Category Archives: Personal Empowerment

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Welcome to the sixth article in my series of Freelance Voices,a series that celebrates the experience of freelancers in different regions and professional specialties. Earlier this year I shared findings from my Global Survey on Freelancing, co-sponsored by the University of Toronto.As a side project, my Agile Talent Collaborative has invited platforms from many countries to share how freelancers describe their what its like to freelance in the shadow of Covid-19.

This month Freelance Voices collaborates with UK freelance colleagues from Hoxby.com.Hoxby, founded by Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst, is well-known to UK and EU freelancers in the marketing, advertising, and PR space, and to the corporates and agencies they support. Readers may not know Hoxbys reputation as a standout in creating a collaborative and supportive freelance community, while preserving high standards, high talent, and strong growth.I am particularly impressed with the care the platform team puts into its future-proofing educational services to its members, and its workstyle philosophy that, as Pennyand Hirst have explained, We are committed to the whole person, and support a workstyle that fits them as the individual they are.In fact, members of the Hoxby community are uniquely treated as colleagues and partners, even participating in a profit sharing pool.For more on Hoxbys unique strategy and culture, read my article on Hoxby and check out: Workstylerevolution.com

Here are UK freelance voices from the Hoxby community:

Anneli Lort. The freedom to work when and where I want, and the freedom to shut the laptop. The empowerment I feel when I'm in total control of my life, when I can say no to work, and when I can fit everything into my life that's important to me.

Louise Bolotin. I choose what work I want to take on and say no to projects I don't fancy. The one thing I do miss about staff is having colleagues to bounce ideas off. It's not quite the same doing that kind of creative thinking online and the pandemic has meant face-to-face networking opportunities have been curtailed.

Yacob Cajee. Freelancing is incredibly liberating. No longer governed by the clock and antiquated dress codes. I am more active; happier and healthier, both physically and mentally so more productive when I am working. Being over 60 and of African/Asian heritage, the ability to work from home during the pandemic was especially important.

Jane Hunter. Freelancing allows me to do a variety of interesting work while setting my own workstyle and to be properly present for my children. I can also help care for my elderly mother who lives in a different country, because I can work anywhere. The biggest challenges of freelancing is that it can be isolating. That was completely solved when I joined Hoxby - an amazing community that has a sense of purpose and shares my values.

Kat Gilbert. As a full-time caregiver to my son, freelancing is the only way I can be there for him and produce impactful work for my clients, whilst remaining physically and mentally healthy. It took a pandemic for the world to acknowledge this.

Sarah Moore. Being able to work across multiple projects, categories and time zones with brilliant teams never gets old and I would never have the opportunity to work on such a diverse portfolio in a more traditional role. And still being able to put life and family first is incredible.

Katherine Ritchie. As long as I meet my deadlines and ensure my clients are happy, I am master of my time I allocate it as I wish rather than complying with convention. I love the liberty and am more efficient, creative and happier as a result. The pandemic had little impact on my workstyle, other than constant family demands to be fed!

Kate Duggan. Ive been freelancing for seven years now. I love the freedom and flexibility. I can pick and choose the projects that really interest me. Freelancing can be lonely at times though. Platforms like Hoxby are great for connecting with other freelancers and feeling like part of a team again.

Clare Fleerackers. Being able to freelance work from home has enabled me to find part of myself again. Three and a half years ago our daughter died suddenly. It was a catastrophic change in our family and after a successful corporate career, I just wasn't the same person. After a year off I decided to apply to Hoxby and gradually started taking on some work projects. I've been able to go at my own pace, been able to choose the work I do and been able to look after my mental health too.

Gill Holmes. Ive worked in the public, private and voluntary sectors but Ive never felt better than I do now - working as a freelancer. Less stressful, more enjoyable, I love being my own boss. Because I work alone, Hoxbys supportive online community is invaluable, working alongside others who are as enthusiastic about their work as I am mine.

Sarah Spargo. Freelancing has enabled me to return to Cornwall without limiting my earnings, the projects I can work on and the teams I can work with. The biggest challenge as a parent is not being able to network for new business. I feel very fortunate to be part of Hoxby where everyone works together to bring in new opportunities.

Malph Minns. The main challenges are getting new business, building a personal and corporate brand, building trust with clients and getting paid on time. I love the variety, the time I get back from not commuting and the ability to flex my work style. There are things you miss, but overall I prefer it. What people have experienced in lockdown is not what remote work is about. It has been an extreme form that bears little resemblance to what it is normally like.

Jenefer Thoroughgood. New business comes largely from reputation and referral, so if someone has been freelancing for a long time, they are good at what they do. And freelancers are usually assessed on output rather than attendance so they are well-equipped for this world of non-office based work where its what you do that counts.

Mark Jones. Freelancing and working flexibly allows me greater control over my work, who I work with and when I'm available. It's an empowering feeling. It's difficult to manage income though so my concerns are generally keeping clients happy and making enough connections to keep work coming in. Due to the pandemic, some clients have reduced workload so I've had to adapt my offer.

Viva la revolution!

Originally posted here:

Freelance Voices: Hoxby.com Freelancers Describe Freelance Life In The U.K. - Forbes

In 50 short years, the UAE has experienced its birth as a nation and its transformation into a global powerhouse of economic, cultural and diplomatic might. As a young country with a future-oriented vision, the UAE set a direction for its people with an emphasis on progressive values and equal opportunity from the very beginning.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the countrys treatment of women as equal partners. While remaining anchored in its early traditions of respect for womens contributions to society and with an eye on the future, the UAE is determined to ensure that women continue to make monumental strides.

This year, as the international community comes together to commemorate Human Rights Day on Friday, we must take a moment to recognise how far we have come and envision a world in which women lead the way in achieving further progress and prosperity.

Besides equal pay for women, non-discrimination against pregnant employees, and standard maternity leave, the UAE has put in place laws that safeguard womens personal status freedoms

Since the countrys founding in 1971, the Government has fully supported womens empowerment.

The UAE is a dynamic, modern society where women participate meaningfully in every facet of social and political life. Under the Constitution, women enjoy the same legal status, claim to titles, access to education, the right to practice professions, and the right to inherit property as men.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is given a tour of Expo 2020 Dubai by Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth (C-L) and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs in Dubai, on December 8. AFP

Due to the support offered by Sheikha Fatima, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, womens voices have historically been included in decision-making at all levels of government and civil society.

