Category Archives: Personal Empowerment

Housing associations and ALMOs continue to demonstrate high engagement levels, performing well in areas such as teamwork and managerial engagement.

For the sixth consecutive year, Best Companies has used its engagement model to create a list of the 25 best housing sector associations to work for in the UK.

Using a unique methodology, organisations are measured across eight factors of employee engagement (see graphic).

Over 11,800 employees gave their views on topics ranging from engagement with leadership to personal growth opportunities and wellbeing.

All employees were invited to respond to 70 statements on a seven-point scale. Responses were combined to give each organisation a Best Companies Index (BCI) score, recognised as the UK standard for employee engagement.

These scores are were then used to compile the 24housing list.

In this years list, the top-scoring factors for listed organisations relate to My Team and My Manager. These factors encompass how employees feel toward their immediate colleagues and how they feel about and communicate with their direct manager.

Employees perceive they can make a valuable contribution to the success of their organisation, that team members care for one another, and that their manager talks openly and honestly.

When comparing the highest-scoring organisations versus others on the list, employees perceive that colleagues as less likely to use intimidation tactics to achieve their goals, collaboration is greater across departments, and proactivity is more common than reactivity.

The greatest differentiator between listed and non-listed organisations is the Leadership factor, where there was found to be on average a 12.52% difference in scores.

When compared with non-listed associations, employees in listed organisations felt more strongly that senior managers lived the values of their organisation, that they had confidence in the leadership skills of their senior managers, and that the leader of their organisation was inspiring.

Organisational clarity is another strong differentiator between listed and non-listed organisations. Those that are listed appear to have more visible and approachable senior managers and their employees feel profit is not the main driver of decisions.

Giving Something Back and Personal Growth have seen the greatest improvement. Organisations are becoming more socially conscious and are more supportive of the local community.

The top-performing organisations are perceived to be doing more in terms of Giving Something Back.

In addition, employees are feeling more enthused by the work they do and that the training they have received is more beneficial to them personally.

Similarly, organisations are showing an increase in scores for the statement I love working for this organisation, in turn supporting the year-on-year increase in scores for the My Company factor.

It is encouraging to see the achievements housing associations and ALMOs have made in their engagement work over the past year, with both employees and wider communities benefiting from their efforts.

If organisations can continue to improve, particularly around Leadership, these workplaces will likely see increasing engagement levels and demonstrate outstanding best practice.

1. Stockport Homes

Stockport Homes has excelled across all eight factors, demonstrating that employee engagement is thriving under the leadership of CEO Helen McHale.

She has initiated flexible and modern working practices that demonstrate her acknowledgement that everyone is an individual.

Helen personally delivers treats and rewards to celebrate achievements and meets with team members who have been nominated for staff awards, taking the time to listen, feedback, and share what she hears with the wider management team to make positive changes.

Unsurprisingly, Stockport Homes has triumphed over the rest of the competition this year in the Leadership factor.

2. Golden Lane Housing

Golden Lane Housing has secured second place after standing out in the Personal Growth factor.

Its exemplary scores within the factor can be attributed to the organisations appraisal system, Shape Your Future.

Conversations between managers and team members about their role, contribution to goals, and demonstrating the organisations values led to Golden Lane identifying rising stars and those who continuously go above and beyond.

These individuals are then presented with an opportunity to undertake a project in a different team or department to grow their talents and experience.

3. Wales & West Housing

A new entry, Wales & West Housing jump straight into third place.

The organisation posted impressive scores across the board, notably in the Wellbeing factor, thanks in large part to its culture of open communication.

Managers are trained to recognise signs of stress in their team and to be proactive in initiating difficult but appropriate conversations with staff members.

For Wales & West, enhancing the wellbeing of staff means more than offering staff free fruit or free gym memberships; its about ensuring staff are supported by good line managers and a caring team.

4. Melin Homes

Shining in the Giving Something Back factor, South Wales-based Melin Homes works closely with schools in the community to help develop future generations whom they recognise to be future staff, residents, and board members.

In the last year alone, the organisation has successfully worked with over 7,000 pupils.

It has more recently extended this programme to work closer with teachers around mindfulness and mental health, with schools identifying this as a major area of focus going forward.

Its no surprise employees believe they are having a positive impact on the community around them.

5. Weaver Vale Housing Trust

Weaver Vale Housing Trust rounds off the Top Five after posting impressive scores within the My Manager factor.

The Cheshire-based housing association continues to support the development of the leadership team through a variety of internally and externally delivered training and learning programmes.

There is a common theme within this learning that focusses on knowledge, skills, and behaviours for leaders to become inspirational, results-driven, empowering, and motivational.

Senior management is offered an additional programme called Ignite, which further develops leadership qualities and an in-depth understanding of culture and values at Weaver Vale.

6. Regenda Limited

In order to meet its goals of supporting residents to fulfil their potential and ensure the best quality of life, North West-based Regenda Homes places huge emphasis on the way its teams communicate with each other.

Through its intranet site, The Club, colleagues can communicate a wide range of ideas on corporate processes, such as effective procurement methodologies, to support on mental health conditions and other issues.

Working practices like this allow different parts of the organisation to collaborate effectively, in turn leading to excellent scores in the My Team factor.

7. Spring Housing Association

Spring performed particularly well in both the Wellbeing and Leadership factors.

The associations wellbeing policy promotes the health, safety, and welfare of employees, encouraging them to open up to their managers if theyre experiencing any form of stress, at home or at work.

All employees are given a supervision contract when they join Spring to demonstrate the management teams commitment to holding regular supervision meetings.

On top of this, Spring has signed up to the Time to Change Employers Pledge and identified a frontline member of staff wholl be taking on the role of mental health champion.

