March 2019 Positive Transitioning: Celebrating Women's Stories

Beginning to Heal

Benefits of calcium Louisiana State Resources

Menstrual Equity in Prison

In This Issue Herstory March 2019 Letter from the Executive Director

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Word of the month

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Louisiana state resources

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Respecting Women’s Bodies: Menstrual Equity in Prison You are Not Alone: Beginning to Heal from Abuse Nutrition – Benefits of Calcium Women Who Inspire Us What’s new

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Letter from the Executive Director March is women’s history month, and we were really excited to build on that with an issue for women. It was hard to narrow down so many important topics to just one issue, so look out for our issue on motherhood as we get closer to Mother’s Day. Often, women can bond over period stories – whether it’s finding out that you are going to get one, the first one that you had, or that time you waited for your period to come. Our writer, Ericka Foster, has her own period story. We also wanted to take the opportunity to shine some light on the lack of availability for women to receive access to basic hygiene products. The rate of female inmates has been rising, and facilities need to do better in how they accommodate women’s basic needs.

A large amount of women in prison report experiencing abuse prior to being incarcerated. While abuse can certainly happen to men and women, women face unique consequences when you correlate being abused and crime. Our article can only touch the surface of the effects of abuse, and how to begin to heal, but we want to remind women that you are valuable and worthy of happiness.

Our final article is SO cool. We created profiles of some of the world’s most inspiring women. These women possess courage, strength, and perseverance. You don’t need to emulate just one, you can collect the positive traits of these women, add them to your own to be the best woman you can be.

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Masthead and Contributors Editor-in-Chief, Porche Johnson Editor, Ericka Foster

Contributors Writer, Maggie Allen Nutrition and dietitian Isabella Dos Santos

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pro·tag·o·nist The leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text.

You are the protagonist in the story of your own life. You can rewrite the story anytime.

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Louisiana State Services  Capital Area ReEntry Coalition http://caparc.org/reentry-resources/ Capital Area Reentry Coalition (CAPARC) is a partnership of local businesses, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, and government organizations, to provide exoffenders with resources required to successfully re-enter society.  Cornerstone Builders http://www.ccano.org/cornerstone/ Supported by the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, Cornerstone Builders has several programs implemented to help ex-offenders re-enter society. Re-Entry 72 provides support services for resources within the first 72 hours of release. The bus project is a provides free family bus rides to prisons.

Cornerstone Builders also has a mentoring program for kids of incarcerated individuals.  Goodwill Industries http://goodwillnla.org/adult-programs/ https://goodwillno.org/programs/ex-offender-re-entry-program/ Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana Inc. has created Goodwill’s ReIntegration Program (G.R.I.P.) which offers skills training and enrollment to eligible participants who were released from the Louisiana Department Correction, Federal Prison System or City/Parish prison within the last 7 years.

Goodwill Industries of NELA also offers employment services for individuals with a criminal record who are seeking employment.  Healthcare for Reentry Veterans (HCRV) https://www.va.gov/homeless/reentry.asp VA’s HCRV program is designed to promote success and prevent homelessness among Veterans returning home after incarceration.  Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Reentry Program https://www.lafayettesheriff.com/site491.php The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office offers a reentry program for ex-offenders that includes courses on literacy and GED prep, computer skills, financial planning, life 6

skills, transitional services, technical school and college application assistance, financial aid information  Louisiana 100-Hour Reentry Prerelease Program http://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/adult-education/la-reentrypreparation-program#sthash.91R2Hxum.dpuf The 100-Hour Reentry Prerelease Program is a workbook series offered by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Prerelease / Reentry Team.