It is little surprise then that in the UAE, women constitute 29 per cent of ministerial positions, one of the highest proportions in the Middle East. Women also comprise 50 per cent of the Federal National Council, the UAEs consultative parliamentary body, and make up nearly 50 per cent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operations employees. Without exception, women have been leaders in key sectors, from government to military, arts and culture, economy, and more.

Consider the UAEs space sector, for example. As the nation evolves into a major contributor to the global scientific communitys understanding of space, it has prioritised womens important advancements in this field. In fact, 34 per cent of the Emirates Mars Mission team was comprised of women who helped the UAE launch its historic Hope Probe. Women even comprised 70 per cent of the team behind the UAE Astronaut Programme, which produced the countrys first astronaut.

And while the UAEs female scientists, engineers, economists, diplomats and officials have left an impressive record of achievements on the international stage, one must look back to understand the source of their empowerment.

In addition to regulations that guarantee equal pay for women, non-discrimination against pregnant employees, and standard maternity leave, the UAE has put in place laws that safeguard womens personal status freedoms. Recent legal reforms have advanced womens rights in the UAE by enshrining protections concerning divorce, separation and the division of assets, all the while stipulating more severe penalties for assault and harassment. In the latest round of reforms announced this November, women will receive greater protection through the ratification of a Federal Crime and Punishment Law that will improve public safety and security.

All of these facts tell a story of which we as women are proud: the UAE now leads regional indices of gender equality and womens empowerment. Ranked first in the Arab world in the UN Development Programmes 2020 Gender Equality Index, the UAE recently claimed the first spot as the safest country for women in Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index. While the index noted women surveyed said that they felt safe walking alone in their neighbourhoods at night in the UAE, the report indicates something far more significant: where women feel safe and secure, they are free to live productive, healthy and fulfilling lives to their greatest potential.

Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Co-operation and director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, during the inauguration of the Women's Pavilion inauguration at Al Wasl, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Thats why with the historic opening of Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE was honoured to showcase the first Womens Pavilion in celebration of the positive impact women continue to make on the world. Nestled among 200 pavilions representing 192 countries and other entities, the Womens Pavilion brings together the powerful narratives of female change-makers who continue to inspire women and girls throughout history.

Here, visitors will learn about global initiatives and solutions by women in their efforts to create a better world. Beyond uplifting women, the Womens Pavilion offers a unique space to hold meaningful discussions on womens visions for a future in which they overcome challenges and support others in achieving their dreams.

And it is that very idea supporting women across time, cultures, and borders that has underpinned the UAEs approach to empowering women. The UAE fundamentally recognises how international partnerships strengthen efforts to ensure womens voices are included.

Abu Dhabis dedicated womens college for petroleum engineering at the Petroleum Institute and its MIT-affiliated clean technology university, the Masdar Institute. Delores Johnson / The National

In 2016, the UAE opened a regional office for UN Women in Abu Dhabi, the first in the region. It has donated about $26 million to the organisation since its founding in 2010 and ranked first in the Arab world in contribution last year.

Through this partnership, the UAE and UN Women launched the Women, Peace and Security Training Programme at the Khawla bint Al Azwar Military Academy for women from developing countries to train and serve as peacekeepers.

As we have discovered in recent decades, involving women and girls in civil society and government is essential to shaping peaceful societies that are more resilient to conflict and instability.

Lana Nusseibeh, centre, the UAEs permanent representative to the UN. Wam

Thats why in 2018, the UAE launched its 100 per cent women policy, which resolved that by 2021, the UAEs foreign assistance policy would commit up to 100 per cent to bilateral and multilateral international development investments to either target or integrate gender mainstreaming and the empowerment of women and girls.

The UAEs intersectional approach to womens empowerment, one that recognises the importance of solutions tailored to the local context, has made the UAE a valuable partner on the international stage to developing countries.

While serving on the UN Security Council, to which the UAE was recently elected for the 2022-2023 term, the UAE will continue to advocate for the worlds most vulnerable and identify innovative ways to empower all community members particularly women and girls worldwide.

As we celebrate our Golden Jubilee as a country, we are immensely proud of the progress we have made over the past five decades.

A mere 50 years ago, the UAE was born from the idea that a young country championing equality and tolerance could thrive and become a model to be emulated in the region. Imagine, then, what the world may look like in the next 50 years, when the UAE as an active and engaged member of the international community works tirelessly to ensure that all women are free to fulfil their greatest aspirations.

Published: December 10th 2021, 4:00 AM

Excerpt from:

Women in the UAE have achieved a lot in 50 years - The National

One of the news highlights in the media last week was the visit of the governors of five Nigerian states to Madrid, the Spanish capital. Nyesom Wike, Okezie Ikpeazu, Seyi Makinde, Samuel Ortom, and Umaru Fintiri, the governors of Rivers, Abia, Oyo, Benue, and Adamawa states respectively, were on that trip. By some coincidence, all five governors are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).

How that visit dominated the news the same week when over a dozen presidents and heads of states of West African countries converged in their personal capacities in Abuja, for a conference of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is probably a measure of certain media disinterestedness in national goings-on. It was the same week when bandits and terrorists raised their quantum bestiality one notch higher, setting ablaze nearly four dozen innocent souls, in a particular incident in Sokoto state.

Once again, President Muhammadu Buhari lived up to his trademark unfeelingness to his constituents. His suspect compassion was once more manifested via his typically cliched condolence correspondence. This time around, he was gracious enough to despatch the national security adviser (NSA), Baba Gana Munguno, and the inspector general of police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, to the troubled area. Buhari was in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), penultimate week, and waltzed through Scotland, France, and South Africa, a few weeks before, for the records. Just before then, he was in New York, Riyadh, Mecca, and Addis Ababa, respectively. But Sokoto, like Borno or Anambra or Benue, are usually so, so distant and farfetched.

Perhaps if Wike alone had featured on that visit to Madrid, it would have lent itself to lesser controversy. Under Wikes leadership, the Rivers state government has perfected a partnership with the famous Real Madrid Football Foundation (RMFF), for the establishment of a football academy in the capital, Port Harcourt. Rivers state, by the way, has produced some of Nigerias, even Africas most successful footballers. Jossy Dombraye, Adokiye Amasiemaka, Finidi George, Eddy Lord Dombraye, Taribo West, George Abbey, Emmanuel Ebiede, Joseph Yobo, and Furo Iyenemi, distinguished themselves across football clubs, soccer pitches, and stadia, in various places in the world. Younger players like Izu Azuka, Andrea Cossu, Hector Tubonemi Nwokoye Chukwudi, and Pere Ariweriyai, also from Rivers state, are still plying their trades in several countries.

