Parks and Recreation star, Rashida Jones, is one cool chick. In the midst of filming her Emmy-recognized sitcom, not to mention prepping for the release of The Muppets(!), this brainy beauty is working on an initiative extremely close to RB's heart—figuring out how to help women and girls feel more confident. Read on to find out what this actress is up to, and how she handles her own beauty woes.

Real Beauty: So, can you tell us more about this project?

Rashida Jones: Through my work with Dove, I've come to see how legitimately committed the company is to creating images of beauty that women can see as a source of confidence, and not a source of anxiety. On top of that, they're hosting a Self-Esteem Weekend, from October 21-23, to give people the tools and encouragement to engage in confidence-building activities with girls. While there will be events held from coast-to-coast, the hope is that make the movement viral and inspire younger generations to get committed to the cause, too.

RB: Why is this a good time get involved with this concept?

RJ: Between Facebook bullying and anonymous technological abuse, I think a lot of people are concerned for the upcoming generations of girls. This is a nice way to balance all of that negativity out with something positive.

RB: It seems like there has been more of an emphasis on the idea of "real beauty" in advertising and magazine street style stories recently. Do you agree with this?

RJ: Definitely. We're even seeing it in movies and TV shows, like The Office and Modern Family. We like to watch the way people interact with each other because it reminds us how we are with our own friends. And I feel like this is a good thing. When I was growing up in LA, I was sold a lot of dreams and fantasies about the way things should be or the way people should look. With everyone a little sobered by the current state of the world, a "real" movement is a great way to highlight what's actually good about our lives. So, taking a break from escapism is a very good thing, especially when it comes to beauty and the unattainable goal to be perfect.

RB: You grew up with five sisters—in Hollywood. Did that influence your sense of self at all?

RJ: (Laughing) Yes. Having sisters helps you develop who you are at a young age. There will be conflict, but it teaches you to feel protective about relationships. My fourth sister helped me figure out so much about who I am and who I want to be.

RB: What about your parents?

RJ: I'm lucky to have wonderful parents. My mom [Editor's Note: actress Peggy Lipton] is beautiful on the outside, but she's also soulful and compassionate. She made it clear to me at an early age that the best way to feel good about yourself is to take confidence in the things you're good at.

RB: Speaking of which, what do you do when you need an ego boost?

RJ: Truthfully, I find a lot of inspiration in connecting with girls who remind me of myself when I was an awkward preteen. I had a tough time during these years, as most women do. I was a little overweight and teased about being into books and schoolwork. Talking to girls going through that reminds me what it's like to be in that place and what it truly means to be beautiful.

RB: And, lastly, speaking of self-esteem boosts, what do you love about yourself?

RJ: Ha. Well, growing to love and accept a feature is one of the best things about getting older, so I'd have to say my freckles. They used to look strange to me, and I couldn't understand why I didn't get to have perfect skin. But now they're a big part of who I am. And I love them, because they make me different.

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