8. Fife Housing Association

Located in the East of Scotland, Fife Housing Association has made the list after posting impressive scores in the Fair Deal factor.

Employees are supplied with a personalised Passport that communicates the content of Fifes Rewards and Recognition Strategy in an easily accessible format.

Incentives range from providing cakes for team meetings to additional holidays for employees who go beyond what would usually be expected of them.

The past year has also seen a continued focus on raising awareness of the four volunteer days available to all staff to contribute to their tenants and the local community.

9. Curo

Curos management team pays particular attention to the development of colleagues and provides close support when they move into a new role.

Mentoring is on offer for all new managers as well as any manager who wishes to progress or develop certain skills or explore future options.

Curo runs its own in-house blended learning management development programme, consisting of two-hour workshops and coaching sessions hosted on its intranet. The programme runs for as long as the manager needs.

10. Swan

Swan rounds off this years Top Ten after achieving notable scores in the My Manager, Personal Growth, and Giving Something Back factors.

Within its Talent and Development strategy, insights have been utilised to offer employees understanding around why they work the way they do, why others make different choices, and how this influences the effectiveness of a team.

By applying this understanding, these insights help employees build relationships with one another, improving many fundamentals that contribute to team success.

Employees are also given time to develop within working hours if they are studying for a particular course.

11. Gloucester City Homes

City Homes (GCH) engages with its local communities, in turn contributing to its fantastic Giving Something Back factor scores.

In partnership with the Police, GCH has set up a Junior Warden scheme that engages children to look after their local area by picking up litter, reporting problems and meeting with high-profile local figures.

The organisation also scored highly in the Leadership factor; CEO Ashley Green visits schemes, attends daily staff meetings, and greets all new starters at Welcome Breakfast meetings to talk about their experience of joining GCH and discuss their ideas.

12. Honeycomb Group

With Personal Growth an emphasised factor, Honeycomb Group has scrapped appraisals and introduced My Check-In.

Using this, employees take ownership of their development, leading to a cultural shift where people have the confidence to instigate meaningful conversations about their personal development.

All staff went through a coaching conversation training programme, highlighting what good conversations looked like and encouraging feedback between employees to help them open up honest, two-way conversations.

Honeycomb has also moved away from probation periods, favouring a Settling In approach that encourages a more supportive environment for new starters.

13. Thrive Homes

Performing well in the My Team factor, Thrive Homes utilises its One Thrive platform for communication, enabling field-based teams and those on long-term sick or maternity leave to keep in touch with colleagues while away from the office.

The platform is used for peer-to-peer recognition, sharing team developments, broadcasting news releases and briefings, and fundraising, wellness, and social events.

Staff participation is high (92% in September 2019), helping keep colleagues in touch with whats happening in the business.

14. Cairn Housing Association

Cairn Housing Association scored highly in the Wellbeing and Fair Deal factors, in part down to its commitment to colleagues work-life balance.

Where appropriate, employees can build up flexi-leave to take a day off once every four weeks, and the removal of core hours ensures employees can work around commitments such as doctor appointments and the school run while still committing to their contracted weekly hours.

Tying in with a nationwide focus on mental health, all staff are offered mental health awareness training, with six fully trained as mental health first aiders.

15. Orbit Group

Orbit Groups Stars in Orbit scheme allows employees to reward colleagues for outstanding work, positive actions, exceptional behaviours, and exhibiting the organisations values.

Each team has a specific budget in place for when a financial reward is appropriate, and all employees recognised are reviewed by the organisations executive team, who select outstanding individuals.

These employees are then invited to lunch at a top London restaurant with Mark Hoyland, Orbits CEO. These initiatives will have impacted the Fair Deal factor for Orbit and contributed to its overall engagement levels.

16. South Yorkshire Housing Association Limited

Formed in 1972 to provide homes for those most in need, South Yorkshire Housing Association put great emphasis on managerial engagement this year, resulting in fantastic scores for the My Manager factor.

All managers were offered a two-day Psychology for Coaching programme, targeted to support managers in helping employees through upcoming transitions into different ways of working.

The organisation removed its structural annual appraisal process two years ago, refocussing on improving the quality and impact of one-to-one conversations.

This change reflects the organisations agile style of working and supports colleagues more effectively.

17. Thames Reach

Thames Reach performed exceptionally in the Personal Growth factor, and it comes as no surprise given the opportunities for development the organisation affords.

For example, Thames Reach contributed to the costs of a Post Graduate Diploma in Community Dance for one employee.

While this seemed beyond their remit, the skills gained benefited their daily role by enhancing their leadership and coaching qualities.

The employee now runs a movement session at work that encourages older service-users with poor mobility to engage in light exercise, and the employee now makes dance available to inner-city communities outside of their work.

18. Accent Group

Accent Groups people strategy can be attributed to its high scores in both the My Company and My Manager factors.

Focussed on creating a culture of empowerment and ownership, Accent utilises an initiative called Shape the Journey, where employees submit proposals for making a difference to working practices and culture.

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Articles Best Companies 2020: The Top 25 Housing Organisations - 24housing

On her recent Boston stop for the A Black Woman Created This tour, two-time Grammy nominee Rapsody owned The Sinclairs stage. Rapsody, who hails from Snow Hill, North Carolina, made a name for herself collaborating with artists like 9th Wonder, Mac Miller, and Kendrick Lamar, ultimately signing with Jay-Zs label Roc Nation and earning two Grammy nominations for her 2017 album, Lailas Wisdom. She shined during the Feb. 7 concert, where her smooth flow and incredibly powerful raps showcased her unique style and left a lasting impression on Boston.