Part of Wikes vision is for the project to leverage the abundant sporting talent in the state to raise stars for the future. It is a veritable youth empowerment programme, capable of taking children off the streets and providing them an opportunity to build a sustainable professional career. The downstream engagements and opportunities created by such an idea include successful players having their personal trainers, managers, media officers, and so on. The concept is consistent with the novel governance mantra of thinking outside the box, especially in dreary socioeconomic circumstances currently bedeviling our country.

The idea, mooted by Wike in 2017, has been concretised since October 2019, when Wike and the executive vice-president of the Real Madrid Football Club Foundation, (RMFCF), Enrique Sanchez Gonzalez, both endorsed the ratification agreement on the partnership for the Real Madrid Academy, Port Harcourt. Wike had stated inter alia at the event, that: We are preparing the Real Madrid Academy as a veritable pathway for our young stars to be international football talents and for them to achieve their dreams. We will offer them exposure, nurturing opportunities and mentorship by world-renowned professionals at the Real Madrid Academy.

Wike equally spoke about the economic benefits of the academy, to the expansion of the resource base of Rivers state, the second largest in the country. Sanchez commended the Rivers state government for its commitment to using football as a tool for youth empowerment. Ikpeazu accompanied Wike on that visit, while Makinde was present at the inauguration of the fully built academy, not too long after. Sunday Dare, the sports minister, commissioned the project in March this year, much as it was fully ready in 2020, but for the ravaging COVID-19 menace. Pioneer entrants into the academy are being processed as we speak, beginning with the reduction of the initial list of applicants from 2,300 to 1,500, in the first instance.

The Madrid visit threw up all manner of conjectures. In one instance, it was suggested that the governors on the trip planned to poll resources together to buy up Real Madrid football club! The governors must be harvesting resources from avenues unknown to the rest of us. Didnt a governor purportedly domicile the sum of N20 billion in a fixed account in a bank the other day, supposedly borrowed to offset workers salaries? The same governor is alleged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to have withdrawn N60 billion cash over the past six years, for personal use. He will have his day in the popular court, someday. With innovation-minded governors like Wike or Makinde or Fintiri or Ortom and others wanting to leave lasting imprimaturs in refocusing the development of their people and their states, however, such assumptions are farfetched.

Another school of thought has proposed that the five governors travelled to Madrid, to discuss a consensus template for the emergence of the presidential flagbearer of the PDP, ahead of the potentially politically racy year 2022. According to reports in a major Nigerian newspaper, the first foreign trip of PDP governors on the presidential project was held in London, shortly after the partys national convention on Saturday, October 30, and Sunday, October 31. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state was reportedly on the London trip. Fintiri took his place on the more recent Madrid outing, which took place during the outgone week of December 8-11, 2021. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Bala Mohammed of Sokoto and Bauchi were said to be absent on those trips, because they are on the road, holding consultations with critical stakeholders ahead of their formal declarations for the nations top job.

Arising from the various versions of the motivation for that trip by five PDP governors, each representing one each of the nations six geopolitical zones except the north-west, I reached out to very senior government officials in three of the five states, whose helmsmen were on the Madrid movement. From Paulinus Nsirim, Rivers state commissioner for information and communication, to Tivlumun Nyitse, communication scholar and chief of staff to the Benue State governor, and then to Maxwell Gidado, law professor and senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who is also the chief of staff to Fintiri, the narrative was the same.

The visit we understand was at the instance of the Madrid-based RMFCF, which invited the sports-loving governors on a tour of facilities. Inspired by the success story of the Rivers state governments collaboration with the Real Madrid Football Foundation, Wikes colleagues in other geopolitical zones, desire similar prototypes for the growth of football and other sports. Governments, I am told, crave more businesslike involvement and investment in sports, to ensure sustainable survival of sporting activities. There has, for example, been a change in the management of Adamawa United Football Club (AUFC), with the state government shopping for a new supervisory arrangement, which would not be wholly dependent on government. Having successfully emplaced the Real Madrid project in his state, Wike, therefore, was the essential pathfinder for his colleagues.

Wikes selfless contributions to democracy, politics, and governance under the present dispensation cannot be underestimated. At the height of the 2016/2017 leadership impasse which threw up Ali Modu Sherrif and Ahmed Makarfi as factional chairmen of the PDP, Wike almost singularly assumed responsibility for offsetting the bills of the party, including its multi-pronged court legal battles. The supreme court on July 12, 2017, subsequently sacked Sherrif and reinstated Makarfi, rightfully. At the height of the deadly herders belligerence against farmers in Benue state in 2018, Wike visited his colleague, Ortom, and donated N200 million for the upkeep of displaced Benue people in refugee camps. The PDP presidential primaries of October 2018, which produced Atiku Abubakar, Nigerias former vice president as flagbearer, was hosted by Rivers state under Wikes watch.

Wike was at the battlefront for the reelection of Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, last year. Remarkably, he called the bluff of the inspector general of police (IGP), at the time, Mohammed Adamu, who called Wike on the telephone and asked him to vacate Edo state before the actual polls. Wike stayed put in Benin city the state capital, until the results were tallied and Obaseki overwhelmingly elected, against all odds. January this year, the characteristically benevolent Wike, supported the people of Sokoto state for the reconstruction of the Sokoto central market which was razed down by fire early in that month.

For Wike, the charity of necessity begins at home. Rivers state under his leadership has hosted perhaps the largest number of dignitaries, across political and geographical divides, invited to inaugurate projects. To be sure, for a stretch of three weeks culminating in the sixth anniversary of his government on May 29, 2021, all roads led to Rivers state from across the country to see and acknowledge the lasting legacies of the Wike milieu. The massive construction of roads, bridges, flyovers, housing projects, educational infrastructures, healthcare facilities, agricultural schemes, and so on, earned Wike the sobriquet Mr Projects by no less a person than Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, just about two years of Wikes stint in office.

Photographs of the governors with Real Madrid officials at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid are all over the internet. Its actually very refreshing to see our leaders smartly attired like regular guys, being themselves as it were, in face caps, jackets, sweaters, jeans, chinos, and sneakers, all by themselves. They cut the image of big boys all set for a weekend hangout, without that retinue of sycophantic aides and advisers, fawning, actually falling over themselves, faking loyalty and altruism. Those voluptuous agbadas and overstarched, often over-embroidered babanrigas actually took a momentary break.

