Helping a Girl Out

We already know that CPAs are cool and go beyond the stereotype of number-crunchers and anal-retentive geeks. Karen O'Connor-Joyner a full-time CPA in Fairfax, Va., is a shining example of this.

Aside from being a CPA, mother, step-mother, wife, board member, dance teacher, mentor, event planner and entrepreneur, O’Connor-Joyner has started a Web site aimed at helping middle school girls facing tough times.

ActiveGirlz.com is designed to “help young girls identify with all the challenges they face in today’s world.” The site is set up in a blog format and features a book club, daily inspirations and discussion about anything from grandmothers to financial information.

“All of these girls are going through so much these days,” she said. “They need help with these hard issues and they need direction. I just wanted to help them out in some way.”

The Web site has turned in the Active Girlz Expo, a two-day show aimed at girls ages 8 to 18. The event, which runs at the Dulles Expo and Conference Center in Chantilly on May 16 and 17, will have speakers, performances, vendors, retailers, a book fair and educational sessions to encourage girls to “be the best they can be.”

For more information about O’Connor-Joyner go here.