The Brick Magazine - April 2021 by The Brick Magazine Ann Arbor

BRICK

THE

APRIL 2021

MAGAZINE

WHAT COLOR IS NUDE? STOP CALLING ME SUPERWOMAN

PLUS! DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN FINANCIAL SERVICES

Shirley Wickman

REDESIGNING LIFE BY HEART

ANN ARBOR

S P IN N IN G T H READS I NTO

The fabric of our old lives is unraveling. Yet, somewhere deep inside, hope whispers of new possibilities. We’re being called upon to weave a new normal out of our old threads. Enjoy a Complimentary Coaching Session as a gift to yourself!

Together, we can spin those threads into gold. Maria Sylvester, MSW, CPC Life Empowerment Coaching, LLC 1785 W. Stadium, Suite 104 | Ann Arbor, Mi 48103 | 734.717.7532

www.LifeEmpowermentCoaching.com

THE

BRICK

Photo by Ryan Rupprecht

MAGAZINE

APRIL 2021

Publisher • Sarah Whitsett

Managing Editor • Tanja MacKenzie

Art Director • Jennifer Knutson

Copy Editor • Angelina Bielby

Marketing Director • Steve DeBruler

Photographer • Emily Rose Imagery

Contributors >>

Liz Crowe Beth Johnston

Lisa Bower Monica Brancheau Nadine Burns

Lisa Profera Deanna Ronson Marji Wisniewski

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4 | The Brick Magazine

CONTENTS 6

It's in the Can

Redesigning Life by Heart with Shirley Wickman

Spanglish

Cannabis, COVID, and Cytokine Storms

Stop Calling Me Superwoman

Diversity and Inclusion in Financial Services

Action Speaks Louder Than Words

What Color Is Nude?

www.emilyroseimager y.com

Life. Business. Captured.

www.ericreativemedia.com

Welcome to Booze 101 with

Liz

It’s in the Can by Liz Crowe

6 | The Brick Magazine

t’s that time again. “What time?” You loyal Liz-isyour-favorite-booze-expert readers ask. It’s time to talk about a trend. No, I’m not testing seltzers. I know I promised you that, and I might still get to it later this year. But we’re going to talk about an even trendier trend. Think you can stand it? I think you can. This is a tale of seven cans and four tasters — all of whom are, let’s say for the sake of politeness, possessing of a mature palate. That is to say, on the older side of the age spectrum. Chronologically gifted. One of us was even celebrating a milestone birthday — you know, the kind with a zero attached to it. All of this is to remind you that sometimes, our chronological gifts and preconceptions about how things should taste will skew our perception of what we’re tasting. Caveat emptor to all who venture into the next thousand or so words. As you may know, a “cocktail” is an alcoholic mixed drink that is a combination of spirits, or spirits mixed with other things like syrup, fruit juice, carbonated water, or soda. Typically, one orders a cocktail at a dining or drinking establishment and expects that said drink will be mixed fresh, many times as a process that can be utilitarian (think “dive bar gin and tonic”) or a bit of a side show (think “hotel bar martini”) or even an entire off-Broadway production (think “movie that Tom Cruise probably wished he never made” or “pretentious craft cocktail bar where the bartender lovingly bruises the mint leaves”). The modern obsession with lower-calorie, low-carb, low-alcohol convenience has given us a twist on these expectations of mixed drinks. I present to you: the cocktail in a can. I’m doing one better than presenting it, though, because Liz is here for you. I taste-tested seven of them, along with my spouse, my 80-year-old mother (who works out on her cross-trainer daily and has her first gin and tonic on the nose at 5:00pm), and her sister, my 75-year-old aunt. Between us, we are talking about a wealth of booze experience — a few centuries’ worth. We’ve done some drinking, in other words. So, rest assured that you’re getting your money’s worth when we make a group recommendation. We dove right in with a familiar name: the Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz, peach and orange blossom flavor. We all like the Ketel One brand of vodka and this one didn’t disappoint. At 3.6% ABV (alcohol by volume) and 73 calories per can, it would make a nice beach drink option. And that, of course, is the convenience part of the canned cocktail

equation. Toss the cans in a cooler, add ice, and voila, a party is born. This was nicely flavored, which was no surprise to this group, as we all like their cucumber lime vodka for our Bloody Marys. The “spritz” part came from the sparkling (fizzy) water; that was a nice jaunt down memory lane to a time when mixing cheap vodka with club soda was a thing because neither vodka nor club soda have a distinct odor, ergo it was a way to be sneaky. Someone (who shall remain nameless) at the table’s exact words were: “Kinda tastes like college drinking.” We gave this can a 4 out of 5 star average rating based on quaffability, which is a madeup word, as well as refreshing-ness. And it was my mom’s favorite, in case that matters. Next up, we switched gears to one of the Jack Daniels can options. Out of what seemed like fifty or sixty canned options offered by this company, I chose two, and one was a simple Whisky and Seltzer at 5% ABV. No calories or carbs listed, because if you’re drinking “whisky,” one assumes you don’t care about that stuff. This one was… unimpressive. It was bland, boring, and weak. It smelled like whisky, but tasted like fizzy water, and like someone had waved a whisky bottle in its general vicinity. 2 stars out of 5, and no one’s favorite. Next up: the Miami Cocktail Company’s Margarita Spritz. Mind you, I realize that the word “spritz” seems like a theme, and it is with these drinks, mainly because it’s an ingredient that provides something useful (carbonation/fizz) without imparting a single calorie or carb — an attribute of prime importance to the marketers of these drinks. Now, back to what was touted as a mix of agave wine, elderflower, and ginger. Honestly, none of us expected to, but we liked this one a lot. “Elderflower” sounds cool but typically has little impact on a drink’s flavor; but in this instance, it did because it was mixed with organic orange and lime juices. That combination, with ginger, was subtle and created something we all agreed that we’d love to get hammered on at a nice beach somewhere. 3.75 stars out of 5. Not a 4-star because it was misleading to use the word “margarita,” in our combined expert opinion. Agave wine wasn’t quite the tequila kick we expected. It has 110 calories and is 4.2% ABV. The next can we popped open was something called a Kentucky Mule by the Monaco Craft Cocktail Company. Monaco is a vodka distillery, which makes sense because a traditional Moscow Mule is a vodka-based drink. But this one I had to have us try, because we’re all from Kentucky and it said “bourbon” on it and, well, you can extrapolate the rest. This drink is two shots of bourbon and ginger beer, and as a group we agreed that it was lovely. As some of