In December 2020, Aisha Buhari, wife of the president, relocated to Dubai, citing insecurity in Aso Villa. Her extended stay away from Nigeria, it turned out, was to enable her to shop in grand style for the wedding of her son, Yusuf, who got married back in August this year. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) was reported to have hosted the largest assembly of private aircraft ever on that occasion, as Nigeria literarily emptied to Kano for the event. The wedding had been presaged by lavish bachelors and spinsters parties where money in different currencies and denominations were allegedly freely thrown around.

When he turned 60 same August this year, Godwin Emefiele, governor of the nations exchequer, hosted a very expensive and exclusive birthday party in the Caribbean Island nation of Jamaica. The creme de la creme in Nigerias banking and finance industry attended the event. The fact that Nigerias foreign debt profile is on the northward ascendancy, nudging in the direction of $40 billion, and the nations currency has been on a free fall in recent months, was not sobering enough for Emefiele to put the event on hold. The Aliko Dangotes, Tony Elumelus, Herbert Wigwes, Nduka Obaigbenas, and so on, flew into Montego Bay in Jamaica for the event. This is just as inflation figures jumped to 17.33% in February 2021, from 16.47%, in January, under Emefieles watch.

Happily, there is been no media spin as yet, insinuating that Wike and company were found with caches of state funds which they were attempting to stow away in distant vaults. If it was all about a breezy trip to wherever it may be, for whatever genuine reasons, the governors havent overshot their boundaries. Whatsoever people may say, these are chief executives of their various geopolitical entities who are entitled to freedom of movement and association, anywhere in the world. They are authorised by law to prospect for opportunities for growth and development in their domains and are responsible to those who elected them into office.

Nigerias iconic radical musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti in a situation such as this, would most probably have said: *second base, o jare.* This would translate as please say something else if theres nothing more to spice the matter on ground.

Olusunle (PhD) is a poet, media practitioner, scholar, author, and member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)

Link:

Wike and the gang - TheCable

Although the fourth season of Selling Sunset has come to a close, a new day or new Netflix series, rather is dawning. On Wednesday, Allure Realty, a Black-owned, all-women brokerage, will make its television debut in Selling Tampa.

As the Oppenheim Group of Selling Sunset conquers the West Coast, paratrooper-turned-entrepreneur Sharelle Rosado and her team of seven agents Alexis Williams, Anne-Sophie Petit-Frere, Colony Reeves, Juawana Colbert-Williams, Karla Giorgio, Rena Frazier and Tennille Moore aim to dominate the Sunshine State.

Replete with lavish open houses, million-dollar deals, and one suave recurring suitor, Season 1 of Selling Tampa shows the women navigating life, love and where their professional loyalties lie. (For Girlfriends character and real estate agent Toni Childs, this show would be a dream.)

Selling Tampa is a departure from reality television like Basketball Wives or the Real Housewives franchise that focus on Black womanhood merely in proximity to high-profile men. The brokerage was founded by Rosado in 2019. When approached with the opportunity for a series, Rosado took the time to find the right producers to collaborate with.

I didnt want the typical stereotype of just drama, drama, drama, Rosado told HuffPost of the show, which is produced by Adam DiVello with Done and Done Productions. I want to show the world that you only get one lifetime, one chance at this, to actually allow the world to see you. I want to show the world that not only are we beautiful, smart minority women, but we can sell homes too and we can tap into that luxury world.

Reeves, 30, closed the first deal under Allure Realty. In Episode 1, Reeves shares that at her previous brokerages, she was often the only person who looked like me.

My hope is to inspire other women, other Black women who are looking at us and looking to get into the real estate industry, specifically luxury real estate, because you dont see a lot of us, Reeves says. When we took on doing this show, it was really important to represent. Thats really the main goal.

Throughout Season 1, the cast explores life transitions, frayed relationships, and vulnerability in the workplace. Colbert-Williams told HuffPost she hopes Selling Tampa shows audiences and Black women that the personal and professional are not inherently mutually exclusive.

You can still have a career and profession and still have a personal life, even though your personal life may not be perfect, Colbert-Williams said. I think being vulnerable at some point and sharing maybe what youre going through like, I see these women every day I think that that helped me get through some things.

Beneath the sisterhood, though, there are occasional riffs, flared tempers and moments of slick shade, emblematic of classic reality television. With their flagship Tampa office as the backdrop, Selling Tampa highlights generational differences between Black women in the workplace.

Petit-Frere, 27, refers to herself and Reeves as the nieces of the office among aunties, but she said she appreciates the age dynamic within Allure Realty.

For me, as the youngest member of the cast, I think these aunties are not as aunty as we think. I think a lot of them are more modern. They are more hip. I didnt really feel much of the gap, except for sometimes, Petit-Frere said with a laugh, noting that she occasionally has to explain slang and TikTok to Frazier. Its great for me, especially because Im able to talk to these women when faced with certain obstacles. Of course, theyre a lot older and wiser so Im able to get advice from them.

But Selling Tampa wouldnt be a genuine real estate reality show without a fierce competitive edge. When colleagues come to a head, be it over commission splits or botched showings, the Allure Realty ladies confront the situations head-on, literally. No matter how ugly it gets, though, both Frazier and Williams said that finding resolution is a matter of respect.

I think its important to make sure that people understand that you can have disagreements at work and you can not get along, Williams said, but you can still be cordial, you can still be friends, you can still move forward and carry a business relationship, and be OK with that.

This is really about empowerment, Frazier added. Sharelle and I are friends, and we will always be friends. But sometimes, we disagree about how things should be run, and thats OK. Thats real life. But to know that we can do it in a respectful way, I think thats the takeaway.

Frazier said that, at the end of the day, the women of Allure Realty will always support each other. But can their bonds withstand the firestorm that comes with mixing friendship and business? Youll have to watch to find out.

Selling Tampa premieres Wednesday on Netflix.

See the rest here:

Everything You Need to Know About 'Selling Tampa' Before Its Netflix Debut - HuffPost

Song Kang plays a promising ballerino in 'Navillera'

The Korean dramas released in 2021 were an eclectic mix of melodramatic mysteries, dark fantasies, revenge tales and fluffy romance. My list of the best dramas includes a few hits and some dramas you may have missed.Dramas such as Squid Game and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha ruled the charts and dont need any introduction, but perhaps viewers have yet to discover some of the following.