Dutch ReBelle, a Boston-based rapper, opened the night, energizing the crowd while keeping it personal and even giving out her phone number at the end of her act. Then Heather Victoria came onstage with smoother vocals and high-pitched notes, belting out R&B songs that complemented Dutch ReBelles hard-hitting raps. Most captivating of all was Sa-Roc, a veteran rapper whose relaxed presence, combined with her rapid-fire words, kept listeners at the edge with spillover rhymes and intricate wordplay.

All three openers warmed the stage for Rapsody who, after a few minutes of suspense, waltzed out in an oversized white windbreaker and baggy camouflage pants and jumped into action before the dim red lights could illuminate her face. She asserted her power with Nina, the first song on her album Eve, and declared to the Sinclair, Emit light, rap, or Emmet Till / I drew a line without showing my body, thats a skill. With tenacity and spunk in each word and step, she moved back and forth from the stage not just as a performer, but as a woman with something to say. She kept the energy alive with Cleo and Whoopi, two more songs from Eve that allowed her to address her status in the music industry and her strength throughout her ordeals.

With a now-energized crowd, she slowed down and introduced the A Black Woman Created This tour, a smile in her voice as she acknowledged the accomplished women that headed every aspect of her show. The theme was all the more prevalent considering that Eve is dedicated to black women she admires, each individual track named after one of her idols. As the performance went on, she continued to balance pride in her own ability with respect for her heroes.

Throughout the concert, Rapsody performed incredible songs from her past albums like Pay Up, where she highlighted the injustice of a male gold digger preying on independent women, a reversal of the roles usually seen in rap songs. The inflections and irony in her voice were clear as she lamented, Thought your love one day would help him grow up / But, he just want a baby girl that he know can / Pay up, and she animated the song the way only a live performer can. Using an almost bitter tone and high-powered bounces and movements, she both expressed her scorn for the male lover and seemed to connect these feelings to frustration with the hip hop industrys general disregard for women in their ranks.

As a rapper who is unafraid to credit her role models, Rapsody also spent a lot of her performance honoring women like Lauryn Hill, Maya Angelou, and Aaliyah for their legacy and impact. In one segment of the concert, Rapsody invited a (single) man to come onstage and delivered a tribute to Hill as she performed Hills cover of Cant Take My Eyes Off You for him. She continued to take him on a journey of love, singing songs like Rollercoaster Jam Called Love and dancing with him onstage as she expressed hope about a budding romance through her fluid movements and aptly worded verses. In the end, he left the stage so that she could leave the crowd with a powerful reminder to put self-love above all, and ended the shows three-part depiction of love with Maya, an empowering song performed with gusto and pride.

Rapsody remained as potent and compelling throughout the rest of her concert. Sometimes, shed strip the music from the song and perform her raps like spoken word, each line clear, punctuated, and meaningful. Other times, shed hype up the crowd with call and response phrases, like Can I kick it yall? taken from the prolific rap group A Tribe Called Quest, exciting the crowd and paying homage to her roots. In one of the rare moments of quiet, Rapsody addressed her fans and said, Im just a reflection of you and a reflection of what I see, so I appreciate you for the inspiration. With conviction and passion, Rapsodys A Black Woman Created This tour was a tribute to the people before her, a thank you to the people with her now, and a promise for an even greater future.

Staff Writer Vivien L. Tran can be reached at vivien.tran@thecrimson.com.

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Rapsody Brings a Message of Self-Love and Empowerment to the Sinclair | Arts - Harvard Crimson

Courtesy: Lambda Epsilon, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

HerCampus UWG, the local chapter of a national magazine written exclusively by college women, partnered with the Lambda Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. (SGRho) to host a womens empowerment discussion panel on Feb. 19.

The discussion panel took place in the TLC from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and featured four speakers: Amari Morrison, HerCampus UWG President; Deijah Atkins, HerCampus UWG Vice President; Cherith Moore, National Pan-Hellenic Council Vice President; and Christie Nance, International Second Grand Anti-Basileus for SGRho. The two main topics discussed at the open-forum event were self confidence and self love.

With self confidence, it is about knowing your worth and knowing who you are intended to be. There is only one you, said Moore. With self love, you have to love yourself first before anyone else can. And you have to do the things you love in order to achieve that self love that you want.

The world has come a long way in terms of womens rights. But there are still some inherent aspects of 21st century culture that encourage women to compete and tear each other down. Social media trends pit women against each other to see who can be best. Who can post the most appealing pictures? Who does this dance the sexiest? And who just doesnt make the cut?

In many ways, it creates a toxic culture where people arent human. Humans are only images on a pixelated canvas of unhealthy comparison. It is important that women build each other up despite societal pressure to conform. And it is imperative that each and every person love themselves first.

The event itself was eye opening for me because it made me realize that we as women have a lot of work to do to better ourselves, said Morrison. And this is the first step to breaking down a copious amount of barriers. We need to destroy the stigma that women often put each other down rather than help each other because of our own insecurities. Once we achieve that, it will open opportunities for us to work together as women.

The event also emphasized a growth mindset. People have to start by looking at themselves to pursue growth. Once that process occurs, people can bring their growth into a group. If everyone brings their own personal growth into society, then there is hope for drastic change in the current culture as a whole.

We thought it was a great idea to share a few messages on how powerful women are capable of being and how we have to take of ourselves at the same time in order to pursue growth, said Moore.

There is a stigma that when someone puts themself first they are narcissistic and selfish. The panel discussion addressed this issue by stating that self love is a desirable characteristic and not one of greed. When individuals put themselves first, they are better suited to help others. Therefore, self love is not selfish but is selfless. The panel also discussed the ways that peoples environments can impact their self concept negatively.

Sometimes if you are surrounded by people who dont support you, they can hinder the growth and well-being of yourself, said Moore. Surround yourself with positive individuals who support and care about you and that can help your self-confidence as well.