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us at the table are bourbon snobs (another trend), it was agreed that making your own high-end bourbon and ginger ale drink is better, but this one was darn good, factoring in that whole convenience thing. It tasted fresh, sparkly, and bourbon-y without a hint of aftertaste, like some of the drinks we tried. It was the highest ABV at 9%, with whocares-how-many calories and if-you-have-to-ask-don’tdrink-it number of carbs. This one was a group favorite, and we argued over who got to keep the other three cans. Moving along, we tried a Bacardi rum, lime, and soda. It didn’t make our cut as we all got the dreaded “seltzer after-taste” thing; that’s why I’m reluctant to review any alcoholic seltzers. But on our 5-star scale we gave it a 1.5, some of which was out of disappointment as rum usually makes for a sweeter drink. It has 6% ABV. The last couple of cans we opened were a mixed bag, opinions-wise. We tried another of the Jack Daniels options. This was the Tennessee Honey — a whiskey, honey, and lemonade mix which was on the “not bad” side of things. It was super sweet as you might imagine, and was better than the first J.D. can we tried. We came down on the “kind of dangerously not bad” side, since drinks as sweet as this one go down way too easy, and at 7% they can be the kind of overly sweet drink that makes you pay a price. Ask any of us, as we have all fallen prey to the siren’s call of the Mint Julep. The last can we opened was a traditional Moscow Mule by Two Brothers Artisan Sprits. What didn’t work about it was the hyper carbonation that made three out of four of us sneeze and/or cough at first. But once the fizziness settled, it wasn’t too bad, if a bit on the too-gingery side. Two Brothers is a brewery and distillery in Illinois and they use their own vodka, which their website states is “flavor-forward” and made from a 100% corn base. We can talk more about making vodka from corn later, as many popular craft brands do this, but suffice it to say at this point that it does impart 8 | The Brick Magazine

a distinct flavor, whereas more traditional (read: Russian) vodkas aim for minimal flavor. And that part of the drink, once you got past the spiciness of the ginger, was pretty good. It was the sort of canned cocktail that you needed several sips of to render an opinion and once we did that, we gave it 3.75 out of 5 stars. If I learned anything from this fun and informative exercise, it’s that there are way more options than I managed to gather for our first foray into the Land of the Convenient Canned Cocktail. There are coffee options, a White Russian or two that are probably worth a try, and I realized too late that I had left gin out of our tasting party round-up. Rest assured, Booze 101 acolyte — I will remedy this soon and bring more enlightenment and multi-generational opinions to these hallowed pages soon. If you have a favorite canned cocktail, feel free to shout it out to me on a social media and I’ll add it to my now-growing list. Cheers (and pass me that Kentucky Mule, y’all). Amazon best-selling author, mom of three, brewery founder, craft beer marketing consultant, and avid sports fan, Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville currently living in Ann Arbor. She has decades of experience in sales, public relations, and fundraising, plus an eightyear stint as a three-continent, ex-pat trailing spouse, all of which provide ongoing idea fodder for novels and other projects. www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor (fan page) www.twitter.com/ETLizCrowe

“it has to be more than pretty; it must be livable” REFLECT YOUR LIFESTYLE. www.birchdesignassociates.com RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

April 2021 | 9

Photo by Emily Rose Imagery

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Redesigning Life by Heart with Shirley Wickman by Marji Wisniewski

When Shirley and I spoke over Zoom, we had the typical, almost cliché video call interruptions: a UPS delivery, dogs barking, slow internet speeds, and kids walking in needing help with schoolwork. When Rexford popped into the webcam, I recognized the logo on his t-shirt right away. The shirt was from transplant camp at North Star Reach, a camp for children with serious health challenges. I had previously worked there, so I asked him about it. The first thing he said was, “It’s the best camp ever!” This made my heart happy. We then swapped stories of kissing fish at camp — if you know, you know. On the outside, Rexford looks and acts like any other 11-year-old. But unlike our cliché Zoom call, Rexford and his mom Shirley’s life has been anything but typical.

DANCING THROUGH PAIN Like many other parents that have dealt with an illness, accident, or death of a child, my life has been divided into two halves: my life before my son Rexford’s event on March 21, 2018, and my life after. I believe that the hardships I endured as a child and young adult made me stronger so that I could be the mom that he needs. There are so many events and happenings along my life’s path that I believe helped me better care for him in his most serious times of need. I grew up in upstate New York in a difficult home environment. My father was sick my entire life. As a way to cope with what was going on at home, I started dancing. I found my passion in classical ballet and I poured my heart and soul into it. Ballet was my life, my therapy, my heart. When I was 17, my father died. After I graduated high school, I decided to move to New York City and pursue my passion of ballet. My friend and I got an apartment downtown off 30th street between 8th and 9th Ave. I

received a full scholarship on Broadway and was auditioning for ballet companies as well as working to pay the rent. After about a year, the financial strain took its toll and I moved back home to regroup. I knew I wanted to keep dancing, but I had to find a different path to get there. I decided to enroll at Sage College in Albany, New York. I joined the Albany Ballet and was going to school, dancing, teaching dance, and waitressing. Unfortunately, one year into this full life I had created for myself, I was in a serious car accident. I suffered a severe back injury that ended my ballet career.

DESIGNING A LIFE Devastated by the sudden loss of my ballet career, I turned my focus towards my major, interior design. My dad had been an engineer, and my mom was in real estate. From them I learned both the technical and creative side of design. I have many memories of working alongside my mom as a young girl, cleaning and staging homes to sell. I’m sure that’s one of the experiences that ignited my interest in interior design.

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What Is Cyrus? Cyrus Interiors specializes in upscale contemporary residential and commercial design projects. Cyrus Interiors is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the Michigan Design Center. The company has received numerous accolades by focusing on creating a transcendent and highly functional space for each personality. The intention of Shirley and Cyrus Interiors is to create long-lasting client relationships; Shirley looks forward to working with her valued clients again when she can do so safely post-pandemic. After earning my associate’s degree from Sage College in New York, I decided to further my education and get my BFA in interior design from the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. Again, I found myself waiting tables, bartending, and going to school. At one of the bars where I worked, I met my husband, Jeff. After we graduated, we spent a few more years experiencing all that Chicago had to offer us. I was working at Saks, Inc. and loving all of the opportunities that were opening for me in my field. I was fortunate to work on a number of diverse and fulfilling projects. One actually led me to a job collaborating on a design with actress Jane Seymour and her Saks bedroom furniture collection.

