Aliza Sherman, also known as Aliza Pilar Sherman, Aliza Sherman Risdahl, and Cybergrrl (born December 19, 1964) is a new media entrepreneur, author, blogger, women's issues activist, and international speaker. She is known for her expertise in online marketing and networking. Her primary focus includes addressing women's issues on the Internet, while empowering women to expand their role and involvement in progressive technology and the new media industry. In 1995, Sherman was named by Newsweek magazine as one of the "Top 50 People Who Matter Most on the Internet". She was one of only three women on the list.[1] In 2009, she was named by Fast Company magazine as one of the "Most Influential Women in Technology", in the Blogger category.[2] She is a native of Honolulu, Hawaii.
Professional background
In January 1995, Sherman founded Cybergrrl, Inc., which is the first full-service Internet company owned by a woman.[3] Two months later, she established Webgrrls International, known as the first global women's new media networking organization. Sherman is known for launching the first three general interest Web sites for women, located at Cybergrrl.com, Webgrrls.com, and Femina.com, predating other major women's Web sites.[4][3]
She is credited with coining the term "Webgrrls" to refer to women with Web sites.[5][6]
In addition to Internet, Web site, and organizational development, Sherman has written twelve books, some of which address hindrances facing women in their attempt to increase their participation and involvement on the Internet. She identifies the issues that are present in various environments, while offering solutions, then empowering women to remove the barriers and move forward to accomplish their individual and professional goals.[7] She has spoken about issues pertaining to women and the Internet at international conferences and events, including "Technology Conference for Women's NGOs" at The Hague, Netherlands; "Links Education Technology Conference" in Stockholm, Sweden; "1999 Women Leaders Conference" in Wellington, New Zealand; and "1999 Women's Summit of the Americas" in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In March 1995, Sherman established Webgrrls International, which is a hybrid of online and offline networking, education and mentoring for women interested in technology-related fields. The initial goal of Webgrrls was to provide a way for women to meet other women who were interested in and knowledgeable about the Internet. Webgrrls offered job lists and online training to members.[3] Webgrrls started as a series of meetups in New York City with their initial meeting held at @Cafe on St Marks Place.[8] During its first year, the organization grew to include over 100 chapters and networking groups throughout the world.[4][9][10]
Beginning in 1998, some chapters began to establish their independence from Webgrrls. The San Francisco Chapter left in August to form San Francisco Women on the Web followed by the Austin chapter, which formed "Her Domain". In April 1999, the Washington, D.C. chapter followed suit, forming DC Web Women. By the end of November 2000, nearly one third of Webgrrls' 30,000 members, primarily those from the US and Canada, left Webgrrls and established a separate organization, called DigitalEve. The Internet: A Historical Encyclopedia explores the reasons for these chapters and members leaving Webgrrls.[3] In 1999, Sherman resigned from Cybergrrl, Inc. The companies Cybergrrl, Inc. and Webgrrls International are run by CEO Kevin Kennedy,[3] while the CTO is Nelly Yusupova.[11]
Blogging
Sherman is a blogger with several blogs of her own including Babyfruit[12] and AlizaSherman.com.[13] She was a contributor for WebWorkerDaily.com,[14]Mashable,[15] and WorkitMom.com.[16]
Sherman is a member of the American Association of University Women's Educational Foundation Commission on Technology, Gender, and Teacher Education exploring the technology gender gap in schools culminating in a report called Tech-Savvy: Educating Girls in the New Computer Age (2000).[23] She has served as an advisor to various nonprofit organizations for girls, including GenAustin, hipGuide, College Broadband.
In 2003, Sherman established a digital consulting and social media marketing firm, called Conversify. In 2010, she launched the strategic digital and mobile consulting agency, Mediaegg LLC, which provides strategic digital consulting.
Sherman, Aliza. Working Together Against Violence Against Women, Rosen Publishing Group, 1996. ISBN978-0823922581
Sherman, Aliza. Everything You Need to Know About Placing Your Baby for Adoption, Rosen Publishing Group, 1997. ISBN978-0823922666
Sherman, Aliza. Cybergrrl: A Woman's Guide to the World Wide Web, Ballantine, 1998. ISBN978-0345423825
Sherman, Aliza. Cybergrrl @ Work: Tips and Inspiration for the Professional You, Penguin Putnam, 2001. ISBN978-0425176566
Sherman, Aliza. PowerTools for Women in Business: 10 Ways to Succeed in Life and Work, Entrepreneur Press, 2001. ISBN978-1891984327
Sherman, Aliza. The Everything Blogging Book: Publish Your Ideas, Get Feedback, and Create Your Own Worldwide Network, Adams Media, 2006. ISBN978-1593375898
Sherman, Aliza. Streetwise Ecommerce: Establish Your Online Business, Expand Your Reach, and Watch Your Profits Soar, Adams Media, 2007. ISBN978-1598691443
Sherman, Aliza. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Crowdsourcing: Tap the Power of Many to Get Things Done, Alpha/Penguin, 2011. ISBN978-1615640928
Sherman, Aliza. Mom, Incorporated: A Guide to Business + Baby, Sellers Publishing, 2011. ISBN978-1416206514
Sherman, Aliza. Social Media Engagement For Dummies, For Dummies, 2013. ISBN978-1118530191
Sherman, Aliza. The Happy, Healthy Nonprofit: Strategies for Impact without Burnout, Wiley, 2016. ISBN978-1119251118
Sherman, Aliza. Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness: An Essential Guide for Using Nature's Medicine to Relieve Stress, Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Inflammation, and More, Ten Speed Press, 2019. ISBN978-1984856852
References
^"The Net 50", Newsweek, Vol. 126/127, Issue 26/1, December 25, 1995.