This concept was poetically portrayed in a Will Smith video played at the panel meeting. Smith spoke of how many individuals look to others to determine their own self concept, and it isnt healthy.

Its kind of like looking into a broken mirror, said Smith. And then you change your face to try to look good in this defiled, busted, broken mirror.

All individuals can get caught in this trap of deception and lies, but it can especially impact women because of this culture full of facades, sexualizations and the empty satisfaction of outward beauty.

The largest takeaway is that women need to learn to support each other to foster an environment of personal and societal growth.

We have to work harder to be successful in our lives, said Moore. I think this is why some women feel the need to compete amongst each other because we push ourselves to be the best. However, that isnt what it should be. We should all support one another no matter what.

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HerCampus UWG Speaks on Women Empowerment - West Georgian

Californias Jamul Indian Village (JIV), one of 13 federally recognised tribes that are part of the Kumeyaay Tribe, will play a major role at the Tribal Game Protection Network (TGPN) 2020 Women in Tribal Gaming Symposium this week.

Taking place from 25-27 February at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in California, the TGPN Women in Tribal Gaming Symposium is an annual meeting of tribal government and industry leaders from across the world.

Presentations, offered in a wide range of topics, are designed for gaming professionals who are committed to professionally develop themselves and lead their organisations.

The symposium will feature strong presence from Jamul Casino and JIV leadership. JIV Chairwoman Erica M Pinto will offer the keynote addressLeading Change and Overcoming Challengeson February 26, in addition to sponsoring the event at Platinum level.

Frances Amado, JIVs Operations Manager, will be part of the February 27 panel entitled Personal Empowerment: Overcoming the Fears That Hold You Back. Additional tribal leadership of the Jamul Casino and JIV will also speak on panels throughout the conference.

Since 1997 Chairwoman Pinto has been active in the JIV Tribal Council. She was the JIVs first woman to be elected Chairwoman in 2015, and led the Tribe to make significant economic progress on their path to self-reliance.

She declared: Its very rewarding being a part of the tribal gaming community. There are so many exceptional women in tribal gaming leadership positions, and its truly an honour to be among their ranks.

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JIV Of California To Speak At Women in Tribal Gaming Symposium - Inkedin

PlantHer founder Jillian Shea, right, shows off her completed project to a participant of a recent plant night. The former 14-year farmer and horticulturalist educates clients and students on growing methods, and teaches them the tricks and tips to create a thriving container plant.

PlantHer founder Jillian Shea, right, shows off her completed project to a participant of a recent plant night. The former 14-year farmer and horticulturalist educates clients and students on growing methods,

PlantHer founder Jillian Shea, right, shows off her completed project to a participant of a recent plant night. The former 14-year farmer and horticulturalist educates clients and students on growing methods, and teaches them the tricks and tips to create a thriving container plant.

PlantHer founder Jillian Shea, right, shows off her completed project to a participant of a recent plant night. The former 14-year farmer and horticulturalist educates clients and students on growing methods,

Middletowns PlantHer founder intent on turning thumbs to green

MIDDLETOWN Seeds of the ever-expanding self-care movement are taking hold in the horticultural field, as more gardeners and plant enthusiasts are discovering the pastime offers a plethora of benefits, including physical, meditative and therapeutic.

Armed with 14 years of experience, Jillian Shea of Middletown, 30, founder of PlantHer Life, is educating the public on successful growing methods through plant nights and other events all meant to encourage all to transform their digits into thriving green thumbs.

Sheas goal is creating opportunities for personal growth and empowerment through plants. Theres something everyone can gain from having plants in their lives. Learning about plants can empower people, she said.

In fact, she wraps up every plant night (modeled on paint nights; very popular with women) by offering hand-outs, which give the best methods for fostering healthy houseplants, flowers and herbs.

Im your emotional plant care support, shell tell participants. You can always email me with whatever meltdown or crisis youre having.

These gatherings offer women who wear multiple hats the opportunity to take time for themselves, said Shea, who started her business just six months ago.

Shes already enjoying success so much so, shes booked through April.

Were not dealing with student debt. Were not moms right now, or dealing with something difficult at home. Were here to create something beautiful together, she tells her clients.

People are really craving that right now. So many people feel consumed by what they have to do, they forget the option to do something therapeutic and creative, Shea explained.

Everyone is capable of becoming a proud plant parent, she added.

Shes clearing up misconceptions in the process, as well as countering the belief that certain individuals are innately incapable of fostering their plants.

Its just like anything else. With a little bit of time and love and research, and all the essentials (organic soil, good light and water), anyone can grow anything, Shea said.

PlantHer also focuses on encouraging high school and college students to explore careers in the agriculture field.

Part of that is about bringing young people into the green industry specifically young women. Farming is still somewhat of a male-dominated field. I try to connect those dots to bring more women into the horticultural and farming industries, she said.

She also offers online tutorials, coaching and consulting, farm-to-school curriculum and training, as well as speaking engagements.

Shea made that bold career move to go into business for herself after she realized reaching new heights wasnt possible in farming. Ive always been surrounded by plants, but theres a point in the farming industry where youre just a farmer. The pinnacle of your career is essentially managing a farm if you dont get your own property.

One nursery she worked for tried to branch out to hands-on plant-related projects. It never really went anywhere, and I thought there was still potential there, Shea said.

Her first event, Plant Nights and Pints, at Counterweight Brewing in Hamden, sold out. It instantly got attention, and it took off from there, she said.

Swift success caught her by surprise. I turned a whim into what the business is being defined by. Whats made the difference is not only that it offers an alternative way to go out, socialize and spend time; but it adds an element of fun an alternate way of socializing.

Once people bring their plants home, the chances of them thriving depend upon various factors, including how hot one keeps a house, how drafty a door is, and whether individuals are willing to invest time and love into the pastime, or theyre more negligent, she said.

