Introducing myself and my journal: Sitting with Women

About Me:
I am a mother, wife, sister, daughter, girlfriend, and global woman. I have been an educator, waitress, library volunteer, dorm parent, preschool board member, buddhist-inspired student, college radio dj, poet, and Spanish tutor. I am a lover of memoirs, deeply intrigued by names, passionate about creating a culture of reading, and in love with my little boy named Phineas. The line between my role as a Mother and my role as the Director of Programs for the Philanthropiece Foundation is quite blurry. Both are my calling. I remember when I was contemplating taking the position, and my dear friend said to me, "Finn will be so proud when one day he understands the work that you do." My work involves a lot of sitting with women. We sit and we listen. At Philanthropiece, we are engaged in community development that comes from the people. We act as support when and if necessary. Sometimes the only support we need to offer is being there, sitting there, in the first place. My hope is - via World Pulse - to learn, to grow, and to sit with you, too.

My Passions:
Grassroots literacy campaigns and women's vocal empowerment,

My Challenges:
Time and fear of perpetuating dependency rather than promoting sustaibability

My Vision for the Future:
To live in a world where women speak to others freely and are heard and trusted. A place where someone bigger has the time, energy, resoures, and compassion to - everyday - read to someone smaller.

My Areas of Expertise:
International Community Development; Contemplative Education; Spanish Language; Grassroots Literacy Projects