I just had to post here today, and I hope Sophie doesn’t mind me intruding, but Sophie’s message and mission has hit very close to home with me this past week. So now I am writing this blog, not as her publicist, but as a woman, a parent, and an advocate for what Sophie is doing with her book. I guess saying that I have lived a sheltered life is pretty accurate. But with the recent first-ever Amber Alert in Vermont, and the finding of 12-year-old Brooke Bennett’s body yesterday just an hour from my home, it has hit me like a ton of bricks that child molesters and sexual predators can be anywhere. It simply doesn’t matter where you live. Which is why Sophie’s work of “China Girl” is so important and her message is so clear. Be open with your children about the types of people in this world. Teach them how to be aware of the signs of lures and listen to them, no matter how tired or busy you are. Share with them inspiring and empowering stories like Sophie’s, who clearly endured a horrible childhood yet is now an incredible mother, wife, friend, colleague, and advocate for women’s issues as we take on life’s daily challenges. We can make massive change in our world today if we have people like Sophie leading the way. Think about what hundreds of people can do together with a passionate leader. And be safe.

Hi – This is Sophie Mokhtari 

On June 30^th, the state of Vermont declared its first Amber Alert.  Brooke Bennett, a 12 year old girl vanished.

Yesterday, my heart sunk at the news reports coming in about possible connections to MySpace and reminding me that our children are so vulnerable and unprotected on the internet.  Is Brooke another victim of an internet predator? 

Other media reports made speculation that perhaps Brooke’s uncle who has a report of a previous children molestation charge could be responsible for Brooke’s disappearance.  More often than not, people that are harmful to our children are the ones that are the closest to them.  They could be family members, educators, religious folks, neighbors, anyone. 

We must teach our children what is appropriate and acceptable behavior. We must teach them that they can be strong and that they can push back when they are mistreated.  Also our children must known there is help out there and that there are people they can trust. 

Parents and adults—know your environment.  Look at www.meganslaw.com.  You must know your surroundings. Teach your children well.

Sincerely,

Sophie

Hi – This is Sophie Mokhtari 

This past week I attended couple really exciting functions and met some awesome women in Los Angeles.

On June 24th, I attended a NWPC CA meeting hosted by Los Angeles philanthropist and activist Daphna Ziman.  The event was extremely energizing. Having so many highly success women from all walks of life in one room was truly inspiring to me.  The group was passionate and the speeches made emphasized the group’s desire, motivation and purpose to elect more women into public office. 

Also, that night I met and learned about Daphna’s personal commitment to helping children.  Daphna is the chairperson and founder of Children Uniting Nations and an advocate for helping abused children.  She understands the importance of mitigating abuse, creating support and developing a voice for all those children that have been abused and have suffered.  Thank you Daphna for the work you are doing!

On June 29^th I attended a fund raiser for Robyn Ritter Simon who is running for LA City Councilperson.  As I sat there and listened to Robyn’s speech about her desire to work and give back to her community, it became so apparent that it is very important for women to obtain a great presence in society.  More women are needed at every level of every society and organization. Women contribute and make a difference in so many ways. 

We must help those in need to survive, to be strong and to grow.  Survival should be a given and success the goal.  We need to continue our efforts at every level so that children and women will thrive.

Sincerely, 

Sophie