Theres no formula that says, If you do this, this and this, the plant will live. Your conditions in your home are so unique and youre so unique so depending on your habits. There are so many different pieces of the puzzle. Plant care can be relatively complex, Shea admits.

She insists on all-organic soil. Thats really the building blocks of a healthy plant. In decent conditions, the plant is usually fine.

Shell advise clients to try making their own nutritious sprouts as a starter project and cheaper alternative to store-bought. No soil is needed.

One trick for seed starting is using a heat mat or to improvise by placing containers on top of the refrigerator to warm the bottom.

She advises people to consider supporting their local nurseries, which are comparably priced, and have knowledgeable staff passionate about what they do.

The alternative is more of a gamble, Shea said. Typically when something is being sent to a large hardware store, those plants have sometimes been raised far away. Theyre shipped in big box trucks and packaged. Theyre taken from all-ideal conditions in the greenhouse, driven far away, and then they get plunked in this fluorescent light.

Shoppers see the plants in all their glory, but are then disappointed when they die in a week. Its like theyve been through transplant shock almost like going through a traumatic change of scenery, Shea said.

I cant. I kill everything, she hears from about 80 percent of people who attend her workshops. Its a negative sentiment, but also untrue, Shea said.

Focusing with fresh eyes and an optimistic attitude is key. Working with plants naturally calms the nervous system and provides a sense of accomplishment, Shea said.

This is something beautiful were creating, but it is a living thing. Thats usually one missing thing people dont realize with their plant care. They forget, because it cant talk to them or make a noise that it still needs attention and care, she said.

For information, visit plantherlife.com or PlantHerLife on Facebook. To get a free two-week subscription to her video tutorials, visit skillshare.com

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Middletowns PlantHer founder intent on turning thumbs to green - Middletown Press

A new initiative at the University of New Haven, the Womens Leadership Council brings female students and prominent women leaders together for mentorship and networking opportunities, as well as for inspiration and empowerment.

February 24, 2020

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

When Rachana Pillai 20 MBA attended a recent "Women as Leaders" panel discussion and networking event, she was moved by the conversation about balancing work and personal lives, as well as the message of empowerment.

"Women in leadership know that it is essential to help other women," she said. "When you learn from other women, they can encourage you and give you the strength and inspiration to achieve your goals."

Hosted by the Universitys Womens Leadership Council (WLC), a group that provides inspiration, guidance, and opportunity for women at the University, the event brought together students, faculty members, and leaders such as Josephine Moran 01 M.S., 19 EMBA, a member of the Universitys Board of Governors and an executive vice president at Provident Bank.

The WLC was first conceived when Moran became chairperson of the Universitys College of Business Advisory Board in 2018. Committed to the engagement, growth, and development of women, the WLC aims to help women to reach their full potential.

"Mentorship has had a tremendous impact on me," said Moran. "Without the belief and encouragement I had earlier in my career from both male and female mentors, I would not be where I am in my career. I would like the council to do the same for current students."

The University has hosted a Womens Leadership Conference for the past five years, and the hope is that the new Womens Leadership Council will be a female student-focused program that will host even more events geared toward networking and empowerment.

"The Women's Leadership Council is an exciting new initiative, building on five years of success with the Women's Leadership Conference," said Nancy Savage, Ph.D., the conferences steering committee chair and associate dean of the University's Tagliatela College of Engineering. "I look forward to working with the Council membership in creating meaningful opportunities for our women students and alumnae to connect."

Endeavoring to encourage women to become inspirational, transformational leaders in their communities while fostering a robust learning environment and connections with one another the WLC leadership committee includes more than 20 professional women, who represent diverse backgrounds, industries, and areas of expertise.

"I expect the WLC to empower women at the University to be confident changemakers," said Khadija Al Arkoubi, Ph.D., an associate professor of management. "It will hopefully boost their confidence and self-efficacy as well as create opportunities that support their quest for personal and career growth."

Courtney Smith 20, a business management major who also attended the "Women as Leaders" event, is grateful that the WLC will continue to provide these meaningful opportunities for students.

"A Women's Leadership Council is important to have at the University because it allows upcoming female leaders to see examples of women who have already become leaders in their fields," she said. "It's important for future female leaders to have role models who they can emulate to increase their chances of becoming leaders, themselves, one day."

The WCLs next event will be on Wednesday, March 4, from 4:30-7 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge in Bartels Hall on the Universitys main campus. Entitled "Strategies to Survive Student Debt," it will focus on assisting students with understanding credit and paying off student debt. The first in a series focused on student financial wellness, the event is part of the Universitys celebration of womens history month.

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Women's Leadership Council Endeavors to Prepare the Next Generation of Leaders - University of New Haven News

Remaining True to its Core Brand Values, Mineral Fusion is Empowering Women to Achieve Economic and Financial Independence

SAN FRANCISCO NORTH BAY, Calif., Feb. 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mineral Fusion, the #1 selling EWG VERIFIED natural cosmetics line, announces today its official partnership with Dress for Success. Dress for Success is an international nonprofit organization empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and life. Remaining true to its commitment that beauty is giving back, Mineral Fusion, a wholly-owned subsidiary of global natural beauty company BWX Limited, will support Dress for Success through online donations and campaigns, annual clothing drives, and volunteer outreach with the entire BWX team.

We are thrilled to work with Dress for Success and demonstrate that true beauty is about generosity and inclusiveness. Womens empowerment has been a core value at Mineral Fusion since the brand creation, and part of our mission at BWX. Our collaboration with Dress for Success and our outreach efforts aim at enhancing their confidence and empowering them to achieve their personal and professional goals, said Virginie Descamps, Group Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer of BWX, a global, natural beauty company. In 2017, Mineral Fusion joined BWXs portfolio, which includes Sukin, Andalou, Nourished Life, and Uspa.