Photo by Emily Rose Imagery

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In 2004, Jeff accepted a job transfer that took us to Michigan. I remembered a fellow waitress saying what a cool town Ann Arbor was, so when we started planning our move, I mentioned that we should look there. We walked around Ann Arbor and found the town to be very metropolitan. It felt a bit like a little Lincoln Park. We decided it was a great spot to land.

I David interviewed at numerous firms in and around the Lewis by Emily Rosedesign Imagery area. But my style philosophy felt different than what was in the area at the time. I’m not into making everything match; my style is much more eclectic. I decided that there was no better time than the present to jump in with both feet and start my own interior design firm. I founded Cyrus Interiors, named after my cat.

FROM THE TRAIL TO A NIGHT ON THE TOWN, BIVOUAC HAS YOU COVERED

Life was good. In 2009, I had a new baby boy, a growing business, and a growing family. Three years later we welcomed our daughter Sophia. I remember when Rexford was just two weeks old, I got a call from a new client asking me to start work on redesigning her bathroom. I told her, “I just had a baby, your bathroom will need to wait a few weeks,” to which she replied, “Whatever you need, I’ll wait.” That client was Kathy Charpie, and she and her husband would become great friends over the course of the next ten years. They were also one of the first people I called when Rexford got sick. Her husband, Dr. John Charpie, is a pediatric cardiologist and co-director of the MCHC (U-M Congenital Heart Center) and played a critical role on Rexford’s medical team.

THE DAY OUR LIVES WERE FOREVER CHANGED When I tell the story of March 21, 2018, it’s like I’m transported right back there — watching myself over my body, over his body. The day started out unusual for me. I decided to stay home from work and rest, as I wasn’t feeling good. I rarely missed a day of work, but on this day, I just felt the need to stay home. I was laying in bed when I received an alarming call from Rexford’s school. They told me he had collapsed in the school gym and was not awake. They assumed he was having a seizure and had called an ambulance. That day, I turned what was usually a 10-minute drive to the elementary school into a four-minute one. When I arrived, I saw Rexford lying in my friend Sarah’s arms. She was holding him with his head resting on her chest. In the four minutes that it took to drive to the school, Sarah was saving his life. Sarah, a registered nurse, had also been called to the school that day. Her son had an asthma attack, and she was in the office with him when she overheard the announcement on the PA system, “Student down in the gym.” She ran to the gym to see if she could help. When she arrived, she saw Rexford, unconscious and turning blue. She didn’t even hesitate. She did the only thing she felt was right in that moment and began performing CPR until she successfully resuscitated him.

336 S. STATE STREET, ANN ARBOR, MI 48104 · 734.761.6207 WWW.BIVOUACANNARBOR.COM

Rexford was placed on a stretcher and transported via ambulance to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. They ran a battery of tests on his heart and brain that were inconclusive. But kids don’t just collapse in the school gym for no reason. Rexford was a healthy child before this moment. The weekend before, he was playing basketball on the team my husband coached. The doctors continued to persist on his case. A fellow was the first to notice that although his EKG looked normal on the surface, there was a small inconsistency in the last data point. He ordered an echocardiogram, and our lives were forever changed.

What Is Restrictive Cardiomyopathy? Restrictive cardiomyopathy is rare. It’s most often diagnosed in children, but can develop at any age. The walls of the main heart chambers become stiff and rigid and can’t relax properly after contracting. This means the heart can’t properly fill with blood. This results in reduced blood flow from the heart and can lead to symptoms of heart failure, such as breathlessness, fatigue, and ankle swelling, as well as heart rhythm problems. In many cases the cause is unknown, although sometimes the condition can be inherited. Photo by GE Anderson

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going to die, but that his heart was very sick and we were going to get him a new one. I told him it would be scary, and it would suck, but that he wasn’t going to die. We left the hospital three days later with Rexford listed as Stage 2 on the heart transplant list. However, over the summer months his health quickly declined. In August, he was given a stress test and couldn’t complete it. They moved him up to Level 1B on the heart transplant list and we began to prepare for the real possibility that a new heart could come soon.

100 DAYS LATER

Photo by Emily Rose Imagery

WAITING FOR A NEW HEART The test showed that Rexford had an extremely sick heart. He was diagnosed with the rarest form of cardiomyopathy: restrictive cardiomyopathy. This means his heart muscle is not only thick, but also stiff. Rexford was admitted, and over the course of his stay he underwent more testing, was prescribed a number of medications, and had an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implanted. One of the doctors that I’ve grown to love over this experience pulled me aside and said, “Let’s take a walk.” We walked around the eleventh floor of the hospital until she gently told me, “You need to wrap your brain around a heart transplant for Rexford.” I felt like I was in a bad dream; I couldn’t hear what she was saying to me. She kept looking into my eyes and nodded her head persistently until I too started nodding. We were told that without a transplant, Rexford had a life expectancy of two years. I walked back into his room and broke the news to Rexford. He started to cry and asked if he was going to die. How do you answer that question from your eightyear-old son? I held him tight and told him he was not

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It was the day after Thanksgiving, 2018, when I received the call. I’ll never forget how calm and kind the nurse who made that call was. She said, “I think we have a heart for your son.” Within an hour and a half, we had packed up and arrived at Mott. There were many things that happened over the next few days that I wasn’t prepared for. It was a 21-hour wait from when we arrived until they took him back for surgery. During that time, so many things crossed my mind. I felt sad for the family that was saying goodbye to their child. I felt scared for what the surgery was going to be like for Rexford. I also felt anticipation for Rexford’s new life that he had been given. When they wheeled Rexford back to the operating room and the doors closed behind him, I fell to the floor. To this day, I’m not sure how long I laid there. I had held myself together for 21 hours and I finally collapsed from fear, exhaustion, stress, anxiety, and love for my boy. They gave me a bag of his clothes and I found a quiet corner in the waiting area, covered my head with a blanket, and just breathed in the scent of him with his clothes pressed hard to my face. No one prepares you for walking into a recovery room and seeing your child hooked up to every piece of equipment and tubing possible, all working in tandem to keep him alive. It’s something your brain almost can’t process. On night one, the plan was to let Rexford sleep; in the morning, he’d have to wake up and start his healing process. To wake him up, they removed much of his pain medication. But 16 hours passed and he still was not awake. His nurse told me it was my turn to try to wake him. I gently touched him and said, “Rexford, it’s time to wake up now.” He slowly opened his eyes, only to have them fill with tears. He was scared, in pain, and very confused by the tube he had down his throat. My motherly instincts were so strong; I wanted to pull that tube out myself. The nurse reassured me the tube could come out once we knew he was stable, and eventually it did.

