W O M AThe P evailin N
YESFOCUS ON THE Soledad O'Brien
Spring SHARES WHY YOUR
STORY MATTERS
BEAUTY
THE STORY OF
FAVORITES
SHAHINA
An intimate conversation with JAVED’S
GabbyOlympic Gold Medalist FIGHT FOR GENDER
Douglas EQUALITY IN INDIA
Olympics, cyber bullies, beauty line, and what's next Looking Back:
A LEGACY
OF WOMEN
Who've Inspired Us
Yoga for
self-love &
self care
credits
Sabrina Seymore
founding editor-in-chief
Casey Adams Jones
copy editor
Kenali Battle
copy editor
CONTRIBUTORS
alexis bell, kelsey hargrove, tina m. france, rachelle townsend, nikki dixon,
dr. allison matthews, sabrina seymore, danielle hairston, ariane datil,
makeda miller, tiffany bloomfeld, joyeeta datta, shahina javed, ariana datil,
kelsey hargrove, nikki dixon, minister tina france, stakesha st. clair, alicia ruffin
PHOTOGRAPHERS
max res photography, in his image photography, erin mcginn photography,
laura dee photography, carla ten eyke photography, in his image photography
table of contents
Cover story pg 21
4 Spotlight Contributors
9 Behind the scenes
of the cover shoot
10 three daily habits
to super charge your
spiritual life
11 Yoga for self-love
& self-care
13 style Guide
17 looking back:
a legacy of women
who've inspired us
the prevailing woman pg. 33 21 Gabby Douglas
Yoga for self-love & self-care pg 11
shares her story
25 growing pains
26 spring beauty day wihtout women pg 47
favorites 47 day without women
33 the prevailing
woman
social love
@PrevailingWMag
ThePrevailingWoman
Communication: @ThePrevailingWoman
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Seymore Speaks
(founding editor-in-chief)
The Prevailing Woman magazine seeks to empower women globally,
through stories that motivate, inspire and challenge of women to become
independent thinkers and leaders. It gives me great pleasure to welcome
you to the first issue of The Prevailing Woman Magazine. When women
create opportunities to generate income, it not only impacts their families,
it impacts their country’s economic standing. Considering our current
political state, every woman deserves to know she is valuable, to have
strength and dignity, and to ultimately know that she is empowered.
The Prevailing Woman magazine focuses on highlighting accomplish-
ments and contributions to our community. It is dedicated to publishing
stories about women in leadership, creators, innovative thinkers, and
artists in their respective professions. The women who fill our pages are
the embodiment of a woman who prevails in entrepreneurship, education,
media and social justice platforms, to name a few. We want our readers
to not only hear about their success, but also their strides towards future
endeavors.
Copies of the high gloss, color magazine will be published quarterly. The
goal of each issue is to be empowering and informative with a heavy
focus on entrepreneurship. It will also appeal to women who have a
general interest in the accomplishments within their respective industries;
are seeking insight on ways to prevail in their careers; or desire to expand
their network.
I am fortunate to be supported by a highly effective team; including my
simply amazing public relations consultant and copy editor, Casey Adams
Jones. Over the past year, she has done a fantastic job, shaping the mag-
azine to ensure all content is edited and aesthetically pleasing. The mag-
azine is backed up by a stellar cast of journalists, but I must high- light
Alexis Bell, a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Also, Carley Hummel, thank you for all of your hardwork in designing
our beautiful magazine.
Last, I would like to thank all of our journalists, authors and bloggers,
who have toiled in the production of their work, and have chosen The
Prevailing Woman Magazine as a platform that they would like to
publish in.
I hope you find this magazine will be resourceful, empowering,
and entertaining!
4
Spotlight Contributors
Answer these three questions:
1. One or two Women who inspire you and why
2. The last book you read and a short description
3. What is your favorite quote or scripture and why
Alicia Ruffin
Twitter: ArtsrybyAlicia
Instagram: ArtistryByAlicia
Title: Licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist
“Spring Beauty Favorites” pg. 26
1. Alexandra Butler, high profile makeup artist, has built her
brand while uplifting others through her mentoring pro-
gram. I admire Alex’s perseverance and humble spirt, after
losing her job and building her highly sought out beauty
services. As my mentor, she has been extremely helpful in
my growth and success as a makeup artist.
2. "The Power of Being a REAL Woman" by Jennifer Keitt
provides guidance in building intimate relationships, professional relationships. The
author also shares daily affirmations to guide your life towards peace and
progression.
3. My favorite quote is "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Ariane Datil
Twitter/Instagram: @arianedatil
Title: On-air Reporter
"Day without Women" pg. 27
1. At my job, I'm introduced to women from all walks of life who are
working towards achieving their goals. The one thing that unites all
of those women, is their innate sense of strength and unwillingness
to stop short of success. I'm not inspired by just one woman, I'm
inspired by all women who fight and advance the integral role of
women in society.
2. I have a healthy obsession with getting caught up on the stories of the women who
shaped our world and had to fight for their claim to the throne. Every time I finish one of
their stories I wonder why we still haven't had a woman President. Didn't we work this out
hundreds of years ago? What happened?
3. "See what God can do through you." - Mission statement from Elevation Church. Just
let that simmer. It doesn't even need explaining.
5 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
Alexis Bell
Twitter/ Instagram: @just_relexx
Title: Broadcast Journalism and Political Science freshman at
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
1. One of the women who inspires me is Sage Steele. She has excelled
in sports journalism, a field I am pursuing and she does it well. I follow
Sage on social media and watch her on SportsCenter and I admire
the way she is able to balance her family with such a time-consuming
career. Sage also inspires me to continue to wear my hair in its natural
state while pursuing a career in broadcast journalism.
2. The last book I read was "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehi-
si Coates. This is a story written by the author to his 15-year-old son about living in America in a
Black body. Coates incorporates personal and historical development into the story.
3. My favorite scripture is- "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for
this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ," 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. This is my favorite scripture be-
cause it reminds me to pray when things are going well for me, and to rejoice even when things
aren't going my way. I am reminded that no matter the circumstance, it is a part of God's plan.
Carley Hummel
Instagram: carley_hummel
Website: carleyhummel.com
Title: Graphic Designer
1. I know it can seem cliché, but I am inspired by my mom
and two sisters. They are truly my rock, and make me a
better person every day. Successful female journalist in a
male-dominated field, Lisa Ling, also inspires me. She has
taken her success even further by reporting in countries
where there is little, to no equality. I find her journalism
empowering and think of her as a true inspiration.
2. My favorite podcast, currently, is "Terrible, Thanks for Asking." In this podcast,
author, Nora McInerny talks about life and the hardships it brings. I know it sounds
sad, but it is extremely relatable and motivating.
3. "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever
is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about
such things," found in Philippians 4:8. I love this quote because I think it is so import-
ant to reflect on your life and take in all the good, even when it is small things.
6
Women's Organization You Need to know
Zonta International
Zonta International has been bringing professional women and men around the
world together for the common mission of empowering women since 1919. We give
club members local opportunities to support their communities while also focusing
on larger international projects that empower women and girls and bring about sus-
tainable change to ensure that each generation is stronger than the last. We advo-
cate to change laws, harmful cultural norms and overall attitudes that have hindered
gender equality and human rights for all.
Learn more at www.zonta.org/addyourvoice.
7 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
Women Impacting Public Policy
(WIPP)
Women Impacting Public Policy is
a national nonpartisan organization
advocating on behalf of women entre-
preneurs—strengthening their impact
on our nation’s public policy, creating
economic opportunities, and forging
alliances with other business organiza-
tions.
WIPP creates leadership opportunities
for its members and builds alliances
with other business organizations to
increase its political clout. A well-re-
spected voice on Capitol Hill and with
the Administration, WIPP advocates on
a number of issues that impact wom-
en entrepreneurs, including access to
capital, procurement, taxes, regulation,
healthcare and more. WIPP’s educa-
tional programming provides women
entrepreneurs with the tools they need
to grow, lead and succeed in business,
making them a more powerful econom-
ic force in the U.S. and the world.