The program requires 100 hours of preparation for offenders prior to release.  Louisiana Correctional Transition Center for Women http://www.lsndc.org/index.php/component/cpx/?task=resource.view&id=485740 Louisiana Correctional Transition Center for Women offers General Educational Development degrees, skills training and job application resource for female prisoners within one year of their release.  Louisiana Re-Entry Court Program https://doc.louisiana.gov/reentry-programming Re-Entry Court allows nonviolent “short-timer” offenders to serve their sentence under the guidance of offender mentors. “Lifers” teach younger offenders life skills like anger management, parenting, and managing finances.  Louisiana Workforce Commission - Bonding Program http://www.laworks.net/WorkforceDev/WFD_MainMenu.asp Anyone who cannot get a job without bonding is eligible for help by the Federal Bonding Program. All individuals who have, in the past, committed a fraudulent or dishonest act, are eligible for bonding services. Either the employer or the job applicant can request a bond issuance. The bond is issued instantly and requires no forms or other papers. Before a bond is issued, the applicant must have already received a job offer and the employer must provide an official start date to work.  One Touch Ministry Reentry Housing Program https://www.1touchministry.org/education One Touch Ministry provides housing, food, clothing, employment readiness and assistance, and counseling to recently released ex-offenders.  Reentry Solutions http://re-entrysolutions4la.com/ A non-profit that focuses on employment of returning citizens

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 Volunteers of America Residential Re-entry Center, https://www.voasela.org/residential-re-entry-services Located in New Orleans, the Volunteers of America Residential Re-entry Center has been helping the formerly incarcerated re-enter society for over 40 years. The Center acts as a secure residential re-entry center for inmates finishing their sentences with an average stay of 6 months. During their stay, citizens can receive assistance with job placement, mental health, and social integration.  United States Probation Office—Eastern District of Louisiana https://www.laep.uscourts.gov/defendantoffender-reentry The United States Probation Office—Eastern District of Louisiana offers programs such as Rise & Recover -- a voluntary re-entry program. Successful completion of the 14-month program may result in a 1 year reduction in supervision term and dismissal of pending probation hearing/petition. It also offers SHIFT in conjunction with the Volunteers of America Residential Re-entry Center.

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Respecting Women’s Bodies: Menstrual Equity in Prison

By Ericka Foster

I still remember the first “talk” that I had with my mom about my menstrual period – and yes, that is what she called it. I was…five or six years old and I was pretty excited about going downstairs to watch television. She caught me at the top of the stairs and whispered like a drug dealer in an alley way “Hey, I wanna talk to you for a second”.

Like any little kid, I tried to scroll through my brain and figure out if I had done something worth getting in trouble over. It turns out, she wanted to explain to me that one of the privileges of being a woman is that once a month, I get to bleed from my vagina (and yes, she used the words privilege and vagina). Back then, I was horrified at the idea. But looking back, I realize that she wanted to present my period as a positive experience.

We are taught by the language that this natural process is punishment or something so shameful that we have to cover it with secretive expressions like “that time of the month” and “the curse”.

Over the years, I hated my period. It ALWAYS seemed to come at an inconvenient time. It lasted longer than it was welcome, and I spent a tremendous amount time wondering if “anyone could tell”.

Over time, I realized that if I am to truly love myself, I have to accept this physical part of me just as I would my eyes, my lips, my hair, and my stretch marks. It is not a penalty, and nothing to be ashamed of. So I was appalled to find out that not all correctional facilities supply adequate supplies for women on their periods.

In 2017, federal prisons were required to provide adequate supplies for menstruating women – only two years ago. However, the large majority of incarcerated women are in state and jurisdictional facilities. Four out of fifty states, along with New York City, have legislation that requires unlimited access to 9

feminine hygiene products. The experience of a woman varies by state and facility.

But every woman knows the consequence of not having what you need when you are on your period.

In some facilities, tampons are available in the commissary. The price can be up to $5 per box. For women making less than twenty cents per hour, a week’s pay may or may not get you a box of tampons?

At some point in her life, a woman has had the experience of scrambling around her home or office, digging through all of your purses, coat pockets, desk drawers, or briefcase for one last tampon or pad. Now imagine that you don’t find one. And you have to make the tampon out of whatever you can find -- cloth, toilet tissue, paper.

Makeshift tampons are not only a health risk, but are considered contraband and women can be penalized for making their own.

