100 Reasons for 100 Years, Reason Two

Ok, let's see if you can guess who is the Reason Two of the series.

This woman is a television host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. Any idea? Try again. Her talk show has become the highest-rated program of it's kind in history. Anything? Ok. She has been ranked the richest African American of the 20th century, the greatest black philanthropist in American history, and was once the only black billionaire in the world. So? Last hint. She is considered the most influential woman in the world!

Of course! She is Oprah!

"100 Reasons for 100 Years" series will not be completed without mentioning this fascinating woman. She is after all one of my future mentors (well wishful thinking never hurt anyone, although I am not sure about never part).

Oprah Winfrey overcame many obstacles in her early life. It ranges from wearing dresses made out of potato sacks to pregnancy at 14 years old. There were also many moves and inconsistencies in her life. But ability to speak and speak well, with the encouragement of her grandmother as well as determination and strict rules of her father who pushed her to education, made Oprah who she is today. Her journey has been remarkable! This year she started a new one, her own network - OWN.

So, how does this amazing individual impact the world in a positive way. Here are just few facts:

1. In 1998 Oprah created an Oprah's Angel Network. This charity provided grants to non-profit organizations around the world and supported charitable projects. This organization alone raised more then $80,000,000.00
2. Oprah personally gave $10,000.00 to Oprah Angel Network Katrina. This donation helped to build homes in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama before the first anniversary of the Hurricane Katrina and Rita.
3. In 2005 Oprah became the first black person as one of America's 50 most generous philanthropists. The estimation of her donations is $303,000,000.00

4. In January 2007 Oprah opened the doors of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. She invested her time and $40,000,000.00 into this project. She teaches a class at the school via satellite.
5. Oprah is a strong supporter of LGBT. Her show is one of the popular media outlets that supports this organization and shines light on the problems that lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people encounter in every day life.

6. In the summer of 2006, Oprah treated her employees and their families to a trip to Hawaii. That was her way of thanking them for their dedication as well to celebrate 20 years of the show. That was 1065 people in total.
7. And how can we forget all the presents that she has given away during the 25 years of Oprah Winfrey show. That made a lot of people very happy.

Should I go on? I think I'd leave it up to you. This woman is fascinating and if you want to find out more about her just google "Oprah".

Is she a Current Woman? No doubt! She is the Current Woman of the 21st century.

Hope you enjoyed these few facts about Oprah (thanks again Wikipedia). Although I have a long list of outstanding women, I am still far from 100 required for the series. Don't be shy, nominate! I know you could be one of the women I am looking for. Let's me tell your story and help your cause, even if it's just one.

Have a great day and remember,

Be Active! Be Involved! Be a Current Woman!