THE GIFT OF LIFE

LIFE IS NOT A STRAIGHT PATH

It’s been three years since Rexford’s cardiac arrest in the school gym; today, thanks to his new heart, he’s living the life we had hoped for him. Although this is something to celebrate for us, I can’t forget what that means for another family who lost their child. I don’t know who the family is or if I’ll ever get the chance to thank them, and I’m not sure if a “thank you” would ever be enough when they donated their child’s heart to save yours. We pray for our donor and the family that gave Rexford the most selfless gift. You are forever a part of our family.

I can’t tell our story without mentioning the COVID-19 global pandemic that came just as our family was settling into our new lives. Although it added an extra layer of stress to Rexford’s health concerns, it also helped our bond as a family grow stronger. Over the last year, we’ve stayed safe inside our bubble at home. A few times over the summer, Rexford had to go in for scans, bloodwork, and treatment for his lungs. Every time we left our bubble, the fear was unimaginable. But my husband has received his first dose of the vaccine and I hope to receive mine in the near future. My next mission will be to get Rexford one as soon as it has proven safe for children his age.

Rexford has started a new life with a new heart, albeit not without challenges to ensure that his body doesn’t reject his heart. With organ recipients, it’s always a choreographed dance to balance the antirejection medications. Immunosuppression drugs, steroids, and blood pressure drugs are a lot to get used to, but Rexford’s body is adjusting, and we pray his new heart gives him many years of love and happiness. In going through this with Rexford, I have learned so much and I have found ways to connect with other “Heart Moms,” as we call ourselves. In sharing our stories, we become stronger. When helping other moms navigate through this difficult journey, I remind them that bumps in the road are normal, and it’s hard not to freak out about every test, but they need to remember that a lot of heart challenges are treatable. My Heart Moms and I are a tribe of strong women who are banding together to get our children through some of the toughest moments of their lives.

HEART FOR LIFE Through learning about the challenges that donor heart recipients face, I started a nonprofit foundation called Heart for Life. Heart for Life focuses on post-transplant disease prevention and detection research; our mission is to advance that research so that when children receive a heart transplant, that transplant is not only a treatment, but a cure. While great strides have been made in preventing rejection in transplantation, there are still many complications associated with transplanted hearts. The primary concern is transplant coronary artery disease, which is one of the leading causes of failure in transplanted hearts. Our hope is to increase the longevity of a heart transplant with the goal of a heart for life. I believe that we’ll get there in the next 10 years, based on the progress I’ve seen in the short amount of time since Rexford’s transplant. If you’d like to support the mission of Heart for Life, you can visit our website at heartforlifeorg. wpcomstaging.com.

One memory from Rexford’s post-transplant recovery that has really stuck with me was when my dear friend Kim called me while Rexford was in the ICU. “I’m coming up there,” she said, “and we’re going to go for a walk.” My first thought was that I was a hot mess, and she shouldn’t come. She told me she didn’t mind. “It’s okay if I don’t see Rexford. I’m just going to come get you and take you outside to walk for a few minutes.” And that’s what she did. We walked and we cried together. I tell this small story because many times when we hear of someone going through something incredibly hard, we like to say, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do.” But what that person might need is someone to be like Kim, and just walk alongside them. If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that life changes your path; it sure has changed mine over and over again. I know I was never planning on becoming a “Heart Mom” or figuring out how to protect my immunocompromised child during a pandemic. Whatever you thought was the perfect vision of your life will change. But just because it changes doesn’t mean it’s a failure, or that you haven’t succeeded. It just means that you weren’t meant to take that path anymore. So, walk proudly on the path you are on and be sure to have great friends to walk alongside you. With a passion for marketing that started as a young girl, Marji Wisniewski created her own marketing and communications organization in 2017. As owner of Blue Zebra Marketing Solutions, she helps local and regional businesses and non-profits tell their story through branding, graphic design, content creation, and PR, focusing on customized solutions for each client that are more unique than a zebra’s stripes. A Michigan native, Marji received her bachelor's from Western Michigan University and master’s from Wayne State University. When not working you can find her gardening, doing Pilates, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family and two dogs.

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Spanglish by Monica Brancheau

etting pulled out of my kindergarten class to go into another room is one of my first memories. This happened once a week; it was just me, another kid, and a teacher. I remember the other kid being different. Another early memory of mine is being teased by my cousins because they couldn’t understand me. Both of these experiences, and probably others I don’t remember, caused me to stop speaking Spanish. You see, Spanish was my first language. When I was born, my mom only spoke Spanish, so 16 | The Brick Magazine

that’s how she communicated with me. As I was exposed to more English over time, I began to speak English as well. There were times when I’d mix the two languages together in a sentence — maybe I’d say a couple words in Spanish and a couple in English. In effect, I spoke “Spanglish.” This was why I was put in a special education class in kindergarten. Back in 1979, my school didn’t have ESL classes. I don’t think the school knew what to do with me. Being bilingual was not valued the way it is today; the diversity of language and experience was

Photo by karolina-grabowska

not encouraged. Unfortunately, there are many places where that’s still the case. I sometimes think that if my school or others in my community had valued my bilingualism, maybe I’d still be bilingual today. When we as a community can celebrate our differences and lift up and learn from one another, we become richer as people. No two individuals are alike, whether their differences can be seen or not. We don’t have to remove a person’s unique threads in order to make a good communal tapestry; in fact, the tapestry is more beautiful when all of our multicolored threads are intact.

Monica Brancheau is a mom of four who has had multiple careers. She’s a Michigan native and graduate of the University of Michigan who then never left Ann Arbor. She has decades of experience working with children’s issues, from education to non-profit work in teaching in urban settings and non-profit management, marketing, and fundraising. All of this work has led her to becoming the Director of Strategic Partnerships of the ChadTough Foundation. When not working, you can find her gardening, reading, writing, listening to music, and spending time with her treasured family.

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Cannabis, COVID, and Cytokine Storms

by Lisa Profera Photo by randy-wiggins

t’s well established that cytokine storms are a very important aspect of the morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. A cytokine storm is a hyperinflammatory response to a viral infection, which can evolve into ARDS (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome), lung fibrosis, coagulopathy, and death. Cytokine storm syndrome (CS) is a result of the “overreaction” of an infected person’s immune system. 18 | The Brick Magazine

Cytokines are specialized proteins that modulate the immune response to an infectious threat. The most important cytokines are TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha) and IL-6 (Interleukin-6). TNF-alpha binds to cellular receptors, affecting the migration of white blood cells that are “mobilizing the troops” to fight inflammation. Sometimes there is collateral damage, or Photo Alexi Romano “friendly fire,” leading to tissue damage andbycell death.