Alternatively, inmates might have to ask one of the guards for supplies – which puts their physical hygiene and dignity in the hands of an authority figure who may or may not be sympathetic. In a world with a majority of male lawmakers and male prison officials, women’s basic needs go unheard. Again. This is a way in which women – and only women – are dehumanized in the criminal justice system.

The lack of feminine hygiene products isn’t reserved for the hardest criminals.

Women who are awaiting trial – who haven’t been tried for crimes may still not have access to have adequate supplies.

Although the end result is the same, the lack of feminine hygiene products isn’t always a power move from the patriarchy. Sometimes it is avoidance as lawmakers run to cover their ears at the mention of “lady parts”. And sometimes it’s just poor planning and budgeting. Unintentional yet fixable.

Women like Paula Canny, and organizations like the ACLU, Reproductive Justice Inside, the Texas Justice Coalition, Truth Be Told, and the Community Advocacy and Healing Project are making this issue known by bringing it to the doorstep of legislators. People are finally having real discussions about women’s health and about how we treat prisoners.

Organizations such as I Support the Girls: Force for Change Program https://isupportthegirls.org/programs/our-programs/ and The Period Collective in New Jersey (https://theperiodcollective.org/get-involved/) collect tampons to distribute in prisons. As women re-enter society, tampons are not covered by SNAP, but many food banks will accept donations.

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You are not alone: Beginning to heal from abuse

By Ericka Foster

The effects from verbal, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse can be lifelong.

Taking the steps to heal from abuse can be an integral step to leading a happy and fulfilling life. Of course, that is much easier said and done – particularly for women in the system who may not have adequate access to mental health services or opportunities for self-care.

This article cannot serve as a substitute for formal mental health therapy, but, it is important for women who have experienced abuse to know – and remember – a few important points as they move through the healing process.

You are not alone When you are dealing with traumatic events, It is easy to feel like you are the only one who is feeling pain from someone else’s actions. You are not. According to 11

some statistics, [ about half (50%) of justice involved women report experiencing some kind of physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime, with some studies noted rates of trauma histories as high as 98%]. This does not include the violence or trauma that women experience while incarcerated. Joining a group therapy program will give you the opportunity to connect with other women who are experiencing the emotional pain that you may also be experiencing.

Own your experience This is your story – don’t compare it to anyone else’s, don’t try to run away from it.

Experts suggest that you have to be comfortable experiencing the pain from the aftermath in order to heal. Don’t try to compare your story to anyone else, particularly to minimize what has happened. It could be worse, but it could be better. When bad things happen, it is human nature to want to run. We have probably use drugs, alcohol, sex, or violence (to ourselves or others) to make the pain go away. Those who want to heal from their pain have to be OK experiencing the pain in order to move through it.

While talk therapy may be an opportunity to reconnect with your experience, journaling may also be an effective way to express your feelings. You have the power to let the experience shape you into the person you want to be. Let it start by owning the experience. As you own your experience, remember that you are a survivor, not a victim.

Forgive yourself As a woman in America, society is quick to blame women for their own abuse – how come she didn’t leave, why was her dress so short, what did she say before he hit her. They can kick rocks. And you must forgive yourself.

If someone perpetrates violence against you, that person is responsible for their own bad act. Regardless of what you were wearing at the time. Regardless of whether you told anyone or not, regardless of how much you had to drink.

Regardless of how long you stayed. Letting go of the shame and guilt is an integral part of moving forward.

It is not your fault.

You can heal and be the person you want to be Whether it has happened once or over time – abuse can tear down your selfesteem. And making your way through the criminal justice system won’t make you feel good about yourself. You might even think that you are damaged goods. But there is time to heal. You have the right to live the happiest life possible.

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Calcium in women’s life – Preventing osteoporosis

By Isabella Dos Santos Calcium is a mineral that has more functions in our bodies than the one we usually relate it too: bone health. Calcium is also needed for blood clotting, nerve impulses and heart beating. Most of the calcium is stored in the bones (around 99%), and the rest is found mainly in the muscles and blood.