Learn more at http://www.wipp.org/
8
the Cover shootBEHIND THE SCENES OF
Photo credit: Dajuan Jones of The Prevailing Woman assembled a team of sought after writers,
In His Image Photography art directors, and content contributors in delivering profound and
newsworthy articles, innovative visuals, and more importantly
9 THE PREVAILING WOMAN to push the agenda of what “The Prevailing Woman” stands for.
This project has been heavy on my heart for nearly two years. I’m
thankful to have been afforded the opportunity to feature Olympic
gold medalist, Gabby Douglas, on the cover of the first issue. As
we researched many leading ladies, Gabby Douglas, was someone
I believed would impact readers spiritually, mentally, emotionally,
and physically. The moment we met, she was eager to begin the
photo shoot. She displayed her high level of compassion and easy
going personality!
“Very early in the morning, Three Daily Habits
while it was still dark, Jesus
got up, left the house and to Supercharge Your Spiritual Life
went off to a solitary place,
By: Minister Tina M. France
where he prayed.”
When your alarm goes off in the morning, you wake up, get yourself ready and maybe other family
– Mark 1:35, members, too. Perhaps you brave carpool lines, or have a traffic-filled morning commute and non-
New International Version stop meetings throughout the day. You stop by the grocery store for the last ingredient you need
to make dinner and head home to cook then get yourself and your family ready to do it all again
“From the fruit of their tomorrow.
lips people are filled with
good things, and the work It can be exhausting just thinking about all you have to get done in a single day. With all the many
hats you wear, it can be challenging to take the time you need for yourself.
of their hands brings
them reward.” Obviously, there are many ways to recharge when your batteries are drained like a Spa Day or a
girls night out. However, there’s one area of your life that tends to be the most overlooked self-care
– Proverbs 12: 14, opportunity- your spiritual life!
New International Version
Developing and maintaining your spiritual life will give you a daily recharge and help you maintain a
“But if we walk in the light, healthy, balanced life.
as He is in the light, we have Here are three daily habits that will help you focus your mind and energy for the day:
fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus, His Pray Early
Son, purifies us from all sin.”
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a
– 1 John 1:7, solitary place, where he prayed.” – Mark 1:35, New International Version
New International Version
Making time to communicate with God before your daily morning routine is essential for setting the
tone for your day. Morning Prayer acknowledges that your spiritual health is a priority. Prayer fills
your mind with wisdom, peace and revelation, while helping you to rid your mind of fears, anxiety
and stress.
Daily Declarations
“From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings
them reward.” – Proverbs 12: 14, New International Version
Words have power! When you speak positive declarations based on God’s Word from the scriptures,
you speak God’s blessings and His perfect, divine Will over your life.
Model Christ
“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the
blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” – 1 John 1:7, New International Version
When you model Christ in your home and workplace, it creates an awareness of your actions and
how you react to others. Kindness, forgiveness and love take precedence over anger, anxiety and
malice when you seek to be like Christ on a daily basis.
Introducing these three daily habits is great way to supercharge your spiritual life whether the rigors
of life are becoming overwhelming or things are going smoothly. Regardless of what life brings, a
commitment to your spiritual well-being will go a long way in establishing continuing and lasting joy.
From The Well Ministries, an evangelistic ministry of Minister Tina M. France, sharing the hope
of the Gospel with the world. For more information about From The Well Ministries, visit www.
FromTheWellMinistries.com.
10
Yoga BOW POSE/ DHANURASANA
Benefits: Strengthens back and
for Self-Love stretches abdomen, quadriceps,
& Self-Care throat, thorax, psoas major
By: Kelsey E. Hargrove CRESCENT LUNGE TWIST
VARIATION
I’ve experienced a moment or two Benefits: Strengthens the quadri-
where a sense of self was lost or left be- ceps and gluteus muscles; stimu-
hind. Perhaps a few of you may be able lates abdominal organs; improves
to relate. Whether it was getting lost in digestion and elimination; stretch-
your work, a task, or in someone else. es the psoas and hips; relieves sci-
So, how do we refresh, revitalize, and atica pain, develops stamina and
reboot? endurance in your thighs; helps to
Love has always been the answer. This improve balance, concentration
means loving yourself, selfishly, and and core awareness.
being okay with that. Taking time to
invest in and reaffirm yourself is not an TWISTED LOW LUNGE VARIA-
act of arrogance, but one of courage TION/ ANJANEYSANA
and boldness. Benefits: Releases tension in your
Selfishness vs. Selflessness. Find a hips; stretches your hamstrings,
healthy balance by simply taking time quads, and groin; strengthens the
to open your heart and receive all the knees; helps build mental focus;
magnificence that you have to offer. stimulates digestion as well as cir-
Yoga is also a good exercise for self- culation, tones abdominal muscles
love and self-care. Grab a mat and let’s and reduces stress and anxiety
stretch! Anjaneyasana can also serve as a
cleanse and detox to the body.
LOW LUNGE WITH BACK BEND/
ANJANEYASANA
Benefits: Releases tension in your
hips; stretches your hamstrings,
quads, and groin; strengthens
your knees and helps build mental
focus.
11 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
SUPPORTED CAMEL WHEEL/URDHVA DHANURASA WILD THING CAMATKARASANA
USTRASANA
Benefits: Stretches the chest Benefits: Stretches the chest,
Benefits: Stretches the front of and lungs; strengthens the arms, lungs, and shoulder areas. Wild
the body- ankles, thighs, groin, wrists, legs, buttocks, abdomen, thing opens the front of the
abdomen, chest, and throat; and spine. legs and hip flexors, and builds
strengthens the low back mus- strength in shoulders and upper
cles; improves posture; stimulates Wheel stimulates the thyroid and back.
the organs of the abdomen and pituitary glands, increasing ener-
neck. gy and counteracting depression.
Research shows that this stretch
Camel is no stranger to providing can also be therapeutic for indi-
a really nice stretch to the deep viduals with asthma, back pain,
hip flexors (psoas), as well. infertility, or osteoporosis.
CAMEL/ USTRASANA HEART CENTERED WILD THING/ COW FACED POSE/
CAMATKARASANA GOMUKHASANA MEDITATIVE
Benefits: Stretches the front of CLOSING
the body- ankles, thighs, groin, Benefits: Stretches the chest,
abdomen, chest, and throat; lungs, and shoulder areas; opens Benefits: Stretches the ankles,
strengthens the low back mus- the front of the legs and hip flex- hips, thighs, shoulders, armpits,
cles; improves posture; stimulates ors; builds strength in the shoul- triceps, and chest
the organs of the abdomen and ders and upper back.
neck. This calming restorative posture
is a nice full body bend to slow
down the heart rate and come
back to the intentions you set at
the beginning of your practice.
Camel is no stranger to providing Kelsey E. Hargrove is owner of Living for
a really nice stretch to the deep Synergy, LLC, a 200-hour yoga instructor,
psychotherapist, and personal trainer.
hip flexors (psoas) as well.
12
STYLE GUIDESPRING 2017 1.
Spring Essentials
5.
4.
2.
9..
13 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
8. 7.
10.
1. Dior Vernis Gel Shine and Long
6. Wear Nail Lacquer
$27
Sephora
2. Kate Spade New York
Sunglasses
$160
3. Bloomingdales
3. Zara
Striped Palazzo Trousers
$69.90
Zara.com
4. Topshop
Embroidered Trench Coat
$210
Nordstrom
5. Splendid
Janet Block Heel Sandal
$127.95
Nordstrom
6. J. Crew
Poppy Drop Necklace
$128
Nordstrom
7. J. Crew
Panama Hat
$58
J.Crew
8. Tory Burch
Zoey Leather Logo Toe-Ring
Sandal
$195
Neiman Marcus
9. Sara Battaglia
Sandy Leather Crossbody
$635
Bloomingdales
10.Vanessa Mooney
Knoxville Bolo Wrap Necklace
$85
Revolve.com
14
STYLE GUIDESPRING 2017
Brunch Wear
1. 2. Work Attire
3. 1. Paule Ka
Pleated Khaki Dress
$500
Italist.com
2. Givency
Orange Mini Antigona Bag
$1790
Ssense.com
3. Christian Louboutin
Ferme Rouge Pointy Toe Pump
$995
Nordstrom
4. Anne Klein
4. Bangle Bracelet Watch
$150
Nordstrom
15 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
Night Look 3.
