Mari K. Eder is a retired U.S. Army Major General, a renowned speaker and author, and a thought leader on strategic communication and leadership. General Eder is the former Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Joint and Special Troops Support Command, former Deputy Chief of the Army Reserve and former Deputy Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army. General Eder is the author of ""Leading the Narrative- The Case for Strategic Communication,"" published by the Naval Institute Press.
""The Girls Who Beat the Odds is a powerful testament to how far women's sports have come--and how much stronger we become when inclusion is not an afterthought, but a foundation. As a Paralympic Champion, I know firsthand how transformative it is to be seen, challenged, and valued for performance rather than limitations. The stories in this book reflect the true breadth of women's athletics: across arenas, abilities, and identities. These athletes didn't just beat the odds placed in front of them--they redefined what was possible. This book is both a celebration and a call to action to ensure the future of sport is equitable, accessible, and bold enough to include us all."" -- Muffy Davis, 7-time Paralympic Medalist ""As a fellow veteran, I recognize in the stories told in The Girls Who Beat the Odds the same discipline, resilience, and sense of purpose that define leadership in uniform. These women succeeded in environments that were not built for them, relying on preparation, perseverance, and belief in something larger than themselves. This book is a fitting tribute to the women who pushed boundaries and expanded opportunity for those who followed."" -- Christine Dorfler, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the NFL ""Eder is a brilliant storyteller who underscores the talent and courage of women athletes who prevailed over opponents while battling sexism and racism. These victories are the foundation for women who earn well-deserved honors as the 'Greatest of All Time' in athletic competitions."" -- Col. (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings, Author, A Soldier's Life: A Black Woman's Rise from Army Brat to Six Triple Eight Champion