Dress for Success offers long-lasting solutions that enable women to break the cycle of poverty, leading a global movement for change, empowering women to obtain safer and better futures. The Dress for Success program provides women with professional attire to secure employment, but the impact goes beyond a new outfit. In addition to physically equipping women with apparel and accessories, the Dress for Success programs furnish women with confidence and the knowledge that she can actively define her life, the direction she takes, and what success means to her. Since 1997, Dress for Success has impacted the lives of more than one million women.

Mineral Fusions longstanding commitment to empowering women made it a natural fit for Dress for Success, said Jenny Lai, Vice President of Development at Dress for Success. By rallying the support of partners with like-minded missions, Dress for Success is better equipped to achieve monumental milestones and impact many women around the globe. Every partner Dress for Success onboards is another milestone for the nonprofit, and we look forward to working with Mineral Fusion to drive impact on our organization and the women were helping.

Mineral Fusion plans to work with Dress for Success in many ways, including :

ABOUT MINERAL FUSIONMineral Fusion began as a mineral cosmetics brand in 2007 focused on developing products that are a fusion of beauty and skin care that focus on correcting flaws, not just covering them up. Since its launch, Mineral Fusion has grown to become the #1 cosmetic brand at natural retailers. The brand is centered around providing clean cosmetics products that dont compromise on the quality, reliability, exceptional wear, and confidence-boosting performance that consumers know and love. The Mineral Fusion portfolio of products are safe and gentle for all skin types, hypoallergenic and free of gluten, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, talc and are primarily vegan. In addition to having the most EWG VERIFIED products of any beauty brand, Mineral Fusion is also Leaping Bunny Certified cruelty free. Mineral Fusion is available nationwide at Target stores and Target.com, Whole Foods Market and fine natural health and beauty stores. Mineral Fusion was acquired by BWX Limited, a global natural beauty company, in 2017.

For more information about Mineral Fusion, visit http://www.mineralfusion.com,Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mineralfusion/,Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MineralFusion, andTwitter at https://twitter.com/mineralfusion.

About Dress for Success Dress for Success is a global nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help them thrive in work and life. Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to nearly 150 cities in 25 countries. To date, the organization has helped more than one million women work towards financial independence.

Story continues

Whether they are job seekers, women already on a career trajectory or ready to enter leadership positions in the communities where they live, learn and work, Dress for Success provides a continuum of programs and services to help women achieve self-defined success at every phase of their journey.

Visit http://www.dressforsuccess.org to learn more.

ABOUT BWXBWX is a global, natural beauty company with a portfolio of leading natural brands in Australia, USA, Canada, UK, China, and select other international markets. Founded and headquartered in Australia, BWXs expertise is in innovation, product development, manufacturing and marketing natural products. BWXs family of natural brands provides consumers with a natural choice for personal care without compromising on performance. BWX inspires the advancement of plant and mineral based science without causing unnecessary harm to the planet. It also says NO to testing its products on animals and believes in giving. The company is actively involved in giving back to causes relating to the environment, social responsibility and empowering women.

Contact: Mineral Fusion PR

Molly Antos

T: (847) 848-2090

mineralfusion-pr@dadascope.com

Photosaccompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72e56731-70ed-4c6c-8a9c-6c71149a9da1

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ec097047-dfbf-4f83-91a5-bd43df7c1ff8

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Mineral Fusion Announces a Philanthropic Partnership With Dress for Success, Making Beauty Healthy for All Women - Yahoo Finance

On Saturday, Feb. 22, the University of Arizona Health Sciences Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted its second annual LGBTQ+ National Symposium and Community Health Fair at the UAHS Wellness Walkway on the health sciences campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event was created to show the importance of inclusivity in health treatment, particularly to people on the health sciences campus.

How can you fully treat a person properly if you dont have their full identity of who they are and they dont feel comfortable sharing their full identity of who they are with you? said Lydia Kennedy, senior director of UAHS Office of Diversity and Inclusion, who called the event her brainchild.

When asked who the symposium was for, Kennedy responded quickly with everyone, explaining the importance of educating people on inclusive healthcare through a personal anecdote.

I just went to a first primary visit with a primary care physician, Kennedy said. I go into the room and then she starts asking me all these questions of gender identity, sexual orientation and then her comment proceeds to be: These questions are ridiculous. I hate asking people these questions. Im sorry I have to ask you these. And this is Feb. 21, 2020, and she was clear about her feelings toward those questions.

Violet Siwik, co-chair of the UAHS LGBTQ+ Interest Group, which hosted the event, also spoke to providing an inclusive environment in health care.

We impose so many of our beliefs of sexuality, she said. This [event] is something everyone should have exposure to.

Kennedy said the symposium was designed to be inclusive with presentations from many experts on different aspects of inclusive health care, including a keynote speech called Supportive Environment for Those Providing Care from Dr. Gabriel Sarah, an associate clinical professor in the University of California, San Franciscos Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care.

Other presentations included Re-Membering Indigenous Two-Spirits by Nicholas Wilson from UA Native American Student Affairs and an LGBTQ+ youth panel to discuss some experiences of members of the community and how to be supportive.

Booths were also set up in Drachman Hall, which provided information for those in health sciences and people within the LGBTQ+ community. The booths ranged from information for LGBTQ+ business owners to advice on adopting a pet from the Humane Society.

I want as many and all LGBTQ+ organizations and even allies to be here, to be that support network, to be that support system so [people] find everyone and they are aware of the resources in our community, Kennedy said.

One booth gave information on a transgender support group called Journeys: Exploration of Gender, a group connected with the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance.

Danny Simms, a representative from the support group who helped manage the booth, said their main goal was showing support and that we are out there and there is a place that transgender people can go to to get the support that they need.