TNF activation also invites IL-6 and other cytokines to come into play, setting the stage for more inflammation and autoimmune attacks on healthy cells and tissues. This cascade of events is not unique to COVID; it has been observed with other coronaviruses (SARS and MERS) as well as influenza viruses.

on the market (approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis), but they’re very expensive and may cause serious side effects including bowel perforation, liver toxicity, overwhelming infection, and cancer. Interestingly, RA patients taking these types of medications seemed to be protected from severe COVID disease.

Once triggered, the storm can be halted or slowed by down-regulating the release of more cytokines. If we can block TNF and IL-6 cascades, we can effectively prevent ARDS and severe lung damage. The identification and development of new “anti-cytokine storm” and antifibrosis agents would provide highly effective weapons in the fight to defeat COVID.

Conversely, cannabis products are categorized as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe), just like many vitamins, supplements, and essential oils. The combination of CBD and certain terpenes was recently found to be two times more anti-inflammatory than dexamethasone (preliminary results published in Forbes, July 2020).

It has been proposed that Cannabis sativa L. can aid in the downregulation of these cytokines; but not all cultivars are beneficial. Some types of cannabis that have been studied have no effect, and others may be even harmful. In this context, it’s imperative to choose your cannabis wisely. We know that cannabis has many beneficial antiinflammatory properties. If we could discern which components of this amazing medicinal plant can be used to quell the cytokine storm, we would have some pretty powerful medicine. Recently, Canadian researchers set out to do just that. They screened 200 extracts of cannabis cultivars and found seven that showed potential using a human tissue model. Some of these extracts demonstrated the ability to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and the production of pro-fibrotic proteins. One of the cultivars had the opposite effect — enhancing inflammation. It’s not just about THC and CBD; the other components of the cannabis plant (minor cannabinoids and terpenes) are also important. All of these components work together in what is known as the “Entourage Effect.” One of best terpenes for fighting inflammation cited in this study is beta-caryophyllene (not a surprise to me!). I’ve referred to this terpene before in prior articles — it can be 30 to 50 times more potent than hydrocortisone. It’s found not only in cannabis, but in other plants such as clove, oregano, cinnamon, and more. Another study (published in Lancet in April 2020) illustrated the “urgent need” to conduct clinical trials on anti-TNF agents. There are a couple of anti-IL-6 drugs

This is the first of hopefully many studies that demonstrates the profound anti-inflammatory effects of certain cannabis cultivars as they relate to suppressing cytokine storms. The above-mentioned Canadian study used a 3-D human skin tissue model. More studies need to be carried out using other tissue models of inflammation and lung cell lines. The authors of this study propose that it be used as a “roadmap” for future research. I find this to be very exciting — this is a promising natural avenue (or detour) to subverting a very serious disease. As my readers know, I’ve been helping people with medical marijuana for about six years. Chronic pain, anxiety, mood disturbance, and poor sleep are the most common issues that can be ameliorated with cannabis. I work closely with a local dispensary called Apothecare Ann Arbor; they were the first growers of certified organic marijuana in the state of Michigan. By using living soil and clean, sustainable growing practices, the quality of the flower produced with its rich terpene profile is unparalleled. This is whole-plant medicine at its best! Owner and Founder of PROJUVU MD; Aesthetics and Lifestyle Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI; Expert Injector, Medical Director; Facial Innovations Medi-spa, Ann Arbor; Medical Director, Northville Beauty Spa; Certified Medical Marijuana Doctor; Certified doTERRA Essential Oils Expert; BEMER Independent Distributor; CrossFit® Level 1 Trainer www.projuvu.com • 1-844-PROJUVU • drprofera@gmail.com www.facebook.com/projuvu/ Request to join my closed FaceBook group, www.instagram.com/youressentialoilsdoctor/

Disclaimer: Please note that the information in this article has been designed to help educate the reader regarding the subject matter covered. This information is provided with the understanding that the author and any other entity referenced here are not liable for the misconception or misuse of the information provided. It is not provided to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body. The provider of this information shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity concerning any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this information. The information presented is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling or care. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult a qualified healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

April 2021 | 19

Stop Calling Me Superwoman

by Lisa Bower Photo by William Fortunato

20 | The Brick Magazine

know it’s meant as a compliment. “Wow! You’re such a Superwoman!” Yet, every time I hear those words, I shrink a little inside and feel like I’m being pushed down by a giant thumb. I own my own business. I have four school-aged children and I opened a learning pod to support families during this time of virtual learning. It's a lot. And I guess most days, I do it with grace and a smile on my face. Yet, I’m no different than the working mothers I survey. We're all drowning. We feel like we're failing as parents. We're spending little to no time on self-care. And some of us are simply leaving the workforce, no longer able to keep up with that Superwoman identity that has been thrust upon us. My company consults with employers looking to better understand the needs of their working parents and then helps them implement innovative solutions. We do this by listening. So, I listened — to myself and to working moms around me — and the learning pods were born. The learning pods are a labor of love. At first, I was looking for a solution for my own children. Homeschooling last spring was not fun. My kids and I always seemed to be angry with each other. I still don’t know where I went wrong. I even had color-coded charts and fancy Excel spreadsheets to guide our homeschooling adventures (and they were not appreciated). So, homeschooling and trying to keep up with my actual job? Not fun. I started asking around, and it turned out that there were many other parents desperate for someone else to support their children’s learning so they could focus on their own jobs. As it turns out, not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. Again, I had color-coded charts! And then there are the kids, isolated and eager for some sense of normalcy and connection with their peers. They stood to lose the most, which is why working mothers were bending over backwards to try to do it all. And we were getting praised for it. Child behavior modification strategies teach parents to ignore behaviors they want to see less of and to pay attention to behaviors we want to see more of. So, what behavior does this positive praise want more of? More being a Superwoman! Whatever you’re doing now — do more of it! No one has ever said to me, “Wow, great job taking some time for yourself and letting the laundry sit unfolded for

one more day!” But that’s exactly what working mothers need to hear. I’m not trying to be Superwoman and I don’t want to be praised for the illusion that I have everything under control. Instead, I’d rather someone recognize that this is hard. I’d like to hear, “Wow. You have a lot on your plate. How are you doing?”

