by Suzette Banzo

The difference between those that spend their lives dreaming and those inspired by those dreams to better the world was found in one word, activist. Now it can be found in one more word, "actionist".
Mahatma Gandhi infamous quote "be the change you want to see in the world" defines the work and character of Jess Weiner, who proudly refers to herself as an "Actionist", a word she has coined to promote self-esteem for women of all ages.

Jess is a self made entrepreneur with a quest to enhance the life of women by not only empowering them through self worth and self acceptance, but by also networking and building a global community to connect individuals with organizations that make a difference. Jess, Dove's Global Ambassador for Self Esteem, believes in social storytelling as a way to promote change, shedding light on just how important it is to look beyond the weight in pounds and focus on the weight in worth.

Suzette:  Jess, what is your professional background? How did you get started? What kind of jobs did you do previously? 

Jess: By nature I am an entrepreneur and always have started my own businesses. Thankfully, I've been able to turn my passions into a career. 

For me, my career began in college when I helped form a student social issue theater company that performed plays on campus. My passion was ignited for using theater to make change during this time. Then while I was still in college I had the rare opportunity to work with MTV on a show called "Unfiltered" – it was a you shoot it/ we air it news show for teens. I covered a sexual harassment event on campus. It got a lot of response and it led me to be featured in other media outlets like CNN. Then I graduated and moved to Indiana and started Act Out Ensemble in 1995. It was loosely based on the structure of what I created in college. We ran for six seasons and traveled all over the nation together performing social, health, and educational plays for students.

Now, I am a best selling author, self-esteem expert and founder of the Actionist Network® an online community of like-minded leaders who care about confident women and girls. I also serve as Dove's Global Self-Esteem Ambassador and am a contributing editor to Seventeen Magazine.

Suzette: Tell us about the Actionist® Network.

Jess: It is global online community that recognizes and connects individuals and organizations who are making a difference in the lives of others. The Actionist® Network is a community of people who don't settle for status quo, who challenge cultural stereotypes, and who take risks to follow their passion.

Suzette: What type of workshops do you offer as a self-esteem expert?

Jess: I offer workshops, seminars, and consulting services to large and small companies, non-profits, entrepreneurs, and new businesses. Some of the areas we cover include corporate and workplace dynamics, personal relationships and overcoming obstacles, as well as leadership and life skills. A list of my programs are at www.jessweiner.com/speakingworkshops and I am always open to customizing topics for my client's needs.

Suzette: Do you offer tips for young girls that differ from those for older women?

Jess: My advice for all girls and women is really rooted in creating authentic and whole confidence by focusing on the full and complete picture of your life. It's not just about your body or your achievements - it is about your voice, mind, spirit, vision, and heart, too.