 Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Zvisinei Dzepasi Mamutse - a dynamic and powerful woman, plus a mom whose mission through educating her seven daughters helped influence and impact other women worldwide. To listen to our recent interview and discussion about her mission, impact and project please click on link below. https://anchor.fm/andrea-holman/episodes/Zvisinei-Dzapasi-Mamutse-Global-Legacy--I-Call-On-You-Sis-Empowering-Young-Women-e99cuh?fbclid=IwAR0oxrKleDdNdXGuSntsvgn78DL6uv2gy3Xhyw6J4S3DsQpT6NbrQCHAlQM For more information about the Vasikana Project please see below. CINCINNATI, OH — Vasikana Project, a local immigrant-owned non-profit dedicated to empowering girls through puberty education, revealed its new brand and announced the launch of a fundraising campaign that includes the publication of a long-awaited empowerment Journal for women and girls.
Through Journal sales, Vasikana Project will be able to provide its clients with a self-sustaining framework to manage their menstrual health and emotional wellbeing that will allow them to stay focused, and not miss out on school because of their monthly period. The Project worked with a local publisher to make the Journal available on Amazon and worldwide beginning August 17. The date is also the Launch date and will feature renowned Activist and Ambassador, Dr. Yewande Austin. While in Cincinnati, Dr. Austin will conduct youth empowerment workshops at local schools and universities. She is open to further engagements and can be reached via Vasikana Project's press office at 513.818.6715 or [email protected]. “When you purchase the Journal, for yourself, your Circle of Friends, or whomever you'd like to bless with an empowerment Journal, the proceeds go directly to the publication and distribution of a Puberty Education Handbook for Girls. In the handbook is a reusable template to create a sanitary pad using commonplace materials”, said Zvisinei Dzapasi Mamutse, Founder of Vasikana Project. Vasikana Project is a non-profit organization empowering girls by providing puberty education and safe, dignified ways for young girls to manage their periods. It is particularly interested in assisting girls from Zimbabwe because of the country's dire needs and is where the Founder’s story starts. Dzapasi, a former Ms. Zimbabwe runner-up and Secretary of Cincinnati Sister Cities (Harare), founded the non-profit after discussions with her husband, Honest Mamutse, and subsequent discussions with her six sisters in memory of their pioneering Mother whose legacy of initiatives that empowered women is unparalleled. In the late '80s, way before women sexual empowerment was acceptable in Zimbabwe, Mbuya (granny) Dzapasi, as she was affectionately known, rode on her bicycle from one homestead to another, talking to women about safe sex and contraceptives, giving women control over their bodies. Vasikana Project continues that legacy except, now women empowerment is widely accepted, but the girl child and the taboos on menstruation, made worse by economic woes have threatened to roll back years of progress. More and more girls drop out of school because of their monthly period, leading to early marriage and inadequate education of girls. “Our Solution to this problem was a call to all women, thus the title of the journal – I Call on you Sis... It is a call to all women and their Circle of Sisters to help underprivileged girls in Zimbabwe better manage their lives through the provision of puberty education. The Journal goes further by providing a space for women to reflect on their relationships with one another and to call each other as they go through life. No woman or girl should ever have to go through life without the support of another woman. We are more powerful when we band together and see each other through life’s trials, tribulations and glory”, said Dzapasi. “When you buy the Journal, for yourself, or your circle of Sisters, you are supporting those girls seating in the corner of a hut waiting out their period because all proceeds will go towards the girls,” Dzapasi concluded. It is a plea that comes from the heart. Dzapasi, a current Ph.D. candidate and practicing Nurse Practioner, knows all too well the struggle for success. Her story as an Immigrant in Cincinnati and subsequent success drives her need to make life better for other girls, starting with the most basic need – an education.
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Kristi Diane Williams: Everyone Has a Story! Everyone Has a Journey! Everyone Has a Purpose!11/25/2019
At the age of 42, my soul started searching for "Peace" and "Tranquility". My life up until that point had been anything but. I was sexually abused by a family member at a young age, became fatherless at the age of 12 due to my father leaving my mother and refusing to care for us, had two children before graduating from high school and a total of four children by the time I was 25. As a young single mother of four, I struggled to provide for my children and relied on public assistance. “Peace” and “Tranquility” were definitely not a part of my world.
Like I stated above, I was desperately in search of “Peace” and “Tranquility," even though I had no idea what they would look like in my life filled with strife and turmoil. But I began to search. It was during this search that I started looking to the sky and there I found the “Peace” and “Tranquility” I was searching for. At that point, I started taking pictures. My pictures began to open new doors for me and a new way of thinking and seeing the world around me. They helped me to believe in a higher being and see a higher purpose for my life. Accomplishments: Kristi’s breathtaking photos have been featured in 2016 HOMEARAMA® luxury home show in the Artisan custom builder home. Her work is also displayed in the green room at the Funny Bone Comedy Club in Liberty Township, Ohio and was featured at the Arthouse Art Show “The Art of Structure.” Kristi received the Award of Excellence from the Manhattan Arts International Exhibition, “The Healing Power of Art 2016.” My mantra: Everyone has a Story! Everyone has a Journey! Everyone has a Purpose! LISTEN TO PODCAST INTERVIEW: https://anchor.fm/andrea-holman/episodes/Kristi-Diane-Williams-Finding-Peace--Tranquility-e902r9?fbclid=IwAR2SppRcpt768Zdz2X9lOI6eBTRZvI-aB5n3mJ78n29wMus-txJaFK3tndA
If you like Keith Urban, Hunter Hayes, Rascal Flatts or Dan & Shay you will enjoy Michael Ricks music - which is a blend of banjo driven Country, R&B, and Bluegrass!
In addition to being an accomplished artist, Michael is also the author of From Cult To Country: An Asthmatics Journey to Find More Air - his story of going from being a cult survivor to a "thriver." Through his story (which you will hear during our WAKE UP! TAKE A MINUTE interview), and as a Cure Pack Artist, he raises funds for a Forbes top international charity medical assistance program, which delivers medications to those in desperate need. As a well-rounded entertainer, you more than likely have also seen Michael where he recently starred in a national TV commercial for Bank of America showcasing his banjo skills while singing Darius Rucker's "Wagon Wheel" enhancing BOA's over-all marketing campaign. To learn more about Michael Ricks go to www.themichaelricks.com Social media: @themichaelricks LISTEN TO WAKE-UP, TAKE A MINUTE podcast featuring Michael Ricks below. https://anchor.fm/andrea-holman/episodes/Cult-to-Country-Michael-Ricks-tells-a-story-of-experiencing-God--the-Banjo-changing-his-life-e7tcoe?fbclid=IwAR3z753NYts-mHFYnXhDtZDzYS7wUtt_qac3eIPLGRrB5pTESXBCgGxlCDU   Pastor Tim Russell sits quietly reflecting over the story of his church as I prepare for the interview. It’s a wonderful feeling for me as I prepare, as this community has become a second home church for my family.
With their Motto “We’re A Little Bit Different” who wouldn't want to find out more? Pastor Tim is a man who was turned away from churches and discouraged, but God intended to use him in a Mighty Way in his community! The Beach Community Church does not have a traditional start. In fact, it starts in a place most others would not venture to go! A small bar! Not just any bar; a local biker’s bar, because that’s the door God opened to share His Word. Link to WAKE UP! TAKE A MINUTE podcast interview with Pastor Tim. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1UeSzL0MpEzUQcOUTNlshP Note: You may need to copy and paste the above link into your browser. To learn more about Beach Community Church you can visit their website at the below link: https://beachcommunitychurch.net/ |
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