Four-term Nevada assemblywoman and former Boulder City, Nevada councilwoman, Ms. Gene Segerblom as died, leaving a legacy of community service to her beloved state of Nevada. Mother to state senator Tick Segerblom, Gene belonged to a long line of devoted Nevada politicians.
To read more about Gene's life and career, read the Las Vegas Review-Journal article, Ex-legislator Gene Segerblom leaves legacy of public service
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
Dr. Marlene Adrian, president of Women of Diversity, the organization that has long advocated for more recognition of Nevada women's accomplishments, will be part of a panel discussion on KNPR Nevada. Please tune in tomorrow to hear her share her views, along with others knowledgeable on the topic, Feminism in Nevada: Is there any? on Friday, Dec. 7 at 9:30 am.
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)
Global Womenʼs Rights: Amnesty International USA Town Hall, Part II
The Domestic Policy Panel discussed “Whatʼs at stake for womenʼs rights in the United States? What will bring the young generation into the feminist rights issues? What are the objectives and goals that should form the centerpiece of the womenʼs rights agenda? What is the importance of womenʼs political participation in the 2012 election and beyond? (more…)
On October fourth I attended an awesome, exciting, optimistic, yet heart wrenching town hall on womenʼs rights. This was not, however, merely a civil rights discussion. It was a powerful look at the whole spectrum of global violence and atrocities against women in every country in the world, with personal stories from Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Afghanistan. It was a comprehensive look at actions taken by women to empower themselves, help their country and advocate for a fair and equal place in their society. It was, above all, an introspective evaluation of the status and challenges of women in the United States and what we can and must do to engage both nationally and globally.
This event was entitled The XX Factor 2012: Town Hall on Womenʼs Rights and was held in Washington D.C. and sponsored by Amnesty International USA. Suzanne Nossel, the first woman Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, greeted the assembly of men and women, young, middle-aged and older, and culturally diverse. Suzanne spoke of the more than 50 years of Amnesty International being “one more voice for human rights” and its ability to reach millions of people in eighty countries to create change.
Did you know that the gender make-up of the Parliament of Rwanda is more than 50% women? After the end of the devastating genocide of 1994, women activists organized to reverse the societal rape patterns and discounting of the value of women. They took a major role in government and brought about changes and enforcement of laws. Beatrice Mukansinga, the founder of Mbwirandumva, an organization aiding women without homes or families, spoke of the challenges to provide counseling, shelter, food and skills for economic self-sufficiency to these women, who often were disabled and always traumatized. She was inspired to help these women post-genocide and now has committed her life to improving their lives.
Jenni Williams lives in Zimbabwe with different circumstances. She is fraught continuously with soldiers telling her that women should go back to the kitchen and should not be uprising. Jenni has been arrested 47 times, and other members of the grassroots organization she founded, Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), have been arrested at least half as often. Her organization is a peaceful, non-violent one, giving red roses on Valentineʼs Day. Jenni believes and told us that “the solution is in our hands”. The WOZA women protest, campaign and peacefully demonstrate to formulate community-based solutions and empower women to stand for their rights and freedoms. She believes that ”the power of love can conquer the love of power”. She recognizes that women are risk-takers and “ want a lived reality of freedom”. As pertaining to herself, Jenni wonders when she will have her own space. “ In one place Iʼm too black; in another, I am too white. I need to fight for my rights.” Jenni also mentioned that legal change must be gender-sensitive and include gender-sensitivity training for judges.
In the morning, our speaker from Afghanistan, Hasina Safi, Executive Director of the Afghanistan Education Center and Executive Board Member of Afghan Womenʼs Network, participated at a Congressional Briefing with Congresswoman Donna Edwards from Maryland and the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. The Afghanistan contingency presented the need for an action plan to secure Afghan womenʼs rights and protect and advance gains made by these women and girls in education, health, security, employment and other human rights. In the afternoon Hasina described the fine line between what has been accomplished through the new democracy and what can be lost in a moment. The Islam teachings of the Koran, not only allow women to be educated, but actually make education an obligation. There are 96 womenʼs groups with 5000 members working to eradicate violence against women in Afghanistan, providing awareness programs of what is printed in the Koran and advising Islamic women of their rights. The number of women in Parliament is now above 25%. According to Hasin, the Taliban has brought a misrepresentation of the Koran to Afghanistan. This has caused an increase in violence toward women and opposition to gains in womenʼs rights. The teachings of the Taliban have intensified the disparity between males and females with respect to rights. Hasina believes that the grass roots organizations need to be connected with the organizations in the capital to be more effective.
The final woman on this panel charting the Global Womenʼs Rights Agenda was Dr. Rangita de Silva de Alwis, Director, Global Womenʼs Leadership Initiative at Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Through her experiences and the data bases, she shared a wealth of information, some of which are paraphrased and listed as follows:
Marlene Adrian, posted October 23, 2012
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.
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)
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
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!