1. True Beauty. Can make-up videos teach you to love your unadorned face? Ju-kyung, played by Moon Ga-young, is bullied at school and develops an inferiority complex about her looks. When she learns how to apply makeup and transfers to another school, shes suddenly popular enough to attract two handsome students, played by Hwang In-yeop and Cha Eun-woo. But would they love her if they saw her unadorned face? Why see it: Moons comic-book-loving characterdrawn straight from a web comicis likable fun.

2. Beyond Evil. Star Shin Ha-kyun won a Best Actor award at the 2021 Baeksang Awards for his brilliant performance in this dark drama about a serial killer and his complicated ties to one small town. Yeo Jin-goo plays the detective who thinks Shin, a fellow detective, is complicit in the killings. The story explores the definition of evil by slowly unveiling the ways the residents are connected to the crimes. Why see it: Shins facial expressions are haunting.

3. Navillera. Is there an age limit to your dreams? Not for 70-year-old Shim Deok -chul, played by Park In-hwan. He wants to learn ballet, so heapproaches Lee Chae-rok, played by Song Kang, a talented young ballerino who is becoming discouraged about his own career. Why see it: A scene in which Park dances in the snow might be one of the loveliest scenes ever filmed in dramas. Its one of many touching scenes.

4. Vincenzo. Its initially hard to know what to make of Vincenzo, a story about a Korean lawyer who works for the mafia, but thats part of what makes it addictive. The drama gleefully switches genres a few times while playing cinematic homage to The Godfather, Carrie, The Birds and other films. Why see it? The drama contains many outrageous scenes as campy as they are dramatic. Song Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-been and Ok Taecyeon embody their cartoonish characters and the eccentric supporting cast is quite funny.

Jung Yong-hwa and Jang Nara evict ghosts and make the sale in 'Sell Your Haunted House.'

5. Sell Your Haunted House wins a mention because of the clever premise. There are people who exorcise ghosts and there are people who tidy up real estate for a quick sale, but the real estate agency run by Jang Nara finds out why ghosts are making a property unsaleable, then evicts them, and makes a sale. She hires a con man who claims to see ghosts, played by Jung Yong-hwa. Why see it? Jang Nara as a woman living with her mothers ghost is very relatableeven if you dont believe in ghosts.

6. Move To Heaven. The ex-con played by Lee Je-hoon thinks hes headed for easy street once he inherits everything from his older brother, but what he inherits is his autistic nephew, played deftly by Tang Joon-sang, and their business, which clears out the remains of the sometimes anonymous dead. Why see it? There is something very moving about the respect with which Tangs character helps resolve the stories of the departed.

7. Youth of May This drama is set against the background of the Gwangju uprising. In 1980 student protests broke out in Korea and were tragically met by violence. Kim Myeong-hee, played by Go Min-si, goes on a blind date as a substitute for her wealthy friend and meets Hwang Hee-tae, a medical student played by Lee Do-hyun. They are perfect for each other, but have little chance to be together before getting caught in the crossfire. Why see it: Youth of May puts a human face on the tragic consequences of the uprising, while telling a universal story.

'Youth of May,' starring Lee Do-hyun, is set during Korea's democratic uprising.

8. Mine is a dark fairy tale and also a highly stylized mystery. Lee Bo-young plays a popular actress, who married into a chaebol family. She is as sunny as Snow White, but the other family members are alternately slothful, greedy, quarrelsome and downright evil. When someone is murdered there are so many likely villains. The chaebol family lives in a museum-size mansion, complete with piles of ruby red apples and poisoned relationships. The curse of wealth and power threatens the romance between the familys prince and a Cinderella maid. Why see it? The designer clothes worn by Lee and Kim So-hyung are enviably stylish and expensive. Its an entertaining mystery and also a tale of sisterhood and female empowerment.

9. My Roommate is a Gumiho. This sweet and fluffy drama might remind you of Beauty and The Beast or Twilight, Korean style. While the supernatural story explores the tried-and-true k-drama trope of very different peopleor in this case a human and a gumihobeing forced to live together, it does so with a light touch and a great cast. Why see it? There is appealing chemistry between the leads Jang Ki-yong and Lee Hyeri. Supporting actors Kang Han-na, Bae In-hyuk and Kim Do-wan offer lots of laughs. Itsobvious everyone had fun filming it.

10. The Devil Judge takes place in a dystopian future, a time in which corruption is rampant and poor people are definitely feeling abused. Sound familiar? Its meant to. The show is set in the future when a televised court delivers some unexpected verdicts against the rich and powerful, drawing massive public support. Ji Sung plays the so-called devil judge and GOT7s Jinyoung is a fellow judge who begins to doubt his ethics. Why see it? Strong performances and the parody of some too-close-for-comfort political realities make it more than worthwhile. The drama offers a glimpse of a dystopian future filled with giant screens, one that eerily echoes the present.

11. Lost, starring Ryu Jun-yeol and Jeon Do-yeon, did not get the ratings it deserved because the plot was melancholy for so long that many viewers gave up hope. Thats ironic because its a story about people who have given up hope and how a random personal encounter eventually makes their lives worth living. Why see it: The moody romantic drama contains some exquisite cinematic scenes and memorable lines, as well as great performances from the stars.

12. One The Woman. This sassy story about a tough-talking, raised-by-gangsters prosecutor starts with a pretty unbelievable premise. After a car accident Honey Lees character wakes up and thinks she is the rich woman she always dreamed of being. Complicating reality is the fact that her new chaebol family thinks so too. Lees delicious comedy skills make even the wildest scenario believable and she generates great chemistry with her co-star Lee Sang-yoon. Why see it: Honey Lee trounces a gang without breaking a fingernail. Lees side eye is memorable.

Honey Lee, also known as Lee Ha-na, plays two roles in 'One The Woman.'

13. D.P. explores hazing in the South Korean military, a problem that has received renewed attention since 2011. Jung Hae-in plays a soldier who signs on to pursue deserters, partly in an effort to avoid being bullied. In his military role he must chase some soldiers who are fleeing bullying themselves. Why see it: The drama painfully documents what might prompt some military personnel to desert. Jung Hae-in gives a thoughtful performance as a man determined to carry out his duty, despite his own doubts.

14. Melancholia is the story of a math prodigy, traumatized by his past. Math is the most exciting thing imaginable for him, but hes afraid to be good at the very subject hes gifted in. A kind math teacher, played by Lim Soo-jung, turns his life around at the expense of her own reputation. Shes being a good teacher but when the two commune over math, its hard not to see sparks fly. Why see it: Lee Do-hyun delivers a subtle performance as the principled math prodigy and viewers will love to hate the dramas many rich, outlandishly entitled characters.