He went on to say, Its nice to know that the healthcare system is trying to branch out and be more supportive.

Another booth from Tucsons Rising Phoenix Fitness and Self Defense promoted their Rainbow Connection Self-Defense Program, which caters to LGBTQ people and allies and other marginalized people in Tucson, according to Tylar Zinn, the self-defense coach for the program.

We really focus on being trauma-aware. We teach consent and boundary setting. We teach a lot of different classes like self defense for bathrooms, addressing bullies a lot of it is based on potential hate crimes, Zinn said. Its really confidence building, and people find it kind of therapeutic to take on that empowerment and being doing something for themselves.

According to Kennedy, she would eventually like to expand the event nationally and further spread the information the symposium provides.

Its raising awareness, its providing education, its providing visibility, Kennedy said. Its helping our community and national reputation, recognizing the importance of inclusive health care.

Follow Sam Burdette on Twitter

Originally posted here:

Health symposium sheds light on inclusivity in health care - Arizona Daily Wildcat

Updated February 25, 2020 09:51:29

Danielle is a modern woman with a penchant for "old world charms".

The self-described traditional wife, or tradwife for short, is part of an increasingly visible sect of women embracing and in some ways, reclaiming the title of homemaker.

Though some may see it as a homage to the 1950s "happy housewife", for many of the women involved in the tradwife movement, the premise is simple: choosing to be a wife, mother and homemaker should not be seen as a sacrifice, nor should taking pride in "keeping the house in order" be misconstrued as subservience.

"Traditional housewifery in the 21st century is not an example of oppression, but rather an example of liberation," says the mother of two from the midwest United States.

"The modern traditional housewife is the ultimate example of female autonomy. She's not being forced to stay home with the kids; but at the same time she's also not forced to work outside the home. She makes the choice."

Though it is hardly a new dynamic, its increasing visibility born largely out of its social media following in the United States and United Kingdom has catapulted it into the public consciousness.

And it is a concept fraught with contention.

From headlines like "Meet the women radicalised into complete subservience to men", to "Why I submit to my husband like it's 1959", it's easy to understand why the movement has proven so divisive and it is not a conflict created in a vacuum.

Certain elements of the movement openly espouse submissiveness which is seen to honour "the natural dynamics between man and wife" and regard the concept of feminism as an attempt to "repeal and restructure" the natural order.

Others have likened it to an extension of white nationalism, propagating the belief that women should focus on their "natural" duties of childbearing and housekeeping.

But many of those who champion traditional housewifery fear they have been mischaracterised both by those within the movement seeking to further their own personal brand, and the media itself.

While acknowledging that parts of the movement may be seen as a pushback to what they view as the "more damaging elements" of third wave feminism, they argue tradwives are not a homogenous hive mind, and baulk at those who "pervert traditional values by lowering themselves to servant status in their marriage".

"Instead of viewing their relationship with their spouse as a partnership, they view the husband as a king and live only to attend to his every beck and call," says Danielle.

"This is a caricature of traditionalism, and it does start to look like something resembling brainwashing."

For mother-of-three and self-described tradwife Nadine, who is currently pregnant with her fourth child, being a homemaker was a "clear condition" of what she wanted in a marriage a dynamic that she says has brought "a lot of calm" into her family's daily life.

But she concedes there may be others within the movement who do not view their own relationships as an equal playing field.

"I told my husband that if we ever got married and had children, I would want to be at home with them and that I would want him to be the money maker," she says.

"Black sheep happen in every aspect in our society. I'm sure there are traditional wives that didn't have a choice and that are 'prisoners' in their marriage or that even don't know there are other options."

Though they refer to themselves as traditional wives, some within the movement note there is no single archetype of a tradwife.

Bec, who lives in Adelaide with her husband and runs a Facebook group for women who share traditional values, says the unifying factor is their beliefs.

"There are divorced ones, single ones who aspire to being one, many have children, a number do not," she says.

"Some go for the self-sufficient family farm, others live in towns. The unifying factor is beliefs that society and the individual are best served from the preservation of the family unit, the careful raising of the next generation to hold these values and the reintroduction of home and faith as the centre focus of life."

Bec concedes she's somewhat of an anomaly.

While the UK and US traditional wife movements have amassed a significant online following, it's a concept that has largely flown under the radar in Australia.

"Three years ago, I was the only Australian that I knew of in social media, but one by one more have been popping out of the woodwork," she says.

"I don't know if it's a case of the Australian following growing, or just more women becoming equipped with the language to be able to identify with the movement.

"I personally know traditional wives who just call themselves stay-at-home mothers or Christian wives but have all the hallmarks of the traditional movement."

There is, of course, the invariable argument around the social, cultural, economic and political conditions through which such movements are created.

While many women and men would relish the opportunity to have more flexibility around their personal and professional lives, it isn't always feasible.

The rising cost of child care, among other expenses, also means staying at home isn't always a choice as much as it is a necessity.

"There's lots of different pathways that women can pursue now, and it's interesting how they want to narrativise that," says Mary Lou Rasmussen, a professor of sociology at the Australian National University.

"It seems to be a very privileged position to make Because really, in many situations, there is no option but for both people in the relationship to be working."

Danielle openly acknowledges the traditional lifestyle is "very much a luxury in the 21st century", and that not everyone can afford to stay at home.

But, in light of her family's financial position, she made the decision to do so not only in order to be more available to her children, but to ensure her husband could be too.

"He doesn't have to come home from work and make dinner for the kids, or give them a bath, because all four of us were gone all day," she says.

"Instead, he gets to come home and be a dad. He comes in the door, throws his jacket on the hook and wrestles with the kids, reads them stories, and makes blanket forts."

