“I'm a serious optimist. I come from a country where you have little to be hopefu…” — Leymah Gbowee

At 17, the first time I saw a dead body, I froze. By 31 it was a natural occurrence for me, and no group of people should live like that.

The one thing I have never been afraid of is standing before important people and speaking my mind. I represent women who may never have the opportunity to go to the UN or meet with a president. I'm never afraid to speak truth to power.

Leadership is standing with your people. People say you have to live to fight another day, but sometimes you have to show you are a true leader.

I'm now on a journey to fulfill the wish, in my tiny capacity, of little African girls.