15. Reflection of You. At the beginning of Reflection of You, a painter, played by Ko Hyun-jung, throws a body into the river. The moodily beautiful mystery sets you up to wonder which characters body it isand keeps you guessing. Is it Shin Hyun-bi, who plays the painters former friend and current enemy. Or is it Choi Won-young, who plays her deceptively kind husband. It might also be Kim Jae-young, her impulsive ex-lover. Why see it? Great acting all around, including Choi, who was so good as a dangerous husband in My Dangerous Wife. Also, Wuthering Heights fans might find it darkly delicious.

16. Red Sleeve. There were several fun historical dramas this yearhistorical dramas with zombies, demons, royal inspectors and cross-dressing princessesbut Red Sleeve reinterpreted the story of some actual royals. Red Sleeve tells the story of King Jeongjo and his concubine Uibin Sung, who came to the palace as a court lady. The Kings father Prince Sado was condemned to starve in a rice chest, accused of murdering members of the court. As well as dealing with the trauma of his fathers death and the behavior of his erratic grandfather, future King Jeongjo, played by Lee Jun-ho of 2PM, is hated by a secret society of court ladies. His one true friend is a very smart court lady, played by Lee Se-young. Why see it: Both actors create likable and relatable characters. Lee Se-youngs character transcends womens limited choices during the 18th century.

17. Police University offers an upbeat story about second chances. B1A4s Jinyoung playsa young hacker who enters the police academy because of his crush on a fellow student, played by Krystal Jung. He was forgiven for his misdeeds by an irascible police officer, played to comic effect by Cha Tae-hyun. Chas character winds up being his professor and is determined to be hard on him. Why see it? Although this drama regrettably spends too much of one episode on product placement, it still offers a lot of good old-fashioned get-the-bad-guys-and-redeem-yourself fun.

Choi Kang-hee confronts her younger self in 'Hello Me.'

18. Hello Me. The comedy asks you to consider what you might say to your 17-year-old self? And wonder what that 17-year-old self might think of the older version of you. Would the 17-year-old be pleased with where you ended up or totally disappointed? Choi Kang-hee plays a woman whose life is a mess until a weird fluke finds her babysitting her younger self. That younger self, played by Lee Re, is not impressed, but ultimately helps her older version get her life back on track. Why see it? Besides the delightfully silly premise, theres a hilarious performance by Eum Moon-suk as a jaded celebrity.

19. Heres My Plan. At only four episodes, this MBC drama may have been easy to miss, but it had a lot to say. The series stars Kim Hwan-hee as a high school dropout and petty criminal. Ryu Soo-young plays the owner of a chicken restaurant, who decides to help the troubled teen, but shes convinced hes her dad and his life needs to be destroyed. Helping her may be harder than he imagined. If this sounds like an upbeat Disney comedy, its not. Making a U-turn in life is hard. Why see it? The screenplay won the award for outstanding work at the 2020 MBC Drama Screenplay Contest. It features fresh camera work, a fun soundtrack and a great performance by Kim.

20. Dr. Brain. This highly stylized sci-fi mystery is the first original Korean content produced by Apple TV+. Lee Sun-kyun plays a scientist who tries to tap into the memories of the departed. While this might be useful, its also dangerous, as the experiments transfer more than memories. Lees character becomes convinced that his son, who supposedly died in an accident, is still alive. The only way to find him is through a brain sync. Why see it: The cinematographers underwater color palette is gorgeous and the plot is a quirky comic book mash-up. Be warned. For a k-drama. Dr. Brain features an uncharacteristic amount of gunplay.

This list only includes dramas that were well underway by the middle of December 2021.

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The 21 Best Korean Dramas Of 2021 - Forbes

CINCINNATI For local music fans, Jess Lamb and the Factory are a staple of Cincinnati music. Others may remember Lamb from Season 14 of American Idol.

This Thanksgiving, the band will help celebrate with music.

The group teamed up with Arnolds Bar and Grill, Neltner Small Batch, Otto Printing and Mus-i-col Records to offer hand-crafted limited edition 7-inch vinyl records. The records feature two songs from Jess Lamb and the Factory and the sleeves were hand dipped at Makers Mark. Theyll be giving away 150 on opaque red vinyl.

Jess Lamb and the Factory will take the Arnolds stage Wednesday at 8 p.m. Records will also be available then.

FACEBOOK EVENT: Maker's Mark Presents: Thanksgiving Eve w/ Jess Lamb & the Factory

A limited number of copies pressed on clear, pink and black splatter vinyl will be available at local record stores Shake It Records, Everybody's Records, Plaid Room Records, Torn Light Records and Herzog Records on Black Friday.

The 7-inch record features music from the bands 2020 album, You Are.

You can watch Jess Lamb and the Factory perform songs from You Are live for WCPO Lounge Acts in the video player above.

Recorded during the lockdown, You Are contains a collection of what Lamb calls misplaced songs.

Making music during a pandemic can be a challenge.

I felt like I needed to be more calm and centered and still, Lamb said.

Keyboardist and producer Warren Harrison found a silver lining. Honestly, its been a great opportunity to not be distracted by gigs, he said.

The albums first single, Beautiful has been called a celebration of personal empowerment. The track features a collaboration with rapper and activist Siri Imani.

Lamb describes the track as a bunch of sisters telling each other you are beautiful, you are powerful, you can make it. Adding, its a mantra for us all.

Upcoming Jess Lamb and the Factory performances:

Vinyl release:November 24, 8-11 p.m.Arnold's Bar and Grill 210 E 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Cincinnati Alchemy Fest:November 26, 8-8:30 p.m.Arts' OTA2141 Central Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45214

Holiday pop-up concert:December 4, 5:00 p.m.Findlay Market1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Get more info about Jess Lamb and the Factory at https://www.jesslamb.com/

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Jess Lamb and the Factory use vinyl and music to celebrate Thanksgiving and Black Friday - WCPO

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Nov. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Giving Tuesday is a unique one-day global movement of generosity that is more vital in 2021 than ever before. #GivingTuesday unleashes the power of people, individuals, families, communities, businesses, and organizations to come together, give back, and help those who are in need.