Self-Care for Superwomen Surveys of our clients have shown that the percentage of parents who spend zero percent of their time on selfcare has almost doubled. That time for self-care is being replaced by added responsibilities related to childcare and supporting children with virtual learning. And when we asked parents if they feel that they’re the kind of parent they want to be, the response of “most of the time” dropped from 64% pre-COVID to just 36% today. We’re barely keeping our heads above water; we’re exhausted physically and emotionally, and we’re being praised for it. We know this isn’t working, but we’re being told to keep doing what we’re doing. Because… we’re “Superwomen.” And if I stop being Superwoman, I guess I’ll be letting someone down. Maybe even myself. Have I, too, bought into this notion that I have to be Superwoman? And by the way, no one, to my knowledge, has ever called my husband Superman. He, too, has a demanding career and the same four children that I do. But no one feels the need to reinforce him with positive praise, to tell him to keep all the balls in the air. It’s already well-documented that mothers disproportionately carry the mental load of parenting — the scheduling of doctor’s appointments, knowing the names of your children’s friends, and remembering what color shirt to wear on Spirit Day usually falls solely on the mother. So the assumption is, likely, that he doesn’t have as many balls in the air anyway. And if he drops one, well, that’s okay. Which leads me to a phrase that every working mom needs to include in her daily conversations with herself: “And that’s okay.” Dr. Pam McCaskill is a clinical psychologist (and friend of mine) who specializes in parent training and child behavior modification. We work together to deliver workshops on parenting strategies. One of her greatest pieces of advice is to add “And that’s okay” to your inner daily monologue.

April 2021 | 21

Photo by Gustavo Fring

My kids had way too much screen time today. And that’s okay. I served reheated chicken nuggets for lunch and dinner. And that’s okay. My fourth-grader didn’t submit his math assignment on time because I forgot how to do fractions. And that’s okay. Superwoman wouldn’t serve reheated chicken nuggets. But I’m not Superwoman. And that’s okay. Self-care is important for all working parents in these times, and essential for working mothers. We are still disproportionately handling the majority of childcare and homeschooling responsibilities. How we care for ourselves will look different for everyone — it could mean taking a long walk or exercising (yeah, I don’t do that); binge watching a favorite show (I do that); leaving the dishes for the morning (I totally do that!); staring at a snow globe and breathing deeply until the snow settles (trust Dr. McCaskill, this works); or screaming into a pillow (you will love this!). And most importantly, tell someone you need a break. Give yourself permission to walk away and tell everyone around you that you need a few minutes for yourself. That’s right; tell someone. Because everyone knows that Superwomen don’t need breaks. So, you need to tell them. Of course,

22 | The Brick Magazine

this also requires that you recognize that you need a break in the first place. You need to be the one to stop, look down at yourself, and say, “Wait, why am I wearing this cape?” Adding to the pressure that many mothers feel while working and caring for children at home is insecurity — the fear that your job performance is not up to your usual standards. You’re Superwoman, remember? It’s a pretty high bar. You’re maybe thinking that non-parents can work longer, accomplish more, perform better. In a competitive work landscape, how can the working parent compete? In reality, our data shows that working parents are spending just as much time working as their non-parent counterparts. The difference lies in how their time is spent outside of work responsibilities. And again, for us working mothers, that additional time spent attending to children is at the expense of time spent attending to ourselves.

What to Do When You Think You Have a Superwoman on Your Team If you’re a manager or an employer and you’re thinking that your working parents are doing just fine — they’re not. But you can help. First, you need to find out what their needs really

are and then implement solutions that meet those needs. That sounds simple enough, but it’s not really happening. Consider reviewing your processes for performance reviews, promotions, and compensation. Are there clear and realistic performance metrics that are equitable for both parents and non-parents? Do your promotion criteria rely on the quantity of output versus the quality of the contribution? Should different behaviors and accomplishments be assessed when looking at compensation and bonuses? Were the goals set before COVID even achievable in the new work normal? Showing your concern for the issues faced by working mothers can be as simple as looking at the timing of meetings. Is another Zoom meeting truly needed to maintain greater connectivity amongst your team, or is it just a way to force me to wash my hair and ensure that I change my shirt after my daughter spilled chocolate milk all over it? Step back and consider the culture of your organization. Support your teams with education around unconscious bias as it relates to working parents. Offer family-focused opportunities for virtual engagement. And take care of your managers — you know, those Supermen and

-women who are learning how to manage virtually and trying to support employee engagement, all while avoiding taking on the emotional load of their direct reports? (Just writing that sentence was exhausting!) And finally, stop celebrating the unsustainable balancing act that too many of us have been forced to perform. We don’t want to be Superwomen. Our capes are off, and we're about to fly into the wall. Lisa Bower is the owner, president, and CEO of Plus One Meetings. She consults with employers to identify the concerns and needs of working parents and implements solutions such as travel childcare programs, mobile nursing suites, and virtual engagement strategies. Plus One Meetings also produces child-centered programming on behalf of its clients in schools and at community events. Lisa is co-author of the children’s book From Pound to Palace and co-editor of Gander the Goose Celebrates Canada. She lives in Ann Arbor, MI with her husband Matthew and their four children: Ben (16), Owen (13), and ten-year old twins Lily and Noah. www.plusonemeetings.com Twitter: @plusonemeetings LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisabower1

April 2021 | 23

Diversity and Inclusion in Financial Services

by Nadine Burns, MBA, CFP®, and AIF®

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

24 | The Brick Magazine

hen I started out in the financial industry, I was given a task so many who dreamed of this kind of career were given: Write down 100 names of personal friends and family. This was not for a reunion; this was a list to be used for my first sales calls. I thought this practice had ended, but then my daughter, a 2014 college graduate, was asked to write down her 100 names to call in her first year in the financial industry. Is it a surprise, then, that the financial services industry in America reflects a wealthier demographic? If you grew up poor, or as a person of color, an immigrant, or a woman, you might not know 100 people who have the ability to buy something from you. And if your sales are not strong out of the box, you end up leaving the industry. Currently, only six of 107 financial firms in the US have a female CEO. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that women represent 31% of U.S. financial advisors, but only 23% of Certified Financial Planner® Professionals. Both the Labor Department and the Certified Financial Planner® Board note that African Americans and Latinos make up less than 5% of financial professionals. Traditionally, not many women and people of color have been attracted to this industry because they did not have role models. There have been few to help them understand how to navigate the complex registration process and look for courses in the field of finance. The current education process in most business schools doesn’t even include preparation for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) exams or the National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) exams, or instruction on Securities Exchange Commission regulatory policies. On top of that, the licensing process is tedious. Without a mentor or sponsor, it’s a labyrinth to navigate. With today’s shifting demographics and financial complexity, we need financial professionals more than ever. In years past, retirees never had to worry about running out of money in retirement, but now we’ve gone from secured pensions to a system of 401k/401A retirement plans with investments that are often delegated to people who have little to no education in investment planning. There are so many ways to make decisions on Social Security income, Medicare planning options, and multiple types of life insurance. Over 69% of people don’t have a will, trust, or directives in place for endof-life care and their eventual demise.