1.
4..
1. AQ/AQ
Black Asc Dress
Retail $175
Renttherunway.com
2. Nathalie Trad
Neptune Box Clutch
$1, 035
2. Mytheresa.com
3, Anne Sisteron
14Kt White Gold Labradorite
Diamond Shield Earrings
$720
Annesisteron.com
4. Tomford
T Simple Strap Sandal
$1,290
Tomford.com
16
Looking Back:
A Legacy Of Women Who've Inspired Us
Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
Also known as “the first lady of civil rights” the African-American
Rosa Parks was an activist and the pioneer of civil rights in a racially
segregated Alabama in the 1950s.
“I would like to be known as a
person who is concerned about
freedom and equality and justice
and prosperity for all people.”
-Rosa Parks
Indira Gandhi (1917-1984)
Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi was an Indian politician and central
figure of the Indian National Congress party, and to date the
only female Prime Minister of India.
Queen Elizabeth “I know of no single
formula for success. But over
Elizabeth II has been Queen of the United
Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New the years I have observed
Zealand since February 6, 1952. Queen that some attributes
Elizabeth is the Head of the Commo-wealth
and 12 countries have become independent of leadership are universal
since her accession. and are often about finding
ways of encouraging people
to combine their efforts,
their talents, their insights,
their enthusiasm and their
inspiration to work together.”
-Queen Elizabeth
17 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
Anne Frank (1929-1945)
Anne Frank was a teen writer who went into hiding during the
Holocaust, journaling her experiences in the renowned work The
Diary of Anne Frank.
“It's utterly impossible for me
to build my life on a foundation
of chaos, suffering and death.
I see the world being slowly
transformed into a wilderness;
I hear the approaching thunder
that, one day, will destroy us
too. I feel the suffering of
millions. And yet, when I look up
at the sky, I somehow feel that
everything will change for the
better, that this cruelty too shall
end, that peace and tranquility
will return once more.”
—Anne Frank
Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993)
Recognized as film and fashion icon, Hepburn was a British actress,
model, dance and humanitarian. Hepburn’s influence as a style icon
continues several decades later.
“The beauty of a woman must be
seen from in her eyes, because
that is the doorway to her heart,
the place where love resides.”
-Audrey Hepburn
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary Rodham Clinton is an American politician who was the
67thUnited States Secretary of State, U.S. Senator from New York,
First Lady of the United States and Democratic Party’s nominee
for President of the United States. She became the first female
candidate to be nominated for president by a major U.S. political
party.
“Always aim high, work hard, and care
deeply about what you believe in. And,
when you stumble, keep faith. And,
when you're knocked down, get right
back up and never listen to anyone who
says you can't or shouldn't go on”
-Hilary Clinton
18
“Be thankful for what you
have; you'll end up having
more. If you concentrate on
what you don't have, you will
never, ever have enough.”
-Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey
American media proprietor, talk show host, actress,
producer and philanthropist, better known as Oprah
Winfrey, was awarded the Presidential Medal of
Freedom by President Barack Obama and honorary
doctorate degrees from Duke and Harvard. Oprah
Winfrey is ranked as the most influential woman in the
world.
“I have learned that as long
as I hold fast to my beliefs
and values - and follow my
own moral compass - then
the only expectations I need
to live up to are my own.”
-Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is an American Lawyer and writer
who was the First Lady of the United States from
2009-2017. She is married to the 44th President
of the United States, Barack Obama, and wasthe
first African-American First Lady. As a First Lady,
Obama became a fashion icon, a role model for
women, and an advocate for poverty awareness,
nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating.
19 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
Viola Davis
Viola Davis is the only African-American to be
nominated for three academy awards, winning
one, and is the only African American actress or
actor to win the Triple Crown Acting. In 2015
she become the first African American woman to
win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding
Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
"Do not live someone else's
life and someone else's idea
of what womanhood is.
Womanhood is you.
Womanhood is everything
that's inside of you.
-Viola Davis
Selena Quintanilla (1971-1995)
Selena accomplished more than most artists in her
tragically cut short life span. “The Queen of Tejano”
ranks among the most influential Latin artists of all-time
and is credited for catapulting a music genre into the
mainstream market.
20
DGaobugblyas
SHARES HER STORY
Known for her personable, kind-hearted nature and million-dollar smile,
it’s hard to believe the Olympic gold medalist we have watched grow up
before our eyes is now a 21-year-old woman. Gabrielle Douglas was born
on Dec. 31, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Douglas, the youngest of two
sisters and one brother, was raised by her mother, Natalie Hawkins. It
was at the 2012 Summer Olympics where we all got to see Douglas’
talent first-hand. It was there where she became the first African
American to win gold in the women’s gymnastics individual all-around
event. She also won team gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Summer
Olympic Games. Douglas and Hawkins sat down with beauty blogger,
Jennell B. Stewart at the annual NuSol Natural Hair and Beauty Expo,
where Gabby was the featured keynote speaker. The expo is a unique
showcase offering seminars, vendors, and entertainment encouraging
not only natural hair but a natural lifestyle.
Q. How old were you when you started gymnastics?
Douglas: I was around six when I started gymnastics. It was my older sister, Arielle, who got me started and
convinced my mom to put me in. When I was a 3-year-old, I saw my sister in gymnastics, and knew I wanted
to do that. It wasn’t long before I started doing cartwheels and soon taught myself one-arm cartwheels and
aerials. My sister saw how well I was doing and told my mom to put me in. I’m the youngest of my family, so
my mom really wasn’t feeling it at first because my older sister broke her wrist in two places. Everyone was
so protective over me, but eventually, my mom agreed and I took my first rec class. I’ve been in love with
gymnastics ever since.
Q. Tell us how about the moment when you realized that Gabby was different than the other girls in her
gym, and what did you do to get her to where she is today?
Hawkins: Gabby was flipping off of everything, and I didn’t want her to get hurt, so I thought maybe I
need to get her some professional training and enrolled her in her first class at the age of 6. She said she
loved it and she progressed so quickly. Once she started learning skills, there was no stopping her. In 2008,
at 7 years old, she was watching the Olympics and said “I can do that, too.” I saw that fire and passion in her
and thought it was my job as a parent to nurse that. Eventually she told me that she wanted to move away,
so I had to decide if I was going to allow her to pursue her dreams or selfishly keep her all to myself. I made
the decision to be selfless, which came to be why she went on to accomplish her dreams.
At 14 years old, Douglas moved from Virginia to Iowa to take her
training to the next level. In 2009, she won the gold on the uneven
bars at the 2010 Pan American Championships, and in 2011, Douglas
won a gold medal with the U.S. team at the World Championships.
Q. Gabby can you tell us how the transition from Virginia to Iowa felt for you?
Douglas: I moved away from Virginia Beach to Iowa, when I was about 14 years old. I wanted to move
to Iowa to obtain a different style of coaching. I remember when I saw Shawn Johnson, another former
Olympic medalist, with her former Coach Chow. I craved that same relationship. I was grateful for the gym
I was at, but I felt like I had exceeded all opportunities for growth there. I knew I needed a better style of
coaching. When I told my Mom I was moving to Iowa she immediately said “no you’re not,” but I explained
to her that if I was going make this dream a reality, then I needed to be with a coach like him. I moved away
and lived with a host family. It was different, but I was so excited about my new journey, and I remained
close with my family. When my mom and sister helped me move there and they said, “Ok, see ya!”I was like,
“Wait, where are you going?” I was so ready for the journey, but at the same time, I was so homesick. I loved
it, but it was very hard.
Q: Mom, how did you manage with her being so far away from you?
Hawkins: I actually didn’t manage that well. I had a lot of sleepless nights. My oldest daughter Arielle and
my other daughter Joy really had to encourage me. I don’t know what I would have done if I had no one on
my side. My mom was not in agreement with the decision to let her move away. My dad hung up on me and
wouldn’t talk to me for a few weeks. My friends told me I was crazy for sending her there with no family. My
sister reminded me of the lack of diversity in West Des Moines, and they were like, “What are you doing?”