On Tuesday, November 30th, Coastline College is participating in #GivingTuesday, and would like to invite our community members, alumni, and employees to contribute and support students in need. Coastline students continue to be affected by the economic impact of COVID-19.Vulnerable students need assistance, including first-generation college students, military veterans, nontraditional students, and the entire diverse group of students who are a part of our campus community.https://www.coastline.edu/events/giving-tuesday-2021.php

Coastline College is committed to our student success and provides an array of support programs and services to meet the diverse needs of our students. Funds generated from #GivingTuesday will benefit Coastline students through scholarships, programs, endowments, financial programs,and/or support services.Your donation on #GivingTuesday,supports students' educational needs, including financial assistance with tuition, textbooks, laptops, housing, food banks, counseling, health care, disability accommodations, and more.

"We appreciate the support we received in last year's Giving Tuesday campaign and look forward to having increased participation this year. The funds received through our Giving Tuesday Campaign will allow our Coastline Foundation to help more students to complete their educational goals." Vince Rodriguez, Ed. D., President, Coastline College

Join Coastline College Foundation on #GivingTuesday by pledging your time, skills, voice, and dollars to support our students.Your generous gift can help these students stay on track, focus on graduating, secure their future to empower their lives, and enable them to make a difference in our communities.To ensure that our student community will continue to receive these programs, we rely on the support and generosity of our community.

We are asking our friends and colleagues to make a meaningful contribution to Coastline College Foundation this #GivingTuesday.Donate to the Foundation and support programs that will enhance educational experiences for current and future impacted Coastliners.

Your gift will benefit Coastline students and such programs like the Student Emergency Fund, Veterans Resource Centers(VRC), the General Scholarship Fund, and the Special Programs and Services for the Disabled, and more. Every donation received will go to making these things possible for those in need. During this season of thanks, everyone can make a lasting impact!

Spread the word!Post to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: #GivingTuesday and share why you donated in support of the Coastline College Foundation.

About Coastline College:

Coastline College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. For eight consecutive years, Coastline College was selected as one of the top 150 colleges by The Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence which is considered the nation's signature recognition for America's community colleges. Coastline College guides diverse populations of students toward the attainment of associate degrees and certificates leading to career advancement, personal empowerment, and transfer. By meeting students where they are, Coastline provides innovative instruction and services designed to achieve equitable outcomes.

Contact:Dawn Willson[emailprotected]714-241-6186

SOURCE Coastline College

http://www.coastline.edu

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Join Coastline College This #GivingTuesday and Help Change the Lives of Our Students - PRNewswire

With the holidays coming up, there is a lot of excitement around gathering with friends and family to celebrate. In fact, we are due for celebration, especially after surviving 2020. A lot of us are eager to gather and celebrate safely again. But, for many of us, realizations of unhealthy family dynamics may have surfaced. While the holidays are made to spend with the people we love, we need to identify the love we need first.

The Latinx family dynamic can be complex. Culturally and traditionally, we have been raised with the importance of respecting our elders and putting family first. The issue is that this can mean both our abuelos and our older siblings, who may not be much older than us. We are also taught to honor family, good manners, and celebrate traditions. The problem with this is that with so much emphasis on the expectations of how a person is supposed to behave, a persons ability to argue, express, and stand up for themselves may be shut down by these exact family dynamics.

For this holiday season, here are some steps to follow to help you maintain your peace and your grace while maneuvering through some toxicity.

From a young age, we are taught to respect our elders, including our older brothers or sisters. This expectation prevents us from speaking our minds, which can ultimately confuse our self-esteem, self-awareness, and even our sense of boundaries. Despite how you were raised, the people who love you should not consider your boundaries a personal attack andif they do, thats a red flag. However, to respectfully communicate your limits, you need to clearly understand why you need them. Before gathering with your family members, do a quick checklist of what aspects you dont want to share (dating life, personal decisions). Then, assess who you feel comfortable sharing with. Some people we feel safe with, others we dont. To communicate healthy boundaries, make sure you state how the person crossing the boundary makes you feel. Remember to be open and compassionate. Lastly, be prepared for some pushback, but remain graceful. Phrases you can use to re-establish your boundaries in these settings are:

When expressing yourself, remember that boundaries are not placed to hurt others. Boundaries are a form of self-respect and empowerment. Even if the other person doesnt react appropriately, you honor yourself by setting and expressing boundaries.

In these moments, you must maintain your emotional distance by stepping away from interacting with people and situations that cannot fill your soul; otherwise, you risk regressing to older, unhealthier behaviors that you are trying to move away from.

Preserving your energy allows you to protect your energy. When you dont participate in conversations or environments that make you behave from your lower self, you are honoring the person you are becoming.

To think that we were brought up being taught that we are better people by not expressing ourselves Calladita te ves ms bonita. Make it make sense! Phrases like this one are designed to oppress people. For us, Latinas, this saying carried complex messaging that impacted our identity and suppressed our emotions. For a lot of our family members, this is a saying they still believe. For them, it reinforces gender roles, encourages masculine household leadership, and it discourages a womans challenge. But our generation is working towards healing the misconception that womens concerns, opinions, and insight dont matter. When you feel the need to speak up, speak up. Standing up for yourself and what you believe is right is empowering. It reinforces your purpose and courage in this world, inspiring another family member to do the same.

Latinx families suffer from a lot of inherited trauma that can be traced back to colonialism, poverty, immigration, racism, and the prejudice our parents, grandparents, and ancestors have experienced. To survive, we, as a culture, were taught to assimilate. For us, assimilation meant dont make a scene. So, calladita means ms bonita. In many ways, not speaking up meant keeping the peace. But no one ever discussed the personal chaos suppressing your feelings would create. When you speak up, make sure its with good intentions. Make sure you are composed, respectful, and open to opposition. Make sure you are doing it to care for yourself or another. In speaking up, you are setting a new standard of how you and others should be treated.

When dealing with a chaotic environment, you must practice introspection and stillness. To fully know how you want to behave in the external world, you must know who you are internally. This also means you have to know how to find your peace at any given moment. That can often be tough to find in family gatherings since everyone is celebrating, mingling and chismeando. However, you must take time away to make sure you remain aligned in moments of toxicity. To do this, remove yourself from noise, movement, and interruptions. If you can, go into nature (backyard, front yard, or even step outside), it may be easier to recenter. Close your eyes for about 5 minutes and if you pray, ask for patience and gentleness. Regrouping can work wonders not only for your behavior but also for your mental health. Meditation helps filter out the unnecessary stressors in your life, like others opinions, judgment, or rude comments. Meditation can help you manage how you cope with the outside world, and it can help you manage your triggers. Breathwork is good to relieve stress. So, in moments of extreme pressure or stress with family, take time to check in with yourself.