As the President of the Financial Planning Association in Michigan, I’ve been looking for ways to change the profile of our profession. We’re encouraging more schools to offer the Certified Financial Planner® Professional education curriculum. We’re speaking at colleges and mentoring students with scholarships to FPA events and registration programs to find out more about the industry as a career. It’s beginning to have an impact; according to FinancialPlanning.com, there’s been a recent 12% increase of Black and Latino CFP® Professionals, the highest ever. But the average individual can also do more by looking for women and minority planners and vetting them in their search for a financial professional. Increased demand will also increase the focus of firms looking to hire members of those groups. Then someday, the financial industry of America will look more like the citizens of this great country and help them all become more financially fit. Individuals can look for Certified Financial Planner® Professionals at GetAPlan.org, and can vet other professionals through Brokercheck.org and the Michigan licensing board at LARA.gov. Nadine is a holistic advisor who looks at her clients' entire financial picture and works on a roadmap to achieve their goals and dreams. She often deals with people in transition — those undergoing retirement, relationship changes, loss of a family member, employment changes, and much more. She is a University of Michigan graduate with an MBA and is a Certified Financial Planning® Professional (CFP®) as well as an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®.) Nadine is an independent financial planner and strives to put her clients first as a fiduciary. She's active in her profession and is the current President of the Financial Planning Association for the State of Michigan. Nadine is also part of the Financial and Estate Planning Association of Metro Detroit, helping to ensure she has the most current knowledge in family, business, and estate planning. A New Path Financial, 3003 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 4, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 Phone: 734.330.2299 Email: NBurns@anewpathfinancial.com. Securities offered through Sigma Financial Corporation, member FINRA (FINRA.org) and SIPC (SIPC.org). Investment Advisory services offered through Sigma Planning Corporation, a Registered Investment Advisor. A New Path Financial, LLC is independent of Sigma Financial Corporation and Sigma Planning Corporation.

Sources: Deloitte [https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/financial-services/diversity-and-inclusion-in-financial-services-leadership.html] Financial Planning.com: [https://www.financial-planning.com/news/record-growth-for-african-american-and-latino-financial-advisors-cfp-board] CFP Board: [https://www.cfp.net/]

April 2021 | 25

Action Speaks Louder Than Words by Beth Johnston

minutes, 46 seconds was the breaking point for me. George Floyd was murdered in front of all of us. I watched in horror, along with most of America, as a Black man had the life sucked out of him by a police officer pressing his knee into his neck. He called for his mom and every mother heard that cry. It was a pivotal moment for me. I’ve always been a champion for equality. I grew up in Ann Arbor, a fairly liberal town. My parents were both educators and taught me to be kind, to stand up for our beliefs, and to give a voice to those who may not have one or who aren’t being heard. As a young girl I remember the racial unrest of the ‘60s and ‘70s, but I don’t think I fully understood my “white privilege” until recently. There is a word to describe it: ”woke.” According to Merriam-Webster, to be “woke” means to be “aware of and

26 | The Brick Magazine

actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice).” I admit that this is a journey for me. I’m still listening, learning, and reflecting. I was an elementary educator for 30+ years in both the Ann Arbor Public Schools and Pinckney Community Schools. I attended diversity training and tried to teach tolerance and inclusion to my students — I used an online resource called Teaching Tolerance for my students and myself. I probably failed in many aspects, but I did what I knew at the time. I realize now that I could’ve done more, and that the version of Black history taught in the public schools falls woefully short of the truth. In 2012, the death of Trayvon Martin had a big impact on me. There were events regarding racism and the inequities that people of color face every day after that, and those kept nagging at me as well. In my opinion, the Trump

"There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it." — Amanda Gorman presidency created a more public platform for racism; it’s always been there, but his hate speech and rhetoric unleashed more of it. The death of George Floyd and the year 2020 as a whole were a tipping point for me. On February 23, 2020 we witnessed Ahmaud Arbery jogging through a predominantly white neighborhood. He was chased down by two white men, who ended up fatally shooting him. Next, on March 13, Breonna Taylor was asleep in her apartment when officers stormed in and fatally shot her. Then there was George Floyd on May 25. The protests began. No justice, no peace. Black Lives Matter became more than a hashtag. Coronavirus did not stop the mostly peaceful marches and demonstrations. Social media was inundated with outcries. Systemic racism, anti-racism, police reform, white privilege, white supremacy, justice — these terms were flooding the internet. I was caught up in the movement. I began to read Black authors and follow Black leaders on Facebook and Instagram. I donated money to Black Lives Matter. I posted my support and sometimes alienated people who didn’t hold those same values or beliefs. But I admit that it didn’t feel like enough. I wanted to “do” something. Too often people offer symbolic alliance, but don’t create strategic change. I know that action speaks louder than words. What could I do that might make a real difference? This is when I stumbled across the Livingston Diversity Council’s Facebook page. I had no idea this council even existed. Livingston County, which is where I’ve lived since 2001, is notoriously white. I remember in 2000, when my oldest son was in sixth grade, I made the decision to have my boys begin the school year in Pinckney, since we would be moving there in January. He came home from his first day of school and he said, “Mom, there are no Black kids in my school.” It was a bit of a culture shock for him coming from Ann Arbor, where he had several African American buddies. All three of my boys were used to more diversity; they played sports and went to school with friends of color. I began to do some research on the Livingston Diversity Council. Their mission statement on their website resonated with me: “We are a change agent for diversity, equity,

