Female Atchitects and Designers get Recognition

An article posted in the Las Vegas Sun (Dec. 11, 2012) shows how a local Las Vegas architect, Ms. Amy Finchem, has worked to bring female architects and designers recognition for their creative efforts.  Working through COLAB, the non-profit organization that she founded, Finchem provided a venue to showcase the talents of local designers.  The "Women in Design" exhibition highlights six female designers who were chosen by a select group of judges out of a total of 15 submissions. 

Bringing female architects and designers to the attention of the community and general public is a effort close to Finchem's heart as she recounts the lengths she had to go through to be taken seriously in the traditionally male-dominated field.

To read the full article, click this link: Women architects, designers of Las Vegas showcase talent in downtown gallery

Philanthropists Recognized

Four Nevada women were among those recognized November 13, 2012 at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Nevada for their efforts in giving back to their community.  The event was hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Marta Poling-Goldenne, a pastor at New Song Lutheran Church received the award for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser.  The award for Outstanding Volunteer Professional went to Barbara Wood, while the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy trophy went to a junior at West Career & Technical Academy by the name of Ciera Cypert.  Lastly, Ann McGee, the founder of Miracle Flights for Kids was graced with the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Congratulations to these women who have achieved success in their philanthropic efforts and have been deservedly recognized by their community.

To find out more about the organizations supported by these women, click on the associated links.

The information for this post was obtained from an article written by Laura Carroll for the Las Vegas Review Journal (11/14/12)

 

Upcoming Steering Committee Meeting

On August 7, 2012 members of the Nevada Women's Virtual Center steering committee will hold a meeting to discuss ways in which we can develop forums on topics which are very important to women today  — skirting the political and religious, but focusing upon the challenges and responsibilities of women, especially leaders. 

This will be a general topic for discussion at the meeting in order to form a committee, establish and determine panelist/speakers, topics and technology to be used, such as internet radio/video, twitter town hall and webinar. 

The Nevada Women's Virtual Center and Women of Diversity embraces volunteers to help in the effort to recognize and preserve Nevada women's history. 

If you are interested in volunteering and sharing your ideas, please consider attending this meeting.  For more information, contact nevadawomensvirtualcenter@gmail.com.

Denise Duarte’s Flourish Wins Award

Local Las Vegas artist, Denise Duarte, was one of the winners of Mayor's Urban Design Award, presented by Mayor Carolyn Goodman on April 11, 2012.  Denise's Flourish is part of the art seen in the Cultural Corridor Trail Improvement Project and is created to coincide with the Pole Dancers banners that lead pedestrians on a tour of downtown Las Vegas's cultural institutions.

Read more about Denise's project at CultureNOW – Flourish and at the City of Las Vegas Arts Commission website

Congratulations, Denise and thank you for beautifying Las Vegas and bringing attention to art and culture.

  Here is Denise on left showing an example of her sculpture art, along with Women of Diversity President, Marlene Adrian (2011)

Women’s Herstory Made

It was a busy March for making women's "herstory" here in Nevada.  There were many events planned and attended throughout the month.  In just one week I was present to videotape several women receiving honors for their work and commitment to their communities. 

At the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), staff and students received recognition on March 28.  During the Women of Excellence Awards Luncheon, CSN staff members Nancy Webb and Michele Fogg accepted awards, as did CSN students Kaity Jellison and Jasmine Gipson.  It was emotional for all as they thanked the college, their colleagues and fellow students, as well as their families for the support they receive as they all follow their dreams.

On Friday, March 30, the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Nevada held their event at Cili's Restaurant on the grounds of the beautiful Bali Hai Golf Course.   Several women were inducted into the Seventh Annual Women's Hall of Fame.  They were: Kim Amato, Gina Robinson-Billups, Mary Beth Hartleb, Jan Jones, Vicki Montgomery, Tiffannie Bond, Chandler Marrs, and Patrice Ross.  These women join the many others who have been inducted over the last seven years.   Also during the event, Ms. Rose McKinney-James received the Fifth Annual Pioneer Award.  To find out more about this event, please visit the Women's Chamber of Commerce website at http://www.womenschamberofnevada.org/

And on the last night of the Women's History month, the Junior League of Las Vegas celebrated Paint the Town Red at the Four Season Hotel in Las Vegas.  The night was filled with a parade of men and women dressed elegantly and mingling among many prominent members of the community.  A silent auction and a dance contest entertained before and during dinner.  When it was time, two awardees were introduced: Ms. Punam Mathur received the Florence Lee Jones Humanitarian Award.  Punam was introduced by her dear friend, Ms. Julie Murray.  While on stage accepting her award, Punam introduced her children and reflected on how the idea of "humanity" is a part of each and every one of us.  Next, Ms. Madeleine Andress was brought on stage after a funny, touching and emotional introduction by her daughter, Ms. Melanie Tobiasson.  Ms. Andress received the Junior League's Lifetime Achievement Award.  The Junior League's website is http://www.jllv.org/lv/index.jsp

Be sure and check out our YouTube channel to see these and more women being recognized and honored in Nevada.

Posted by Lisa Gioia-Acres

 

Tuskegee Love Letters by Kim Russell

 

Kim Russell, Women of Diversity Board Member is the author of the newly published work: 

Tuskegee Love Letters- Letters from a Red Tail
A collection from a Tuskegee Airman, his wife and daughter  

Tuskegee Love Letters is a collection of actual, intimate, personal letters between a wife and husband,
and daughter separated by war.  Read how this newlywed couple struggle – and triumph- to keep their
marriage alive.  Read how a daughter finds closure to pressing questions about losing a parent.

Kim was a guest on Talk of Alabama on Tuesday, March 27, 2012. 

To find out more about this amazing work and tribute to her parents and purchase a copy of her book, visit the Tuskegee Love Letters website.  

Congratulations, Kim!