But I knew that she had the potential. I didn’t know what the outcome would be, but I believed in her talent
and I believed in her passions. I couldn’t explain that to people. I know it looked crazy, like what kind of
mom would do that? But I knew if she made history, then it would be worth it. I knew she had the potential
to be the first. People would tell me gymnastics is a white sport, and that I was crazy and dreaming too big. I
thought that somebody has to be the first, why not her?
22
I think for a lot of parents, we
often make sacrifices and we
don’t always know what the
end result will be, but hearing
you say things that we all can
relate to gives a lot of us hope
to moving on. Thank you for
that.
Flashing forward to four years
later at the 2016 Olympics,
Gabby helped the U.S. Wom-
en’s Gymnastic Team win the
gold again and gave impres-
sive performance on the
uneven bars. Expecting to be
supported by your fans, Gab-
by Googled herself and saw
that she was being attacked
once again by cyber bullies.
Q: You witnessed these kinds of things before,
but this one was different. Can you tell us about
what this time was like?
By 2012, Douglas was 16 years old and went from what some Douglas: In 2012, I received a lot of criticism
would call the “underdog” to an Olympian taking home a team about my hair and it was just like, “Oh, that’s
gold medal and becoming the first African American to win the very stupid.”But this time it was like my hair,
my looks, pretty much everything. I was caught
individual all around gymnastics event, accomplishments her off guard and it was a hard Olympics for me.
mom predicted and prayed for. I was already dealing with a lot of pressure out
on the floor and competitions, but I also had to
Q: Tell us about the moment when they put the Gold medal around your neck? face cyber bullies. It was just not fun and I was
so hurt because it was just lies. It really hurt,
Douglas: It felt amazing, I can’t really explain it. Everything I worked so hard for and sacrificed for but some of the tweets I had to laugh at. It was
had paid off. It was so extraordinary to be up on that podium with the Gold. I gave it my all and I hard to deal with.
made it. I don’t think there’s a better feeling than, “I made it”. It felt so amazing.
I can’t imagine being under so
I’ve never experienced anything like that but watching you, we much pressure at the Olym-
all felt like we won gold medals. At that time, media attention
pics representing America. To
really amped up. be able to realize your dream
Q: Ms. Hawkins, I understand that you made some real sacrifices to support your beautiful daughter. is something that everyone
Tell us about some of the sacrifices you made. We’ve heard about her traveling and you having to let wants to be able to do, but
her go and not be with you, but were there any other sacrifices that you can share? then to be under attack by cy-
ber bullies on top of that kind
Hawkins: Gymnastics is horribly expensive, so financially the expense was enormous. I worked 80 of makes you feel down after
hours a week sometimes just to make sure my other kids weren’t neglected. My two daughters came achieving such greatness.
to me midway through and told me they would give up their own sports because they believed in her
that much. Q: You’ve talked about laughing at the com-
ments; you’ve talked about just letting them go.
I cried a lot then too. I felt inadequate. I felt that it wasn’t enough, and being in a sport where most Do you feel like any of what you were going
of the parents are attorneys, teachers, doctors or they own their own companies, I just felt so small. through with social media affected you during
I would say part of the journey for me was to learn how to recognize that I had strength. I told my- your competition or were you able to separate
self not to look at anyone else and compare them to what I’m doing or what I have. Seeing Gabby it?
sacrifice so much pushed me. Even though I had to work a lot, or sacrifice meals, sometimes we
didn’t eat, have gas, hot water or air conditioning. It was a lot of sacrifices but I would say in the end Douglas: I was able to separate it, but I wanted
it paid off. It all paid off. It all worked out. a team gold medal. I went back to my room and
started reading the comments and at first I was
laughing and then they got really, really mean. I
23 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
am doing a lot of things, some I can’t announce
yet, but it is amazing.
was crying everyday because I didn’t qualify for Q: Ms. Hawkins, I understand that you re- Q: Ms. Hawkins, they say it takes communi-
certain competitions, or didn’t medal in certain sponded to the criticisms over Gabby’s hair, just ty, and I know with Hack Harassment you’re
competitions that I wanted to, competitions that like a mama should. Tell us about how these bringing this to a global audience by telling
I was favored to medal in. It was very difficult, discussions made you feel, and what you did as people that they should not be cyber bullies
but I separated the two, not only being down a proud mom who sacrificed so much to hear and to make that pledge. At New Soul, we see
about the competition side of things, but also such ignorant comments about Gabby’s hair. ourselves as a community. What would you say
having to go online and see those comments, it to us as we moved forward on how we can all
was not good. Hawkins: I actually wanted to really go off, do better with supporting young women like
but I didn’t know if America, or the world for Gabby?
I know that you are actively on that matter, was ready for that. I felt like there
twitter and in January you actual- was conversation that needed to be had. A Hawkins: Be vocal! That is one of the things
ly tweeted, “best part of the day lot of times in our community, it is so much we really want to focus on. When you say noth-
about outward beauty, we don’t celebrate our ing, it says everything. You have to speak up,
is taking your makeup off.” At inner beauty. I was receiving Google alerts to your actions really do speak louder. You need
this expo, we spend a lot of time my phone trying to figure out what was going to be actively participating in your communities,
on, so that is how I initially started seeing it. finding positive ways to build each other up.
celebrating everyone’s unique I was surprised like Gabby, “Her hair, again? That is so important. Just a kind word can mean
version of what it means to be Her edges?” When you’re in gymnastics, you so much to someone. Pay one another compli-
natural, beyond just cleaning literally have to have your hair in a ponytail at ments and be genuine.
all times. And, as you can imagine, for us it is
your face. horribly damaging. Every African American in Q: I hear that you’re an author. Can you tell us
the sport that I know, has damaged hair. I talked about your books and where we can find them?
Q: What does taking your makeup off mean to to Dominique Dawes for a while about it and
you? Is it a way that you celebrate your natural she said that’s why she kept her hair short. It’s a Douglas: I have two books that came out about
beauty? challenge. So I thought maybe people just don’t 4 years ago titled, “Grace, Gold, and Glory: My
understand, and I need to get on tv and tell the Leap of Faith“ and “Raising the Bar.” It was
Douglas: I love taking my makeup off. When I world to stop talking about stuff that doesn’t so exciting to be able to put my life story in a
finish an event, I love to get into my sweats and matter. We need to be celebrating one another, book. I never thought that would happen to
my oversized sweaters. I will walk into my room building one another up, not tearing each other me, and even the movie was so surreal. The first
and do a quick change and my mom and my sis- down. People also said that she was bleach- book was mainly about my life and the second
ters say, “Oh my gosh you’ve changed so fast.” ing her skin and at that point I wanted to go was about what I did after the Olympics. I’m all
I love to be comfortable and taking everything through the internet. We were too busy trying to about pictures, captions, quotes and scriptures,
off is so relaxing. Washing my face and doing win a gold medal, who has time for that? which are all in the book. It was really fun. My
my whole hair and skin regimen and skin care books are available on Amazon and at Barnes
regimen is so satisfying. I wanted to watch myself and I felt like it was and Noble, as well as a few other bookstores.
important for me to lead by example. If I
I think most women would agree started going off and retaliating, what kind of Q: We also saw the Barbie in the presentation.
that taking off their makeup example is that showing? Especially for young
and your bra is like freedom. people who are on our feeds. Hawkins: Yes, it is about to hit stores. She
We want you to know that we had two, but another will be released soon,
really support you, everything Q: I understand that you signed on as a change and you can get it at Walmart. She has always
ambassador for Hack Harassment. Tell us about loved Barbies and we feel like she can give girls
you stand for. We’ve love what that role and if there is anything your support- that symbol that they can play with and say, “if
you have done, and we love the ers can do to help your effort? Gabby did it, then I can too.”
support and confidence that you
have given to other black wom- Douglas: Hack Harassment is an organiza- Q: What’s next for Gabby Douglas?
en, our black little girls. With that tion that is dedicated to stop online bullying
being said, as someone who is a and hate. For me, I am really big on making Douglas: I am taking a break from gymnastics
beauty editor in the industry, I social media more positive. There are too many right now because after the Olympics, your
was so disgusted with the com- negative things on social media nowadays. You body needs a break. It is so intense, mentally
ments about your hair because can go on their site and take a pledge to not be and physically. I just went to Tahiti with my
I’m thinking, this girl is winning a bully. I’m going to schools to sit down with family and it was amazing. There are so many
gold medals and yall are worried kids and share with them that being a bully is things coming up for me, including my own
not cool. I also tell kids who are being bullied lipstick line coming out, which I am super ex-
about her hair? to speak up and tell someone. Miserable people cited about and I want to pursue acting. Gabby
throw darts, so don’t stoop down to their level. I has teamed up with cosmetics brand Beauty
Bakerie, the leading cruelty free cosmetic brand,
for a selection of shades. The Gabby Douglas
and Beauty Bakerie collaboration will include a
specially curated collection and a set of five Lip
Whips designed by Gabby herself. As with all
items by Beauty Bakerie, the collection will be
vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
24
Growing Pains
Gaining clarity and peace is a self-seeking and rewarding gift that keeps on giving.
