This week we would like to shed some light on the voices here at Powered by Action. We asked a few team members this, “We want to hear about the women who inspired you and why?” Some are family members, friends, community, and artists. Here are some of the responses.
“There are so many women who have inspired me throughout my life but I am partial to my mother. For me, it’s a lifelong commitment, linked closely to my faith as we are taught heaven lies at your mother's feet. Frankly speaking she has not accomplished anything extraordinary or impacted anyone outside of her family. But for me that's just it, it's the pure simplicity and out of the box ordinary that I love and appreciate about her. For someone who did not have the privilege of attaining education beyond 8th grade, having not worked a day outside the home; she always encouraged a good education, independence and core values and principals. In a world where everyone is looking for something extra, she brings you back home to the most simple and pure joys of life. She preaches humility, kindness and being the best versions of ourselves and leaving the rest to God.” - Kiran Malik, Director of Nonprofits
“An amazing female artist that I have received a lot of inspiration from is Maya Deren, a
female filmmaker during the 1940’s-50’s. She paved a way for a new style of avante-garde and experimental filmmaking while also standing her ground in a male dominated field. Despite her work never getting fully recognized, her films left a lasting legacy in the film industry. Her style of filmmaking helped me to achieve a different perspective of filmmaking, being able to view it in a new light. As well as how she's able to capture/explore the spiritualistic essence of our minds and culture routines. I was able to see Film's potential for capturing the pure essence of our reality and society as a whole. ” - Joe Lee, Multimedia Content Editor
“I’m fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring and loving women: daughters, sisters, sister-in laws, friends, and colleagues. They all bring joy, love and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood…There are two women I’d like to highlight. The first is my mother, Jean, who although she is gone 10 years now, her presence is with me everyday. At her funeral services, hundreds came to share their joyous memories and how she positively impacted their lives. Her life was dedicated to connecting with others, folding us into one giant community. Her essence is reflected in each of my siblings, my father, and my children. The second person is my friend Chrisitne, who is a teacher and extraordinary human. She wholeheartedly loves and has high expectations for every student who walks through her classroom door. They walk out loving Physics, Robotics, Engineering, Chemistry. She’s a force of nature, unafraid to face life’s hardest lessons, undeterred and undefined by her cancer diagnosis. Every day she wakes up grateful for the life she has. Every day, I’m grateful for her.” - Susanne Vasilic, Director of PbA Education
Women made a huge impact on all our lives and have inspired us in many ways. I’m also fortunate to be surrounded by such a strong lineage of women: mother, sisters, mentors, family friends, coworkers, and community. Including the loved ones and ancestors who have passed on. Women continue to inspire me, everyday. As for artists I would like to highlight Celia Cruz. She was a global superstar known for her salsa hits inspired by Cuban and Afro-Latin music. Her contributions to music are heavily appreciated. One of her most famous hits is “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” and “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” which celebrates her roots of afro-latinidad, dance, culture, joy, and good vibrations. One of her most famous quotes is, “When people hear me sing, I want them to be happy, happy, happy. I don't want them thinking about when there's not any money, or when there's fighting at home. My message is always felicidad - happiness.”