The body gets the calcium it needs from the food we eat, and if needed, it ‘borrows’ it from the bones. Also, in daily basis, bones are broken down and re-built in a process called remodeling, so, eating enough calcium and physical activity it is important in order to maintain the balance in our whole body so our bones can remodel and keep healthy. After the age of 30, the remodeling process of bones gets starts to get more difficult, increasing the risk of bone affections, such as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is the weakening of bones due to an unbalance between the process of destructing and building bone, which usually happens as we age. Women specifically are in a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men (and sooner), due to the fact that with menopause comes a descend in circulating estrogen, which is a risk factor for bone loss.

What to do?

If you are younger than 30, being super active and eating enough calcium is your way to go, so your bones can have a boost in strength and density.

If you are older than 30, limiting the amount of bone loss is key: 1. Exercise! Muscle strength and walking, dancing, jogging and hiking.

2. Vitamin D – Expose yourself to the sun!

3. Eat green leafy vegetables to get you vitamin K. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale or collard greens should be in your plate daily.

4. Eat enough calcium.

5. Skip the cola.

Women between 19-50 should aim for 1000 mg of Calcium daily, whereas those 50+ around 1200 mg.

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Some calcium sources (approximate values - according to USDA)

Cheese

Milk

Almonds Spinach         

Cheese – 1 oz (1 cm thick slice) = 150-200 mg (Do not exceed: too much means added saturated fat) Milk – 1 cup (246 ml) = 350 mg (Go for the reduced fat version) Plain yogurt – 1 cup = 330 mg (Good for your gut too. Skip sugary yogurts) Soy yogurt – 1 cup = 300 mg (Veggie alternative) Tofu (raw) – ½ cup = 215 mg (since the preparation can vary, check the label) White beans – ¼ cup raw = 120 mg (Pair it with some quinoa to get a boost) Almonds – ¼ cup = 100 mg (Good as snack or in salads) Boiled spinach – ¼ cup (45 g) = 60 g (Add some lemon juice!)

Chia seeds – 1 tbsp = 90 mg (Pair it with some yogurt and fruit as an afternoon snack)

Calculate your daily calcium intake at https://www.healthyeating.org/HealthyEating/Healthy-Eating-Tools/Calcium-Calculator

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Women Who Inspire Us

By Maggie Allen and Ericka Foster As we grow, we always want to be our best selves. Life is hard enough being your best self, so as we look at role models, our goal is not to be like them. Our goal is to use them as examples of the traits that we want to see within ourselves. For example, only a handful of women get to actually be the wife of a president, but we can look to Michelle Obama’s grace as a trait we would like to see in ourselves.

Below we have listed a variety of women with traits like grace, courage, perseverance, and self-expression that we can use to create the list of traits that we would like to grow within ourselves.

Maya Angelou

"Hillary Clinton and Maya Angelou" by kyle tsui is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0

Maya Angelou has inspired a tremendous amount of women over the course of her lifetime. As a child, she experienced sexual abuse, which caused her to stop 15

speaking for several years. As she regained her voice, she used it to become the voice of women. Some of the women are also on this list. Her poems encouraged women to speak up for themselves and to love themselves.

Beyoncé Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter was born in Houston, Texas in 1981. In school, she thrived as a singer and dancer, competing in a talent show against teenagers when she was only 7 years old. From 1997 to 2002, she sang and danced as the front woman to the popular R&B group Destiny’s Child. The group eventually parted ways to pursue solo projects. In 2001, at the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Pop Music Awards. she became the first black woman and second female lyricist to win the Pop Songwriter of the Year award.

Beyoncé got her first acting role in the television movie Carmen: A Hip Hopera, and has gone on to become an acclaimed, award-winning singer and actress, beloved around the world as a fierce feminist icon. She is a working mother and half of one of the music industry’s hottest and richest power couples. She founded a housing charity in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and has been heavily involved in humanitarian work since, even being named 2016’s Most Charitable Celebrity of the Year.

Tarana Burke Tarana Burke started the #MeToo movement to give a voice to women who have experience sexual assault.

Though the movement gained traction in 2017, she actually began it in 2006.

by pennstatenews is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

To view a copy of this license, visit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0

The #MeToo movement has given women a platform to share their experience of sexual harassment and assault. By speaking up, women can release the shame that can come from holding onto a secret.

Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm, born in Brooklyn, New York in1924, was the first African American woman in Congress, as well as the first to seek the nomination for president of the United States. As a young woman, she taught nursery school, 16

became a consultant to the New York Division of Day Care, and earned her master’s degree for early childhood education from Columbia University. Even before she got into politics, Chisholm was a major advocate for social equality, joining her local chapters of the League of Women Voters, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the Urban League. As a congresswoman, she introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation, earning her the nickname “Fighting Shirley.” In 1972, despite not being taken seriously by many, Chisholm campaigned hard for the Democratic nomination, and was able to win 28 delegates.

Chisholm faced discrimination for her race and sex all throughout her career, but she kept moving forward regardless. As a legislator, she fought for many noble causes, such as welfare, veterans, childcare, nutrition, and an increase to the minimum wage. Her bid for the presidency was unsuccessful, but Chisholm left a crack in that particular glass ceiling that continues to expand to this day.

Laverne Cox A single mother and grandmother in Mobile, Alabama raised Laverne Cox and her twin brother M Lamar.

She transitioned through a multitude of passions during her university schooling before finally settling on acting as her dream. Cox got her career started in short films, as well as episodic appearances on Law and Order. After appearing on a show called I Want to Work for Diddy, VH1 offered to let her produce and star in her own makeover show, TRANSform Me, making her the first African-American transgender person to do so. In 2013, she was awarded her first recurring role on a television show, Netflix’s Orange is the New Black. Cox also became the first transgender person to grace the cover of Time magazine, in 2014.

Laverne Cox giving her acceptance speech." by The Opportunity Agenda is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0

As a transgender woman and a woman of color, Laverne Cox is a courageous figure blazing the trail for future generations. Her feminine strength is awe-inspiring, as

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both an actress and a humanitarian. In a society that still trivializes her experiences, Cox continually takes the spotlight and demands to be seen.

Ellen DeGeneres Ellen Lee DeGeneres was born in 1958 in Metairie, Louisiana. She worked on a few sitcoms before scoring her own show, Ellen, which ran from 1994 to 1998. In 1997, DeGeneres came out as a lesbian on The Oprah Winfrey Show and became one of the first openly gay characters in television. Though the ABC network dropped Ellen not long afterward, DeGeneres found ways to keep shining in the spotlight, establishing herself as a stand-up comedian and talk show host. Since 2003, she has hosted a multiple Emmy award-winning daytime talk show called The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and her most notable acting role is that of the beloved character Dory from Disney’s Finding Nemo.

According to Forbes, Ellen DeGeneres was the 15th highest-paid entertainer in the world in 2018. In addition to her many acting ventures, she works as a humanitarian, starting and funding certain charities for LGBTQ equality and animal rights. A kind, loving, and determined soul, DeGeneres gives the world more than just a good laugh.

Tina Fey Born in 1970 in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Tina Fey was attacked by a stranger with a knife in an alley beside her house at age 5. Despite this assault, she went on to be an honors student at Upper Darby High School, joining multiple clubs and writing for the school newspaper. She studied drama at the University of Virginia before moving to Chicago in 1992, working as a Photo by Gage Skidmore, Tina Fey at Comic-Con receptionist and taking classes at the San Diego, 2010 Second City. When her personality and sense of humor couldn’t be contained any longer, Fey joined Saturday Night Live, soon becoming the first female head writer in the history of the program. Aside from comedy and acting, she has created and written many popular television shows, such as 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and won numerous awards for her efforts.

As a comedic icon, she has a uniquely dry, deadpan style that has defined an era of film and television comedy.

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Cristina Jiménez Cristina Jiménez is the Executive Director & Co-Founder, United We Dream. She founded her nonprofit which serves as a immigrants rights network, in 2008.

She played an important role in influencing Obama’s 2012 executive action to protect young undocumented immigrants. This cause is important to her because her own brother is a Dreamer himself, immigrated to the United States from Ecuador at the age of 13.