The art of silence can be broken down into three simple steps: seclude, listen and
create.
Seclusion allows you time to tame your thoughts and take off your mask. Cleanse
yourself of the toxic thoughts, people and energies that are consuming you. (Go on
a fast or detox if you have found yourself indulging in reckless eating habits.) Se-
cluding yourself will align you with the heavens. Talking to The Creator and setting
intentions for your life will allow you to reach new heights.
Listening allows you to learn life lessons. It grants you the ability to overstand the
position you are in now and identify what must be done to press forward. Then,
you’ll begin to innerstand; learning more about yourself is the name of the game.
God made us in his image. Finding what it is that sets you apart will give you the
spark needed to see things through. Once you have set aside time for yourself, you
can sit back and watch the seeds you have sown blossom.
Creating allows you to set your plans in motion. Create the life you deserve. If you
have a different vision for your life, then turn that into a reality. Set small goals for
yourself to obtain weekly and monthly. Pace yourself for what The Most High is
about to bestow upon you. This gives you time to transform into who you truly are
and become a beacon of light.
Envision it. Speak it. Write it. Create it.
We’ve all heard the rich old saying Beauty is Pain. However, have we taken the time
to see the beauty in pain? Pain allows you to realize your true strength. We often
express how much we can't take, but the universe has a way of testing our full ca-
pabilities daily. By recognizing the beauty in
pain, you’ll experience a season of growth
in the midst of chaos. Practicing this also
will help you face the harsh realities you’ll
encounter as you grow into your higher self.
Often times, things are revealed to us as we
grow. We begin to see people and situa-
tions for who or what they really are as our
frequencies rise. We all have an intuition; if
the vibe is not right, then trust that instinct
and proceed with caution. As you grow, your
light will brighten enough to spark the light
inside of others. Growth is contagious.
Peace and Blessing,
My thoughts, my views. Share with me, vibe
with me. – Rose
25 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
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31 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
32
The Pre
Woma
evailing
an
IS DEDICATED TO PUBLISHING STORIES
ABOUT WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP, CREATORS,
INNOVATIVE THINKERS, AND ARTISTS IN
THEIR RESPECTIVE PROFESSIONS. WE WANT
OUR READERS TO NOT ONLY HEAR ABOUT
THEIR SUCCESS, BUT ALSO THE NECESSARY
STRIDES TOWARDS THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Soledad O’Brien
Empowers Us to Tell Compelling
Stories to Change the Narrative
Written by Dr. Allison Matthews
On Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2017, Soledad O’ Brien delivered a keynote at the University of North Caroli- Soledad: If you are frustrated, then figure
na at Chapel Hill for the annual Martin Luther King Day celebration about the role the community out your strategy. What are you going to do?
has in fighting inequality. Whether you’ re an individual or a big major
brand, the narrative that exists about you is
Soledad: We like to paint the image of Dr. King with a watered-down brush. In some places, they where the power lies. In film, in television,
actually celebrate Great Americans Day. Like, he was a great American. He’ s just in there. and in the news, someone often controls that
narrative. Media can make you afraid of the
Today, the true message of Dr. Martin Luther King is more important than ever because of the immigrant family who just moved next door.
contentious climate of the current conservative government administration. We are in a state of Media can make you flinch when a black guy
economic prosperity, but the gap between the rich and the poor has widened, racial tensions are gets in the elevator with you. Media can make
swelling, and the resources we have available are not effectively reaching the people most in need. you think all Latinas are spicy and that there
There is an opportunity for individuals to fight for justice by telling compelling stories.
Soledad: I’ ve been a storyteller for nearly 30 years. It’ s really been quite an amazing career. I’ ve
had the opportunity to tell those stories, and I’ ve learned the power that is associated with telling
stories. If you’ re telling the story, obviously you can shape it the way you like. Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. said, “If you have a vision for what you want this country to be, then it requires sacrifice,
struggling and suffering.” As a journalist, I spent a lot of time trying to consider what exactly
this means for me. I’ m not a big fan of suffering. I don’ t like sacrifice. Struggle is making it to a
kickboxing class. What does that exactly mean in terms of today? I think what we need to do is
remember that Dr. King’ s speeches were not just meant for us to steal a phrase, put it on a t-shirt
and sing kumbaya. When I would do documentaries, people would say all the time, “Dr. King was
like Jesus come to earth,” and I would say, actually, he wasn’ t. The big take away from these doc-
umentaries was that he was a regular man who decided that he would do great things. For the rest
of us, we have that same opportunity.
The challenge for the community is to use the art of storytelling to highlight people’ s humanity,
rather than characterize them based on their circumstances.
35 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
is this thing called the “sassy black girlfriend.”
This is the power of the media, and oftentimes
we abuse that power. So when I ask myself
what is my individual responsibility and what is
the media’ s responsibility today, not only in the
wake of Dr. King’ s message, but today when
the country seems more and more divided, I
would say that my responsibility is to both: give
context to people’ s stories and push back hard
on prevailing narratives.
Mrs. O’ Brien reflected on the power of her
personal story to shape her perspective on the
world and push back on prevailing narratives.
Soledad: My mom is Afro-Cuban. So she’s At the end of her speech at UNC’ s 2017 it. And challenge it. We can chip away at it. We
black and Cuban, and my dad is white and Martin Luther King Day celebration, I asked: can erode the negative effects on our society
Australian. They met in the late 1950s in Balti- Your speech about telling compelling stories by changing the narrative. I think my role is
more, Maryland at Johns Hopkins University. to change bias is important. However, it’s also through compelling stories that elevate some-
My dad had a car, so he would drive to daily important to acknowledge the role that political one’s narrative. To me, this is the only solution
mass and my mom would walk. My dad would and economic barriers play in inequality. as we try to figure out how we move forward to-
basically hit on my mom and ask her if she Oppression cannot be solved just by telling sto- day. The good news is that effects upon uncon-
wanted a ride, which she declined. Back then, ries to change individual people’ s beliefs. How scious bias can be mitigated by the very same
you just didn’ t take a ride from a man you do we deal with systematic issues that perpetu- mechanism that causes it. It can be mitigated by
didn’t know, even if you were going to sit next ate inequality? seeing new faces, hearing new voices and
to him in church apparently. One day, she said understanding new stories. It can challenge an
yes and they went on a date. In 1958, interra- Soledad: Yes, you’ re right. Systematic oppres- audience to think a little bit differently, and it
cial marriage was frowned upon, you could get sion shapes the way we interact and move in creates systems that allow diversity to thrive.”
shot! At the restaurant, people would turn them the world. It’ s important to also say that we
away. Finally, my mom invited him back to her will never eradicate bias, but we can recognize
apartment. She’ s an amazing cook of Cuban
food. The entire point of her telling this story
to her six children, but really her four daughters,
was not about discrimination. It was not about
segregation. It was not about American politics
in the 1950s. It was to tell us, “Girls, if you can
cook, you can get a man.” Seriously. My parents
decided to get married at the end of 1958 when
interracial marriage was illegal in Baltimore.
Their friends said, ‘ Whatever you do, don’t
have kids because biracial kids will not fit in
anywhere.” I’m number 5 of 6 kids! My parents
are obviously terrible listeners. My mother used
to say, “Listen, if you wait for people to get
comfortable with what you’ re doing, you might
be waiting a long time. I suggest you just go
ahead and do it.”