Even in complex family dynamics, we all have one ally. Every safe space is only safe because of the person we feel safe with. If your favorite cousin, tia, or sibling will be at your family gatherings, make sure to devote some time to them to reconnect. Allow this person to fill you in on how theyve been, where their life is now post-2020, and allow yourself to equally open up. Reconnecting with someone like-minded and like-spirited can help you feel more comfortable. If your ally understands your family dynamic and the same toxicity you do, it would be wise to establish a safe word to express stress, anxiety, or fear. Additionally, make sure you and your ally are checking in on each other. Remember, you are not obligated to interact with anyone who doesnt make you feel loved, safe, and celebrated.

Long before we mastered the world of social media, and even long before we learned to maneuver in the modern world, we were animals making second-to-second decisions off of instinct only. Our instincts warned us when predators were near and similar to our primate ancestors, we still have our instincts for threats. However, our instincts are not as apparent as they may have been for our ancestors. Instead, we have what we know as the gut feeling. We dont know what, but we know something is off. Part of taking care of yourself in a toxic environment is to listen to that gut feeling. Your mind and your spirit are working together to warn you that something here will not serve you. If any part of your being is telling you to step away, do so. Ways your body can warn you of an unsafe environment (before you even notice it) is through migraines, nausea, feeling drained, feeling anxious, or even dissociation. If you are feeling any of these physical symptoms, remove yourself from the situation right away. Its okay to leave.

In our cultures, we dont take mental health seriously. Our parents and grandparents did not have the luxury to consider how to help themselves when they were helping everyone else. In our culture, we survive. But thriving off of survival alone can cause trauma that often gets handed down through generations.

So wanting to even confront any unsettling interactions or experiences can be challenging for a lot of us. However, one thing that is helpful when protecting your energy is this you cant be good to anyone if youre not being good to yourself.

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How To Deal With Toxic Family Members During The Holidays - hiplatina.com

Coinciding with the recent launch of UK Disability History Month (18 November-18 December), Radar is delighted to announce it has commissioned two artists to explore the gendered re-presentations of disability in Paralympic media.

Gendered Representations of Disability: Equality, Empowerment andMarginalisationin Paralympic Mediais a research project focused on the concerns around the media visibility of Para athletes. Taking an intersectional approach, the project explores the way gender and race structure the media representations of Para athletes and the extent thisnormalisesandpopularisescertain disabled identities over others.

The project willanalysedifferent forms of media coverage as well as investigate how different groups interact with media representations, such as Para athletesand people with disabilities with no connection to sport, to further explore the cultural impact of Paralympic media on lived experience.

The two artists working with Radar are Sophie Hoyle and Christopher Samuel.Sophie and Christopher will be using data from the research to present a piece of work that will be shown at Loughborough University London in 2022 as part of an event launching the research projects summary report. Their work will also be displayed online via theRadar website.

Sophie and Christopher are still deciding the form their work will take and where their ideas will take them, but Radar and the wider research team are excited to see what they produce. In the new year,anIn Conversationeventwith the artists and the academicswilltake place.

Sophie Hoyleis an artist and writer whose practise explores an intersectional approach to post-colonial, queer, feminist, critical psychiatry and disability issues. Their work looks at the relation of the personal to (and as) political, individual, and collective anxieties, and how alliances can be formed where different inequalities andmarginalisationintersect. Sophie is influenced by their own personal experiences of being queer, non-binary and experiencing psychiatric conditions and trauma.

Christopher Samuelis a multi-disciplinary artist whose practise is rooted in identity and disability politics, much of which echoes his own lived experience. Interrogating his personal understanding of identity as a disabled person impacted by inequality andmarginalisation, he responds with urgency,humourand poetic subversiveness throughout his work making it accessible to a wider audienceof whom somecan identifyand relate to.

Producer ofRadarLauraPurseglovecommented:Radar is excited to have the opportunity to work with Sophie and Christopher as part of this important research project. Both artists have a track record of producing insightful works which explore and critique the exclusionary structures which produce disability while reclaiming autonomy and advocating for more equitable futures for all of us.

More information about Radar can be found via thededicated website.

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LU Arts announces new Radar project placing the spotlight on Gendered Re-presentations of Disability - Loughborough University

As we get into the holiday shopping spirit, remember that the best gift is the gift that gives back. From empowering Black women to protecting our California coastlines, there is no shortage of noble causes in need of support this year.

So, whether its through donation or sharing their mission, lift the spirits of others this holiday season by supporting these Southern California nonprofit organizations!

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center was the first marine mammal rehabilitation facility in California. This nonprofit organizations purpose is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine mammals. They also host a visitor yard in Laguna Beach where youll meet California sea lions, northern elephant seals, Pacific harbor seals or northern fur seal patients. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Browse their sea-sational marine merch at the Treasure Trove or sponsor a pups next meal for the perfect holiday gift!

Established in 1971, the LGBTQ Center OC is one of the oldest gay and lesbian community centers in the United States. This non-profit organization allows all members and allies of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community to join together in a network of support and unity.The center provides services to more than 14,000 individuals annually. Some of their programs include mental health services, community support groups, youth programs, STI & HIV testing, and much more.

Be extra proud this holiday season and donate to help create a safe space in our community!

Black Women for Wellness is a Los Angeles nonprofit committed to the health and well-being of Black women and girls through health education, empowerment and advocacy.

Their monthly programs educate on reproductive rights, environmental justice, diabetes prevention, infant health, voter rights, and much more. Your donation fuels their ongoing fight to expand access to education, healthcare, and community.

Piece by Piece is a nonprofit that provides mosaic workshops for recently homeless and low-income residents of Skid Row. These pieces are created using recycled materials, including broken tile and glass. Their team of instructors work collaboratively with each individual to develop creative skills and improve their quality of life with a source of earned income. Your donation allows Piece by Piece to provide workshops free of cost.

The Prison Library Project provides free reading materials to inmates nationwide to promote literacy, personal responsibility, reflection, and growth.Their most frequent requests are for dictionaries, language, business, and self-help related books for inmates working to achieve their GED. Through books these individuals can connect with the outside world, making their transition much easier once released.Your donation helps to better the lives of inmates nationwide!

Animals for Armed Forces partners with local shelters to provide free pet adoptions to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard.This organizations goal is to save shelter animals by finding them safe and loving homes with members of our military. In-return these animals offer our veterans security and companionship.Donate and help connect military members with their furry best friend!

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Shop local for the holidays with these Southern California nonprofits - Yelp Blog