Prior to creating United We Dream, Cristina coPhoto Courtesy of UWD website

founded the New York State Youth Leadership Council, and the Dream Mentorship Program.

Beth Jones Beth Jones is a pastor and public figure with a mission to help people learn and understand the basics of faith. has been helping people learn the basics of faith–– through writing, speaking and co-pastoring with her husband, Jeff. Through The Basics With Beth, she and the BWB team are passionate and focused on helping people get the Bible basics, to live the joyful, faith-filled life and to do the eternal stuff!

Heli Kurjanen Without a college education or business background, Heli Kurjanen began Lunette, a company that makes menstrual cups. The company began in Finland, and is now international. Lunette has pushed forward the conversation about women’s bodies and menstruation around the world. In addition, they partner with organizations to provide menstrual cups to girls in Kenya and India who lack access to feminine hygiene products which previously caused them to miss school.

Alecia Moore AKA “P!nk” A multiple award-winning music icon, P!nk was born Alecia Beth Moore in Doylestown, Pennsylvania in 1979. Despite the separation of her parents at such a young age, P!nk persevered in her dream of becoming a singer. She joined an R&B group called Choice when she was 16 years old, but when it disbanded in the late 90’s, she rejoined the band’s record company, LaFace Records, as a solo artist.

P!nk got her first top-ten hit song in the Billboard Hot 100 chart at the age of 20, 19

with her debut single “There You Go.” Two months later, her debut album Can’t Take Me Home went certified double platinum in the United States.

At nearly 40 years old, P!nk is still a strong force to be reckoned with in the music industry. She is a working mother of two who inspires millions with her heartfelt, evocative lyrics and passionate dance performances.

"US First Lady, Michelle Obama, speaking at Mulberry School for Girls, London" by DFID - UK Department for International Development is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0

Michelle Obama Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1964. A gifted honors student, even in her early years, she was driven to impress her father, who suffered from multiple sclerosis. Despite facing gender and racial discrimination, her self-confidence grew in time. She graduated from Princeton and Harvard Law School, and went on to become the first African-American First Lady of the United States, pioneering initiatives to combat childhood obesity, apathy, and societal gender disparities.

Even now that her term has ended, Michelle Obama continues to be a vocal proponent of public service and education, particularly for young girls. She stands

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as a powerful role model for women everywhere, fighting for the rights and wellbeing of all people.

Amy Poehler The daughter of two teachers, Amy Poehler grew up in Burlington, Massachusetts.

After graduating Boston College, she moved to Chicago and studied improvisational comedy at Second City and ImprovOlympic. Poehler co-founded the Upright Citizens Brigade, which debuted on television on Comedy Central in 1998 and has a theatre program running in Los Angeles and New York to this day. She joined Saturday Night Live in 2001, becoming the first woman and third ever actor to transition into a full-time cast member after only one season. Many say that her most iconic role on the show was portraying and parodying Hillary Clinton, from the 2008 election season and onward. Poehler has since written, directed, produced, and starred in many movies and television shows, such as Parks and Recreation, Inside Out, and Broad City.

In addition to her larger body of work, Amy Poehler produced a digital interview series in 2008 called Smart Girls at the Party, which highlighted talented and opinionated young girls. The YouTube Original Channel Initiative picked up the show in 2012, and it took off again with the Legendary Entertainment company in 2014. Even as she continues to lead by example, Poehler has given young girls a platform to shine.

J.K. Rowling Joanne Rowling was born in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, in 1965. Her relationship with her parents was complicated, as her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and her father was estranged. In 1990, Rowling was working as a researcher and bilingual secretary for Amnesty International when she envisioned the idea for her popular children’s book series, Harry Potter, on a train ride to London. Her marriage ended in divorce, and the difficulty of joblessness and single parenthood caused her to become clinically depressed. Despite these struggles, she published her first Harry Potter book in 1997.

Harry Potter is now a globally recognized and beloved brand worth an estimated US$15 billion. While setting records in the publishing industry, J.K. Rowling has given the joy of reading to children of all ages.