inclusion, and access that collaborates, educates, and empowers to build a thriving community.” Their vision statement felt especially relevant: “Livingston County will be a transformative community that embraces and empowers all people for their uniqueness and contributions.” I also read a couple articles that they had posted on their Facebook page. One was titled “For Our White Friends Desiring to be Allies” by Courtney Ariel, and the other was “75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice” by Corinne Shutack (this is now updated to “103 Things”). Allyship and action seemed critical. I reached out to Nicole, the President of LDC on June 1, 2020. The last sentence of my inquiry read: “I feel that as a privileged white woman, I need to take action to help. This seemed like a good start.” She told me about a few committees that I might want to join, one of which was their training committee, which was focusing on a full-day community conference in the spring of 2021. I chose to become part of that committee. The full-day conference had to be postponed due to COVID-19, but we’ve been working on community diversity education material for packets to be distributed to local businesses and individuals, as well as a monthly Zoom educational series called Learn, Love, Livingston — A Dive into Diversity, Advocacy, Economy, and Empowerment. Each month has a different theme and focus. I love being part of a proactive group whose main focus is diversity. I realize this is just a small drop in the larger ocean of racial justice, but it’s a strategic action and not just lip service. My personal journey into diversity activism is just beginning, and I have much to learn. Beth Johnston was born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI and currently resides in Pinckney, MI. She is a retired elementary educator from Ann Arbor Public Schools (13 years) and Pinckney Community Schools (17 years). She lives with her husband Dan and has three sons from her first marriage (ages 31, 29, & 26), a daughter-in-love, a grandson (who is the light of her life), three step-children, and a rescued German Shepherd named Mia.

April 2021 | 27

What Color Is Nude? by Deanna Ronson

Photographer: Steve Grimes Makeup & Wardrobe Styling: Deanna Ronson Style & Image Consulting Fashion Design: Carmina De Young Hair: Wright Hair & co. Model: Desree Jewellery Provided by: Sha Choix Set Location Provided by: Idlewyld Inn

28 | The Brick Magazine

hat color is “nude?” It sounds like a funny question, doesn’t it? However, one of the first things that I learned when I started working in the fashion and beauty industry is that the color “nude” does not mean the same thing for everyone. When working with fashion models, I would ask that they arrive on set with “flesh-colored” shoes and undergarments; that is, items that would match their skin color. Flesh-colored shoes and pantyhose or tights help to create the illusion of a longer leg, while a similar shade of undergarment will not be as obvious under sheer clothing. Finding these wasn’t always an easy task for our Black models, as many brands limited their “flesh-colored” undergarments to “nude,” i.e. beige, rather than including shades of caramel, mocha, and umber.

they buy. Second, women who wear makeup shouldn’t have to buy two or three shades of product to mix up something that will match their skin, or not be able to find a foundation that’s even close to being dark enough to match their skin. Women shouldn’t have to go to great lengths to find a product that works for them. When it comes to editorial fashion and beauty, we’ve definitely seen more expanded diversity in the last decade. There are more BIPOC models now. There are also models with disabilities such as Down’s syndrome, and other conditions such as albinism, vitiligo, and more, who have been breaking huge barriers.

If you were to go into a store a decade ago and ask for a “nude” shade of shoes, bras, or pantyhose, you would be directed to styles that mostly featured multiple tones of “beige.” The word “nude” evokes thoughts of Caucasian skin. Thankfully, in the last few years, some fashion and beauty brands have made progress by including more “flesh-toned” products. There are now a few lingerie brands that cater to women of color. Brands such as Nubian Skin and Nude Barre (both owned by Black women) feature bras, panties, and hose in at least 12 shades, from ivory to ebony. It’s wonderful that these brands exist, but the market is still lacking. Consumers need to demand diversity from major brands like Victoria’s Secret and Hanes that only have four to eight shades of “nude” for their clothing. In the last three or four years, the cosmetics industry has made strides to expand foundation shades for people of color. Whereas many brands used to carry an average of 12 shades suitable for Caucasian skin with a couple dark colors thrown in, several drug-store brands such as CoverGirl, NYX, and Maybelline now carry 40 to 45 shades of foundation. A few luxury brands such as Dior, Lancôme, and Estée Lauder each carry 40+ shades. Fenty, which was launched by Rihanna in 2017, now offers 50 shades of foundation! Most of these brands with over 40 shades have an equal balance between light and dark shades. Why is diversity in cosmetics important? For one, women want to see themselves represented in the products

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood

April 2021 | 29

It’s so refreshing to see transgender and plus-sized models grace the covers of high-fashion magazines because again, consumers want to see themselves represented. The diversity is there, but what about inclusivity? We need the standard 6’, size 0 Caucasian model-call to no longer be standard. We need diverse models to be the norm, and not simply a token addition to the runway or the cover of a magazine. We also need more inclusion at the top — more BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities to fill roles in fashion design, marketing, and production. What can consumers do to help? One powerful tool that we can use is social media. Users of social media platforms such

as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook have been instrumental in calling out brands that have made huge missteps. Who remembers the uproar when Tarte’s Shape Tape foundation was first released in 2018? Social media users were quick to take the brand to task for its release of just 15 shades, with only three shades suitable for darkerskinned individuals. A year later, Tarte released their Face Tape foundation in 50 shades, with an even balance of light and dark shades. In December 2018, Gucci faced a huge online backlash when it launched a turtleneck sweater that resembled blackface. Burberry, Zara, and H&M are some other brands that have been in the news recently for offensive merchandising. All of these brands responded quickly to the thousands of online comments and petitions and pulled the offensive material from stores. But that raises the question: How did these items ever make it to market in the first place? Was it a team of privileged white executives that made the call? This is why inclusiveness in the workplace is important. It’s a shame that some brands have to be pushed to become more inclusive. Consumers are demanding change and brands will either have to adapt or flounder. Especially in light of the global rallying cry of last year’s Black Lives Matter movement, the need for brands to stay relevant is more important now than ever. Deanna Ronson is a style and image consultant and a professional makeup artist. Deanna has many print, video, and television credits to her name, including publication in several independent magazines; VOGUE Italia online; and Canadian news outlets such as Sun Media and Rogers Cable 13. www.deannaronson.com, https://www.facebook.com/ DeannaRonsonStyleandImageConsulting www.behance.net/DeannaRonson/ projects

Photo by Adrienne Andersen

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twitter.com/DeannaRonson

Apothecare Ann Arbor is a locally owned and operated organic cannabis company. We are a team of friendly cannabis and wellness enthusiasts who focus on cultivating high quality organic cannabis products for the Ann Arbor community and the State of Michigan. We are Michigan’s first certified organic cannabis company and are committed to a sustainable, holistic approach towards cannabis cultivation and sales.

Book a Consultation with Dr. Lisa www.apothecareannarbor.com/consultation Whether you want to try cannabis for the first time or you’re an educated patient, our medical team and expert Apothecarists are here to help guide your journey towards better health. Start by setting up a private, virtual medical consultation with our licensed in-house physician, Dr. Lisa.

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a2spark.org/annual-meeting 32 | The Brick Magazine