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http://www.girlshealth.gov/
Roland Warren
President of the National Fatherhood Initiative
Did you know that Fatherhood has a great impact on the health of adolescent girls? From academic achievements to self-esteem, fathers play an important role in the development of young girls. Read on to find out about one dedicated father…so dedicated that he's the president of a Fatherhood organization!
Hometown
Toledo, OH
Profession
Non-profit Executive. (Mr. Warren is the President of the National Fatherhood Initiative.)
Why did you choose your profession?
One out of every three kids in the U.S. grows up without a father. I grew up without a father. I saw how important having a father was to my kids. Committed fathers improve the lives of children.
What are some advantages to your job?
I get to be spontaneous and diverse, doing different things at a fast pace…I like that.
What are some disadvantages?
Changing the world takes time so there is no immediate gratification in doing what I do. But it's all about the effort you're putting in.
Who is/was your role model? Why?
I didn't really have one. However, my spiritual relationship is important.
Name one challenge you faced when you were young?
Reading and speaking in public. I was incredibly nervous.
How did you overcome it?
I overcame it just by doing it. You may fail at first, but eventually, you'll get better.
Favorite food:
Chocolate chip cookies!
Hobby:
Playing video games with my sons…I have two sons.
How do you stay healthy: mind, body, and spirit?
I never stop learning. I learn about a lot of different things. I'm a student of the world. Physically, I try to go to the gym and eat right…my wife makes me. She monitors what I eat. Spiritually, I read the Bible and pray. I pursue wisdom.
What advice would you give to young girls today?
Listen to your parent(s). No one is going to love you more and shutting them down is a mistake.
Also, guard your heart by making sure that you don't allow yourselves to be influenced by things that are "unhealthy." You need to be vigilant about this.
What is one health issue that you feel is important to teen girls today?
Exercise. A lot of kids today are overweight. Ones that exercise will have better perspectives of their bodies.
If you knew what you know now, what would you do differently to improve your health?
I always exercised and played sports when I was young. It has paid off and I'm living off of it, now. Because I was physically active when I was young, I now know what to do and how to do it. I'm glad I made the investment then.
Content last reviewed March 01, 2003
Page last updated March 01, 2003
