"It's
your birthright to be powerful. It's your responsibility not
to abuse your power."
- Helen Grieco |
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Helen
Grieco
Founder & President
Helen
was born in Long Island, New York into a family plagued with alcoholism,
violence, abuse and poverty. By her early 20's Helen recognized
that she was repeating her family history and made a commitment
to change. She earned a B.A. in Women's Studies and an M.A. in
Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in women's therapy and education.
She has more than twenty years experience as an individual and
group counselor. Helen founded "Defending Ourselves Self-Defense
School" with her husband where they trained thousands of
women and girls in self-defense. For 25 years she worked as an
advocate and spokesperson for women's social, political and economic
equality. She has trained women to be community activists and
leaders. She is an author and producer of educational media for
women and girls.
Helen
has dedicated her life to help women and girls become safer, healthier
and economically independent. Becoming a mother has made her profoundly
more passionate about her mission.
Helen
Grieco is also the founder of BRAVE
People.
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"In
my process to recover from my childhood experiences I was
helped by so many women. I like to think of them as the angel
wise women who helped me change. Their wisdom lifted me up
like wings. My thanks to all of you, especially to Charis,
who helped me create this angel. SHE helps
women and girls change their lives for the better everyday."
- Helen Grieco |
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The SHE
Academy teaches Self-defense, Healthy
lifestyles, Environmental and Economic
training to women and girls. We counteract stereotypic female
gender socialization through our curriculum.
Our students learn how to live safer lives,
because violence is the number one public health issue facing
them. They create their own healthy lifestyle to avoid low-self
esteem, body image distortion, eating disorders, substance abuse
and dangerous relationships. They take the Powerful Beauty Pledge,
learn about harmful media messages and commit not to focus on
their appearance to the detriment of their goals, their health,
their finances and our environment.
Our students learn how to live sustainably and
shop responsibly so they can reduce the effects of toxins in their
bodies and our environment. We also teach our students financial
management, personal and community advocacy and leadership in
their own life and career.
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