Sisterhood. When one doesn't have a sister, yet yearns for one, it seems like such a vast word. But, in all honesty, it was the conceptual word behind the beginnings of Women on the Verge. It is the root. The core. The foundation. And ultimately, the birth.

Sisters, I know can be your best friend, and your biggest thorn. They can embarrass you like no one else, and they have witnessed your darkest moments. I have a brother, and I can say those same things about him. However, he and I never shared a cute new top, nor did we swap shoes... well except when he was only 3 years old and those things weren't judged.

Looking back on our growing up years, there were such bad things said about girls, making us out to be catty and mean-like. And, quite honestly, even as women, some of us have still experienced that stereotype. In many instances, it never went away. I must admit, that I was probably as guilty as anyone else of jumping into the mean-girl vat when I was younger, but thankfully, as an adult, I saw the idiocy of it and decided to do something different.

So, what if we build and establish a community that is NOT about the stereotype? That aims to break that ugly portrayal? Where your successes are applauded and we even have a little bit of a hand in helping to raise you up? A place where envy and pettiness don't belong?

Welcome to Women on the Verge. Breaking the stereotypes of not only women, but also race, sexual preference, nationalities and all genders. The time has come that we break out of the box and quit letting our life be a run-on sentence of stereotypical mish-mash.

This past two years of Women on the Verge makes me believe that we can and ARE doing this very thing.

Last month was filled with a lot of important moments in my life. We attended two memorial services, one for my uncle, the patriach of our family, and one for my husband's eldest brother. In both cases, I saw our family rise to the occasion and be there for each other. My family was solid, loving and accepting. Through thick and thin, we loved and have loved for all of these years. This last month, I swam in that. And through it all? My sisters at the WOTV were ever-ready with a virtual hug, a thoughtful word and the greatest kindness I have ever witnessed. I have been truly touched by this phenomenal community.

Thank you to the Women on the Verge. I am blessed by your presence.

Ana Lewis

Founder