O’ Brien’ s experience growing up in an inter-
racial household helped formed her approach
to journalism. She aimed to challenge the status
quo by portraying diverse people in human
terms.
Soledad: Everyone’ s story matters. Part of
the fabric of this nation is to make sure that
we’ re telling all of our stories. We have to use
these sometimes uncomfortable conversations
as a springboard to deconstructing the biases
that we have, really thinking about inclusion as
everybody, and thinking about all of our stories
being told as human stories with compassion.
The media exploits these biases. What gets cov-
ered? What is flogged in the news? What is the
fix? It is simply to tell a different story.
36
COrpeaptoe YroutruOnwnities
By: Alexis Bell
and empower women, as well as teach them the
difference between the two concepts. Jordan
Greene explained that encouraging means to
cheer someone on, whereas empowering a per-
son involves providing them with the tools to
accomplish what you’re encouraging them to do.
MaxOut Publishing was founded out of Jil’s
passion for and ability to plan. She created
a personal planner and received numerous
requests from family, friends and co-workers
who wanted a copy. Soon after producing
multiple copies of the personal organizer, titled
“A Daily Action Planner,” MaxOut Publishing
was birthed. The company works with authors
through the publishing, distribution, and mar-
keting process of their book projects.
Jordan Greene is also founder and chief exec-
utive officer of The People Resource Group.
Founded in January 2017, the company’s focus
is to improve business performance for its cli-
ents by developing people, enhancing processes,
and enabling systems. The firm caters to small
businesses, nonprofits, and professional service
organizations.
Jil Jordan Greene created her own career path and credits her internships secured during college and Although Jil has achieved much success, it was
first post-graduation job to the fact that she did not wait to be recruited. not accomplished without obstacles. Her first
job out of college was a turning point in her life
“I called every TV station in my hometown and asked could I audition for an internship at their TV and taught a valuable lesson.
station,” Jordan Greene said. “Most had already filled their internship positions and told me no, but After returning from vacation, there was anoth-
one station invited me to still audition, so I did.” er person sitting at her desk. She learned that
because of a costly error that was inadvertently
made, management demoted her while she was
out of the office.
They were so impressed with her that they obliged her request that a position be created for her. Jordan Greene called this growth experience, a
It was with that same attitude and ambition that Jil launched three businesses: Women’s Youth Em- fumbling forward moment.
powerment Network, MaxOut Publishing, and The People Resource Group. From this, she learned about the culture of
corporate America and importance of being
The Women’s Youth Empowerment Network, founded in 2008, is an organization that hosts organized.
national conferences to encourage and empower women across the country. A couple of events the
network hosts are makeup seminars and Fierce and Focused, Lioness and Leader, Intentional, and “Out of every challenge, should come a lesson
Empowered (F.L.I.E.) Chicks sessions. you can move forward with,” Jil said. She over-
came her obstacle by identifying five success
“Every women who has attended a conference event experienced growth in their current business principles- mentorship, plan, work ethic, person-
or launched a new one,” Jil said.F.L.I.E. Chicks workshops are invitation only and seek to encourage al development, and collaboration.
37 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
Principle #1: Mentorship On numerous occasions she has been over-
looked because she is a women of color. One
Jordan Greene recommends having a mentor who is in a professional position that is at least two instance in particular occurred when she was a
levels above where you are. human resources professional and had to escort
a tall, White male employee to court for me-
As she navigated through her career, her mentor’s guidance on proper protocol in professional diation. Upon checking in, the security officer
settings was vital. prompted the employee to provide his signature
where one from a supervisor or manager was
“My mentor taught me that decisions about where you sit in a meeting and when you choose to required. The gentleman passed the pen to Jil
speak or remain silent are important,” Jordan Greene said. and told the officer, “She’s the boss.”
Principle #2: Plan Jil prides herself on staying grounded in her five
principles and continues to encourage others to
Jil’s book, “A Daily Action Planner,”started as her 90-day personal organizer, then evolved into create their own opportunities in life instead of
workshops that helped people plan and write out their goals, and later became the foundation for waiting for them to arrive.
MaxOut Publishing.
“It’s amazing to me that people don’t see the value in planning, even in college,” she said.Jordan
Greene strongly encourages mapping out a plan. While in her 20s, she mapped out her personal
career plan in as much detail as she could. She included goals she wanted to reach by a certain age,
jobs she planned to have, as well as her desired salary.
“One of my goals was to be a Vice President by the time I turned 40, and at 38, I accepted a VP
position.” she said. “It’s important to have a plan, write it down, and stick to it. Most people don’t
reach their goals, because they have checklists that aren’t tied to a larger plan inclusive of their
purpose or passion.”
Principle #3: Work Ethic
Jil credits where she is in life today to having a strong work ethic. She emphasizes creating your own
opportunities, as she has successfully done in her own life. In her pursuit of internships, jobs, and
even mentorships, she preferred to seek opportunities out rather than wait for a chance.
Principle #4: Personal Development
Personal development is having something to anchor yourself down to. For Jil, it is self -confidence.
“I tell myself that I’m imperfectly beautiful,” said Jordan Greene. “This comes from a Bible scrip-
ture that I’ve kept close to me over the years and when I recite that, something inside of me stands
up. I love myself. I love what I am and I love what I ain’t.”
She believes everyone should have something they are anchored to, so when times become tough,
one knows what they stand for.
Principle #5: Collaborate
Jordan Greene said she collaborates with everything she does and her philosophy on the principle is
“If you want to do something good, go solo. If you want to do something great, collaborate.”
Despite her five success principles and starting businesses, Jil faced challenges in the workplace. “I
was often the youngest and brownest professional at the table,” she said.
38
Shahina Javed’s
Fight for Gender Equality in India
Written by: Shahina Javed
Translated by: Joyeeta Datta
Photography and Facilitation:
Tiffany A. Bloomfield
I am Shahina Javed, I belong to a Muslim family of Rajabazar, which is in Kolkata. My family is
made up of my father, mother, three brothers and myself. Shahina means bird; like a bird I also wish
to fly and see the world, and learn many things. As I grew up, I came to realize the not only biolog-
ical but societal difference between a boy and a girl. As a girl I cannot dress as I wish, I have to stay
inside the house and speak softly; I cannot question anything for I am a girl. The reputation of my
family is believed to be in my hands because I am a girl, and so these rules apply to me. In our lo-
cality girls study hard in order to get married to a wealthy man. The whole family expects a lot from
this marriage; even the bride-to-be. She is trained by her family to endure the inhumane tortures that
will come to her after marriage.
Everyone says that our society is what it is, and that a change is not possible. I argue with my family two children made reconsidering her marriage
on a daily basis over these issues, but I have a hard time expressing my opinion properly. Maybe, impossible. So, for the sake of her family’ s rep-
without realizing, I too am attempting to abide to society’ s stereotypes of the ‘ ideal girl’ . I do not utation, she tolerated the brutal tortures silently.
believe in it, but it is very hard to escape your daily reality; I do not feel it in my heart yet I help my
mother do chores, I wear salwar kameez (traditional Indian outfit for women), and I speak softly. Eventually, Firdaus was burned alive by her
husband and in-laws. I don’ t know how long
After high school I became associated with a NGO and the filthy picture of brutality against women she endured pain before death.
unfolded itself before my eyes. I came to know in detail about the miserable situations the women
in our society live in; Jealousy is the reason behind violence against women, we are not given equal The story does not end here.
status to men; we are considered the second sex. I thus formed Roshni Centre, a youth group with
young boys and girls in my locality, we raise our voice against the injustice on women and we handle Firdaus’s husband established her murder as a
many cases of domestic violence against women and children; illiteracy; poor health among mothers suicide case. Since he is an influential man, no
and adolescent girls; substance abuse by early adolescents and youths; and child trafficking. investigation was performed and the case has
been closed forever. He compensated Firdaus’s
I would like to share the story of Firdaus, a woman in my neighborhood. She had two children by family with two flats (property) in exchange for
the time she was thirty, and was beaten by her drunk husband every night. She explained the miser- silence about her death.
able situation she was going through to her family, but nobody listened despite her repeated calls for
help.
