover, and labeled as the world's Most Beautiful Woman.  In the magazine's 25 years of bestowing that honor, she is only the third black woman to be chosen--Halle Berry was the first in 2003, and Beyoncé was in 2012.  You may remember the 31 year old actress for her starring role in 12 Years A Slave, for which she won an Academy Award, and her … [Read more...]

Wise Up Radio, Donna Kim-Brand interviews Marilyn Willison

Listen to Marilyn's Radio Interview … [Read more...]

219: The Self-Empowered Woman: Idina Menzel

Dear Followers, First of all, thanks to everyone who has been casting votes on my behalf for the NMEDA contest for a new handicap accessible van.  Just in case you need the link (since voting lasts until May 8th), here it is: http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/marilyn-willison-west-palm-beach-fl/ Now, let me introduce you to one of the entertainment world's most talented Self-Empowered Women. You may have seen her on Broadway in … [Read more...]

Marilyn Murray Willison

Author ~ Speaker ~ Journalist. … [Read more...]

218: The Self-Empowered Woman: Dorothy Thompson

Dear Followers, As man of you know, I'm in the middle of a month-long national competition for a handicapped-accessible van. The more votes I can get the better, and I'm competing against a number of people who have large organizations (i.e., big voting blocs) behind them. This is a shameless request for three minutes of your time today to vote on my behalf, and then one minute each day until voting end on May 8th. The link--is below--and if … [Read more...]

217: The Self-Empowered Woman: Did You Know?

 As Women's History Month comes to a close, I thought I would share a few "reminders" about the progress we've made, and the changes that have come our way. So, did you know that... Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to get a medical degree in America in 1849. Fifteen years later, Rebecca Lee Crunpler became the first African-American woman to receive a medical degree. In 1872, Victoria Claflin Woodhull became the first … [Read more...]