Steeped in the ideals of the traditional housewife, however, is a darker undertone.

The preservation of traditional family values has been used by some as a dog-whistle for whiteness, and as Annie Kelly noted in The Housewives of White Supremacy, "running alongside what could be mistaken for a peculiar style of mommy-vlogging is a virulent strain of white nationalism".

The phenomenon rose to notoriety in 2017, when Ayla Stewart a self-described tradwife and blogger issued a "white baby challenge" to her viewers, asking them to "have as many white babies as I have contributed".

"The highest goal for a white supremacist woman is to stay home, keep her husband happy, and produce as many white warrior babies as she can," says Jessica Reaves, an expert in Anti-Defamation League's Centre on Extremism and the author of its recent report on the links between misogyny and white supremacy.

"This all ties into white supremacists' obsession with replacement theory."

While some within the movement are conscious of its perceived association with the alt-right, they say it is remiss to suggest that it is in any way a shared value or commonality within the tradwife community.

Nikki, a self-described tradwife who runs a Facebook group geared towards traditional women, says the premise is "laughable".

"The traditional wife [and] homemaker community is made up of women from various religions, ethnicities, ages, and upbringings," she says.

"So assuming we are Nazis or white supremacists is laughable to me."

It is a sentiment echoed by Crystal, who runs a club for traditional housewives.

"Women of different races in my group, all coming together to share recipes, cleaning tips, jokes, talking about life," she remarks.

"I don't see how any of that makes us brainwashed or Nazis. Anyone who characterises it that just blows my mind, I don't understand it at all."

A number of women who identify as tradwives lament these connotations have become associated with the modern movement, and worry they will be typecast for their decision.

But through social media, they have found a network of like-minded women, where they can celebrate and commiserate the challenges of day-to-day life together.

"I would say it is empowering for many, especially since many of these homemakers or those who desire this lifestyle do not get the support from family or friends in their real life," says Nikki.

"To come online and find that support, to feel validated in their decision, is all these women want, that what they desire to do with their life and for their families is normal."

Danielle does not mince words she is not out to "try and win hearts and minds" about her lifestyle.

But she says meeting others who share her values helped her realise that she was not a "disgrace" for choosing a different path to other women.

"I think the tradwife community serves as a response by rational women who are digging their heals in and saying, 'No! I want to get married, I want to raise a family, I want to make a home for myself and my loved ones'," she says.

"I think the empowerment comes from the realisation that there are other women who want what you want, and you're not a disgrace to your gender if you don't want to live alone in an empty apartment for the rest of your life."

Topics:community-and-society,family-and-children,marriage,social-systems,gender-roles,australia,united-states,canada

First posted February 24, 2020 06:06:33

Read more:

Tradwives have been labelled 'subservient', but these women reject suggestions they're oppressed - ABC News

Former movie producer Harvey Weinstein has been convicted of sexual assault and rape in a New York court and taken away in handcuffs, marking a turning point for the #MeToo movement that inspired women to publicly accuse powerful men of misconduct.

The disgraced movie mogul faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of more than two decades in prison.

The jury acquitted Weinstein, 67, on the more serious charges of predatory sexual assault involving the two women, Miriam Haley and Jessica Mann.

In doing so, jurors indicated that they did not find beyond a reasonable doubt that Weinstein had also raped actress Annabella Sciorra, another alleged victim whose testimony prosecutors used in an attempt to establish Weinstein's predatory behaviour.

The long-awaited verdict has sparked emotional responses from all sides. Here are some of the reactions from key players in the two year battle.

Gloria Allred, attorney for accuser Miriam Haley, said:

"It's no longer business as usual in the United States. This is the age of empowerment of women. And you cannot intimidate them anymore," Ms Allred said. "Women will not be silenced."

Rose McGowan, an actress and model who claims she was raped by Weinstein and is part of a group of 17 accusers known as the Silence Breakers, said:

"Today is a powerful day and a huge step forward in our collective healing."

Rosanna Arquette, an actress and film producer who was one of more than 80 women who accused Weinstein of sexual assault or harassment, tweeted:

"Gratitude to the brave women who've testified and to the jury for seeing through the dirty tactics of the defence. We will change the laws in the future so that rape victims are heard and not discredited and so that it's easier for people to report their rapes."

Ashley Judd, an actress who accused Weinstein of sexual harassment tweeted:

"For the women who testified in this case, and walked through traumatic hell, you did a public service to girls and women everywhere, thank you."

Debra Katz, top lawyer in the Me Too movement after representing Christine Blasey Ford who accused Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of assaulting her, said:

"Harvey Weinstein has heard dozens and dozens of people by his sexual, predatory, rapist, violent behaviour, and today there could be no other discussion other than Harvey Weinstein is exactly where he should be."

Douglas Wigdor and Kevin Mintzer, legal representatives of three women suing Weinstein Kaja Sokola, Wedil David and Dominique Huett and Tarale Wullf, issued a joint statement in response to the verdict:

"While we cannot undo the harm that Weinstein has caused to so many victims, hopefully today can bring about some sense of healing," it reads. "All of the survivors who participated in the criminal trial should be applauded for bringing about some sense of justice."

The official Me Too organisation said in a statement:

"Harvey Weinstein operated with impunity and without remorse for decades in Hollywood. Yet, it still took years, and millions of voices raised, for one man to be held accountable by the justice system."

New Yorker journalist Ronan Farrow, who broke stories about allegations against Weinstein in 2017, wrote on Twitter:

"Today's outcome in Harvey Weinstein's New York trial is the result of the decisions of multiple women to come forward to journalists and to prosecutors at great personal cost and risk. Please keep those women in your thoughts today."

Original post:

Accusers react to guilty verdict: 'Harvey Weinstein is exactly where he should be' - 9News