They tried to convince her that she must adapt and accept her husband, for this behavior is seen
to be normal from husbands here in the central Kolkata Rajabazaar area. The fact that she had
39 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
Every day there is a “Firdaus” being tortured in similar ways, and dying.
Divorce is a social stigma in our society except when it comes to men. Husbands are allowed to sep-
arate from their wives when they please. However, women are not allowed to mention separation,
even if they are victims of domestic abuse. Such brutality and injustice can only be stopped when
society changes its views towards women. Therefore, I’ ve decided to fight for gender equality in the
central Kolkata Rajabazaar area.
I’ m not successful every time, and sometimes I’ m shattered by incidents and setbacks that I come
across, yet I revive my energy and strength against the struggle. A struggle against the stereotype
that is thrust upon women by this patriarchal society, not by Allah (Urdu term referring to God).
I know that this is not easy work, and that to make change I must be in position of authority. For
this reason, I decided to become a politician to bring essential changes to the system. There are quo-
ta seats for women living in my area, but this, of course, is conditioned. Most women involved have
politically powerful male family members and are controlled by them. This patriarchal society would
never allow a woman to have control. I face many challenges in my quest.
Questions are often raised about my attire, my character and the change that I talk about and pas-
sionately believe in. I was defeated in an election against four male candidates because of a conspira-
cy. They thought it would be impossible to control me if I were to win. After this defeat, my family
and I were harassed and threatened, but I did not and will not give up.
I will always raise my voice of concern for any type of injustice against women.
Another goal of Roshni Centre is to provide women in my community with opportunities to break
conventional ideas of what a woman should be or do. After many challenges, I was able to form a
female football team in my community, and some women have become professional drivers.
This is not the end.
I’ ve started my journey and have a long way to go. I’ m very optimistic because although it might
be difficult, it’ s not impossible to break through the archaic, conventional rules established by the
system.
I know I’ m not alone in my fight to end injustices against women. We are a community of people
making an effort towards this goal, and we will reach our destination soon.
40
Stephanie
Frazier Grimm
Brings Birthday Joy to Most
Vulnerable
By: Alexis Bell
After Stephanie Frazier Grimm learned that a
young boy, who had been hospitalized since birth,
was spending his first birthday in the hospital,
she began to wonder how the health care facility
celebrated such special days.
“I started calling local hospitals and all of them
told me that they did not do anything to recognize
their young patient’s birthdays,” Grimm said. “It’s
not that they didn’t want to, but that they just
didn’t have the means to do it.”
Grimm believed that every child deserved to have
a birthday celebration, and on Jan. 1, 2014 she
launched The Confetti Foundation.
The Confetti Foundation is a nonprofit orga-
nization partnered with Children’s Hospitals in
the United States. Volunteers come together in
Newport, Rhode Island, where the foundation was
founded, and make custom party boxes for the
families of young patients. The boxes are packed
with birthday essentials including handmade birth-
day cards, a birthday banner, plates, napkins, uten-
sils and decorations. Since the foundation started,
multiple hospitals across 43 states have “birthday
fairies” and “birthday heroes” who deliver the
birthday boxes.
“I love birthday parties, but I also love to see the
camaraderie of people getting together and giv-
ing,” Grimm said.
The Confetti Foundation, however, is not Grimm’s
first business. She founded Mama & Bambino
in Nov. 2004, a company that makes customized
accessories and gifts for mothers and their babies
that she sold in 2006.
In addition, Grimm has been the owner and
creative director for Couture Parties – a full-service
boutique, event design and planning company –
since May 2008. She said that she loves weddings
and event planning, so it’s no wonder that she
considers birthday celebrations to be momentous
occasions.
After Stephanie Frazier Grimm learned that a
young boy, who had been hospitalized since birth,
was spending his first birthday in the hospital, she
41 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
began to wonder how the health care facility celebrated such special days. “I’m an event planner
with a huge network of industry friends,” Grimm said. “In December 2013, I made a post on social
media that said ‘I’m starting a nonprofit, who wants to be on board?’”
It has been three years since The Confetti Foundation was founded, and since then the organization
has assisted in the celebrations of more than 2,200 birthdays. The business quickly became success-
ful, but Grimm still faced certain challenges.
42
Empowering Women:
How Cook’s Blurred Vision Evolved into Clear Success
Carrie B. Cook, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, was returning from China in May 2011
wBhye:nAshleefxeilsl ilBl weitlhl a bacterial infection.
While hospitalized, she read the inspirational book “Sun Stand Still” by Steven Furtick, and was
moved by what she describes as a distinct and divine assignment to do more to empower girls and
women.
Cook wondered “what exactly does ‘more’ look like? And what is it supposed to be?” She was
already tutoring and mentoring girls at local schools, and often times those girls had friends who
wanted a mentor too.
“Sometimes the universe is pushing or pulling us in a certain direction,” Cook said. “We feel the
urgency and calling to do something specific with our lives, but often we hold ourselves back with
questions about where to begin, because we want a clear picture and plan.”
Cook said that the end goal doesn’t always have to be clear to get started.
That same summer, Cook organized a leadership event with 60 young women and girls for what
would become the inaugural EmpowHERment Summit.
EmpowHERment Inc. is a Charlotte-based nonprofit organization committed to empowering a
continuous network of girls and women to be leaders through mentorship, talent development
and advocacy. The programs connects girls in grades six through 12 with women in their local
communities. Cook, founder of EmpowHERment, says that empowering girls and women with re-
sources, skills and networks helps them become better leaders. Middle school-aged girls participate
in a 12-month leadership academy and the annual EmpowHERment Summit. When girls are in
9th grade, they can continue in those programs, and apply for the mentoring program where they
receive a one-on-one mentor through a four-year comprehensive high school leadership develop-
43 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
with time, she built a team around her and del-
egated responsibilities, so that everyone owned
their success.
“Ask your family and friends first, because
everyone has a different skill set they can bring
to the table,” she said. “Communicate a clear
vision and ask for help.”
Cook said it is critical to have a team of believ-
ers and doers who will work to implement the
vision.
She and her team have been able to reach hun-
dreds of girls through the EmpowHERment
program. It has quickly grown, from 60 girls
attending the first summit in 2011, to more than
300 girls participating in 2016. The number of
volunteers has quadrupled, with over 100 wom-
en volunteers participating in the annual summit
and year-long programs.
ment curriculum. Cook said that it is important expertise and time, and do your research. “I was out in public, wearing my EmpowHER-
for women to have opportunities to share their “Most people want to go out and start some- ment shirt, and a lady stopped me and said, ‘Oh,
experiences and knowledge with adolescent girls thing and, I think that’s amazing if there truly is my daughter went to that last year and she loved
and to have the girls reciprocate that shared a need,” she said. it,’” Cook said. That was a surreal moment.
learning with their mentors and peers.
As an entrepreneur, Cook said it’s important to Now, Cook is focused on ensuring that Em-
The first year of the mentorship program is do research first and to ask, “What else exists powHERment stays true to its mission. As
dedicated to developing a leadership portfolio. like this?” more people join her team, she has to ensure all
personnel, staff and volunteers are on the same
page.
“Our participants can do anything that they set After vetting her idea with community orga- “You have to know yourself and remember why
out to do, but we are there to help them develop nizers and leaders, Cook immediately started you’re on this path,” she said. “Ask yourself,
a plan,” Cook said. “I encourage all of our girls planning the first EmpowHERment Summit ‘Why was this thing important to me in the first
to explore and be curious. I also tell them that in 2011. Since she was just starting out, she place?’ If your answer is not rooted in your why,
experiencing failure is natural. And important. partnered with another company to launch the then when times get tough you won’t make it.
We really try to emphasize that they don’t have event. While the partnership helped to jump-
to be perfect to lead. start her business, Cook warns against diluting Your why is your mission, and the reason you
your brand. Partnerships are great, but you have were called to action. Don’’t ever lose your why.
Everyone fails something sometimes; the key to go in with a clear understanding of each par- “The path becomes clearer when you know
is to fail forward. What did you learn from the ty’s role, responsibility, expectation and brand. your why,” said Cook. “It’s not just hard work,
experience to become a better leader?” but it’s also heart work.”