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Zainab Salbi In 1993, Zainab Salbi, an Iraqi-American humanitarian and entrepreneur, founded Women for Women International (WfWI) . The organization supports marginalized women in countries affected by conflict and war. In the 18 years under her leadership, WfWI grew to distributed $118 million in aid and loans to women in eight conflict locations. The organization has served nearly 429,000 women, by equipping them with life, business and vocational skills.

Reshma Saujani Reshma Saujani created Girls Who Code to empower girls with the computer science education and skill sets needed to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This organization will help to level the playing field for women in careers where people usually expect men. Girls all across the country from various communities and backgrounds and ethnicities are learning how to solve real problems using technology.

Zainab Salbi co-hosted the 2013 Focus for Change Benefit" by WITNESS.orgis licensed under CC by-nc-nd 2.0

Sandra Welsh In 2017, inmate Sandra Welsh was on the front line fighting dangerous California fires. She is one of 200 incarcerated women in California. “Every day is a difficult day,” said Latoya Najar in an interview with NBC News. “This will show you that you can do anything you put your mind to.” It is one of the highest paid prison jobs at $2 a day in camp and $1 per hour for time on the fire line. In 2017, the women in Sandra’s camp – Malibu Conservation Camp #13 – put out more than 175 fires.

Betty White Born in 1922, Golden Girl and First Lady of Television Betty White faced many obstacles before becoming an actress. She initially wanted to become a forest ranger, but was barred from doing so because of her gender. White took a few acting jobs before volunteering for the American Women’s Voluntary Services during World War II, putting her career on hold temporarily. When told she was “un-photogenic” by movie studios, she chose to work in radio. In 1952, she cofounded Bandy Productions, which produced a television comedy called Life with 22

Elizabeth. This allowed White to become one of the few women in television with full creative control from both in front of and behind the camera. Not long after, she went on to do several game shows and sitcoms.

At 97 years old, Betty White is one of the most beloved actresses of modern day.

Of her many accolades, she has won 5 Primetime Emmy Awards, 3 American Comedy Awards, and 2 Viewers for Quality Television Awards. More than just an actress, White is a prominent animal welfare advocate, who has worked with the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, the Morris Animal Foundation, African Wildlife Foundation, and Actors & Others for Animals.

Women of the Bible If you study the Bible, and you seek to grow by living God’s word, there are women in the Bible who can inspiring. There are certainly too many to list here, but everyone knows Mary as the mother of Jesus. Think a moment about how it would feel to discover that not only are you pregnant without having sex, you’re carrying the savior of mankind. Talk about a plot twist! One of the other Marys in the Bible – Mary Magdalene is often used as an example of redemption – she was a prostitute who is valuable in the eyes of Jesus.

Malala Yousafzai In 2012, 14 year-old Malala Yousafzai was shot in the face by a Taliban soldier for advocating education for girls.

The act of violence only inspired Malala to speak louder, now using her national platform. She has since started a non-profit, co-authored a book about her experience, and earned a Nobel Peace Prize.

In the photo, Malala Yousafzai speaks at World Bank headquarters on the International Day of the Girl" (by World Bank Photo Collection is licensed under CC BY-NCND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0)

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Next month’s issue

Next month we explore art and creativity We will also highlight Washington state resources

Additional Resources Reproductive Justice Inside The Female Inmates Fighting Fires in California Period Policy Report

www.rjinside.org/

The Monthly Shaming of Women in State Prisons

www.publichealthpost.org/news/sanitary-productswomen-state-prisons/

The First Step Act Is a Small Step for Incarcerated Women 10 Incredible Nonprofits and the Women Behind Them Helping Women Period SheSupply

www.aclu.org/blog/prisoners-rights/women-prison/firststep-act-small-step-incarcerated-women

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www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/The-FemaleInmates-Fighting-Fires-in-California-450438783.html cdn.ymaws.com/www.law.udc.edu/resource/resmgr/Leg Clinic/2018_periods_policy_report.pdf

www.entrepreneur.com/article/252925 www.helpingwomenperiod.org shesupply.org/faq/