One obstacle Cook faced as a social entrepre-
The girls work on civic advocacy projects in an neur was spreading herself too thin. She was
area of their interest during their second year limited on resources and time to dedicate to her
and participate in a service learning trip in the start-up, especially since she still had a full-time
third year of the program. The EmpowHER- job.
ment program ends with an internship through
the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program in She said that the search for resources was simi-
Charlotte, North Carolina, during their fourth lar to the chicken and the egg scenario.
year.
“People don’t want to just give you money
“When you empower girls and women, you can without seeing what you’re doing and what
change entire communities,” Cook said. you’ve accomplished,” she said. “But you need
money and other resources to help build a solid
Cook said that she started this nonprofit be- foundation and establish measurable progress.”
cause there were organizations for women and
separate organizations for girls, but there was Cook said that fortunately, she started to re-
no clear bridge organization that connected the search budgets and resources ahead of time, to
two in an intentional way with this reciprocal prepare for building EmpowHERment. She also
leadership growth model. worked with a committed team of volunteers to
capture data and ask for evaluations before and
While starting her nonprofit, Cook said that she after events. This allowed to demonstrate need,
learned two important lessons: monetize your impact and results. To overcome her challenge
44
Leap in Faith, Mowery said that the transition to her current
position was not easy.
Land in Your New Career
“If you would have told me 10 years ago that
By: Alexis Bell I’d be here doing this today, I would’ve said,
‘there’s no way,’” she admitted.
Julie Mowery is a professional harpist, wife and mother of two from Grand Rapids, Michigan who Her journey started in the summer of 2000,
never thought her life journey would land her in Cancun, Mexico working for Back2Back Ministries. when she realized fear was holding her back
Back2Back Ministries is an international Christian nonprofit that has been dedicated to meeting the from saying “yes” to opportunities. After
spiritual, physical, educational, emotional and social needs of orphans since 1997. Back2Back Min- reading the book “If You Want to Walk on
istries launched a family preservation program in Cancun, Mexico in 2010. A year later, Julie and her Water You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat”
husband moved to Cancun with their son to be co-directors of the site. The Mowery’s said that they by John Ortberg, she decided to do one thing
were attracted to the job because it focused on helping people holistically. “We realized you can’t tell every summer to get her out of her comfort
someone about Christ if they’re hungry and they’re living on the streets,”Mowery said. “ zone. Some of the challenges were physical,
like climbing a rock wall. Some were emotional
We have to build a relationships with them and show them that we care first.” Since moving to challenges where she tried new things she never
Cancun, Mowery has been committed to family preservation and orphan prevention. She said that thought she could do, such as running a mini
her focus on strengthening families started with one woman she met in 2011. marathon. Other challenges were social and
took her to places she never would have gone
“She had eight children and was at risk of losing some of the kids to the government shelter,” before- serving in a soup kitchen and going on
Mowery said. “The government contacted Back2Back and asked if we could provide support so a mission trip to Guatemala. Over time, all of
that the children could stay with their mother. That experience spurred us on to create the Strong the little things shifted her in a new direction.
Families Program where we focus on providing support to children and parents.” In addition to
leading projects like the Strong Families Program since being in Cancun, Mowery also has helped “Your life looks completely different when
build a community center in Tres Reyes which is an impoverished community outside of Cancun. you don’t let fear dictate what you say yes to,”
Mowery said.
With the help of Back2Back Ministries child sponsorship program (CSP), Mowery has helped more “At first you don’t realize the impact that mak-
than 200 children and their families through programs that feed, tutor and provide services that pay ing small changes can have, but over the course
for medical needs such as glasses.
45 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
of five years, my life began to move in a totally leaders were open to her questions and wanted tired and asks herself, “Is there something else
different direction because I didn’t let fear keep to give their time to help. I could be doing?” But, she quickly answers her
me from saying yes,” Mowery said. own question, reminding herself that there’s
“When you’re trying to overcome hurdles, you nothing else she rather do.
This would not be the last time books guided have to be intentional,” Mowery said. “You have
Mowery and gave her new direction. She and to plan and ask questions.”
her husband both became avid readers to be
better prepared for the job they would soon Although Mowery has overcome many obsta-
endure. cles, there are still challenges that confront her.
She still has trouble with the language and warns
The career jump from a professional harpist to against compassion, fatigue, and not allotting
working in community development is some- enough time for rest.
thing Mowery admits she was not adequately
trained for. Although she felt unequipped for “I still have a vision for what I want to see hap-
the job, she remained practical and embraced pen, and I know there is a lot left to be done,”
what would be a grand learning curve. she said. “Sometimes I wonder if I’m the best
person to make it happen because I don’t speak
Mowery said that reading the book “When the language, but I know this is my calling.”
Helping Hurts” by Brian Fikkert and Steve Cor- Mowery said that there are days when she gets
bett helped prepare her to implement change in
Cancun.
“If you stay humble and teachable, you’ll get
to a place where you can start making direct
impacts on communities,” Mowery said.
Coupled with reading, Julie was not afraid to ask
questions. One of the ways she made it through
project management in Cancun was by meeting
with people who had done it before.
“If you can find someone who is doing some-
thing better than you, learn from them,” she
said.
Mowery interviewed leaders from community
centers throughout the United States and tried
to understand what they did that worked well
to bring those pieces to Cancun. She said that
46
Day
WITHOUT
women
by Ariane Datil
It was March 8 and women across America were Here’s part of our interview: But the facts get worse when you look specifi-
wearing red, not participating in work whether cally at pay (in)equity in our country.
paid or unpaid and only spending their money Vanessa: We’ve never had a woman senator
at women owned businesses. Internationally the form PA, we have no women in congress rep- Vanessa: In terms of the pay equity issue,
day is always known as International Womens resenting us right now (this is crazy in 2017), women in America only make 76 cents for
Day, but this year in America everyone was we’ve never had a woman governor, and we’ve every dollar that a man makes. In terms of
calling it a Day without Women. also not had a woman president. African American women, they only make 69
cents for every dollar a man makes and Lati-
For me, as a new reporter, taking the day off Ariane: We’re not doing so well. Our report nas....This is going to blow your socks off...55
just wasn’t an option so I knew that I needed to card looks pretty terrible. The report card cents for every dollar. ...These numbers factor
find a way to use my platform to help promote I was referring to is our rating of women in in education and also experience...
the bigger cause: pay (in)equity for women. Pennsylvania who participate in the legislative
branch. Take a look at it for yourself. Many contrarians claim that statistics about pay
I asked my producer if I could cover #Day- equity are never expressed as apples to apples.
WithoutWomen through the eyes of three How Disenfranchised Women Are In Having looked at the study myself, I can con-
different women: an employment lawyer, a The Legislative Branch firm that the study Vanessa referred to com-
politician and a teacher. Through these points pares the salaries of men and women who hold
of view I planned to show how women who Gender composition of the 114” Congress the same job, within the same company and
weren’t protesting were productively spending Male Female have attained equivalent levels of education.
their day and whether or not the strike would
be an effective way to promote change in our So we know, factually, that there is an issue. But
society. how do we combat this issue of pay inequity
and why is a strike the way women are choosing
I made a lot of calls and a many stops through- to accomplish this?
out my day each one helping me paint the full
picture with bold colors. Second stop: I headed over to City Hall to
speak with Philadelphia city councilwoman at
First stop: Society Hill to meet with Vanessa HOUSE SENATE large Helen Gym who, after giving all of her
Snyder. Vanessa was raised by a single mother female staff the day off to observe the strike
who taught her and her sister that they could do Male: 80.6% Male: 80% decided to spend her day with teachers at an
anything they wanted. Now a litigation attorney Female: 19.4% Female: 20% informational picket.
at Axel Rod, a women owned law firm here
in Philadelphia, Vanessa works predominantly 2016 Professional Development Institue My story started at the front door of her office
in employment law and spends her free time suite when I saw the sign on the door announc-
putting together presentations about pay equity, ing that all female employees were observing
or inequity (as it stands) in our country. Vanessa the strike.
helped me lay down the facts in my story.
47 THE PREVAILING WOMAN
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