Upcoming Fall Marketplaces for Artists

Town of Dumfries Fall Festival

Saturday October 24th, 2009 10am-3pm, 

Merchant Park (Corner of Duke & Cameron St.)

Sponsored by the Town of Dumfries & Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad

The Town of Dumfries and the Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad welcomes you as an exhibitor to the Town’s 8th Annual Fall Festival.

General Information

The Fall Festival will be advertised “Open to the Public” from 10am-3pm, Saturday, October 24th, 2009. Visitors to the Fall Festival will be parking at designated lots.

A map of the Festival site will be provided to you a week prior to the event once all vendor applications have been confirmed and spaces have been assigned.

The Festival will go on “RAIN OR SHINE”. Since this in an outdoor event, you are responsible for your own shade, rain gear, chairs, set-up, leveling devices, etc. Crafters may begin “setting up” at 7am the morning of the Festival. We ask that each registered vendor participate the entire length of the event unless the weather becomes a safety concern. The event is scheduled to run until 3pm.

Public restroom facilities are available on-site. Trash receptacles will be located throughout Merchant Park. Each exhibitor will be responsible for setup and cleanup of their area as well as taking their trash to an appropriate receptacle.

A First Aid Station will be set up at the entrance to Merchant Park.

Please keep in mind that the Town Festival is always a “work-in-progress”. Our goal is to make the day’s event a fun, family-day for all residents to enjoy.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Cathy Holtzlander, Director of Community Services at 703-221-3400, ext. 115 and leave a message, by email at choltzlander@dumfriesvirginia.org, or write Dumfries Fall Festival, P.O. Box 56, Dumfries, Virginia 22026.

Sign up to participate and sell at the Dumfries Fall Festival today!

Member Spotlight: Hannah Cohen, Development Associate

Empowered Women International would like to welcome a new member to its team.  Hannah Cohen will be serving as EWI’s Development Associate through Americorps VISTA.  During her short time with EWI, Hannah has already survived an earthquake at the Board Retreat and hurricane Irene, all within her first week!

Hannah at the EWI Board Retreat

Hannah Cohen believes religion is fundamental to understanding and improving the human condition. She is passionate about restorative and social justice as well as the important role of women in our global community. She completed her B.A. in Religious Studies at Indiana University in May 2011. As an undergraduate, she spent a year in Jerusalem, where she completed research for her honors thesis and interned with the Jerusalem Rape Crisis Center’s Development Department.

Members of the EWI Board Retreat

Before coming to EWI, Hannah served as Outreach Director of Indiana University’s Timmy Global Health, a non-profit organization that aims to expand access to healthcare by empowering students and volunteers to engage directly in global development.  She also volunteered with Middle Way House, a domestic violence shelter and rape crisis center, where she provided support and assistance to rape and domestic violence victims on the phone and in person. Before joining EWI in August 2011, Hannah was a Development Intern for the Indiana University Foundation, a non-profit corporation dedicated to maximizing private sector support for Indiana University.

Hannah will be focusing on grant and proposal writing and the “I’m Empowered” 2012 fundraising campaign.  EWI is glad to welcome Hannah and looks forward to an exciting and empowering year!

You can contact Hannah through email at hannah@ewint.org.

Summer Sale Ending this Week!

This is your last chance to save 20% off your next Online Purchase, the EWI Summer Sale ends this Thursday 9/1!

Celebrate summer with Empowered Women International.  Visit our online store to find the perfect hostess gift, such as a hand-crafted scented decorative soap, as you travel to see friends and family!  

 Choose a beautiful shimmering blue hand-crocheted necklace and Amazonite Coin bracelet set to complement the perfect outfit for that outdoor party or BBQ.   Refresh and re-decorate your home with new artwork, paintings, rugs and home decor, all hand created by EWI artists.

To celebrate the festive season of summer with you, we would like to extend this one time 20% discount for any item or items featured in our online store.  Invite the beauty created by EWI’s immigrant, refugee and American-born women artists into your life and share with those you love through your purchase.

Our artists’ lives are directly impacted by your purchase, just as yours will be.  Visit our store today and celebrate this summer by investing in women entrepreneurs and creating social change!

This discount is redeemable only at Empowered Women International’s Online Store at WWW.EWINTSHOP.ORG.  To redeem discount go to the EWI Online Store and select the items you would like to buy. Click the green Checkout button. Enter the CODE: SUMMERSALE into the Code Box. Your discount will be immediately applied.

POSTPONED: Investing in the Future of Women Event

EVENT POSTPONED: Due to inclement weather warnings the Investing in the Future of Women event has been cancelled for Saturday, August 27. The event will be rescheduled in the near future and updated information will be posted as soon as it is available.

Rebuilding Together Alexandria

Today’s featured post is dedicated to a local non-profit which is empowering struggling home owners to take back control of their homes during this difficult economy.  Rebuilding Together provides home assistance free of cost to those in need, continuing reading below and visit their website today to learn more!

“To bring volunteers, communities, and resources together to improve the homes and lives of Alexandrians in need.”—This is the mission of Rebuilding Together Alexandria.

Rebuilding Together is a non-profit dedicated to preserving affordable homeownership by repairing and revitalizing homes—free of cost!—for those in need, including (but certainly not limited to) the elderly, persons with disabilities, military veterans, and low-income families. One such homeowner, Ms. H., couldn’t maintain her home and yard, so she was evicted until it could be brought up to code. Many of our volunteers worked numerous hours and she was able to move back home!

Founded in 1986 by Barbara Joseph, Alexandria Christmas in April (as we were originally known) held its first ‘rebuilding day’ in 1987. On that last Saturday in April, 8 homes and 2 shelters were repaired at no cost to the homeowners by 174 volunteers. This past year, over 1,000 volunteers worked on 102 homes and non-profit agencies—throughout the year and on National Rebuilding Day (the last Saturday in April). Now known as Rebuilding Together Alexandria, we’ve repaired and rehabilitated over 1,300 Alexandria residents’ homes and non-profit agencies with in-kind donations of labor and materials resulting in almost $5.3 million worth of value.

Whether you or someone you know are a homeowner looking to apply for home assistance free of cost, or if you are an active citizen who would like to volunteer to help a neighbor stay in their home—Please contact us with any questions or to see if you qualify for our services by calling 703.836.1021 or visiting our Website today!

Empowered Ideas “Shook the Earth” at the EWI Board Retreat

On August 23, the EWI team and Board members met outside in the wonderful garden of board member, Synthia Woodcock-Dang’s home and enjoyed great company, inspiring ideas, a lunch to die for, and an unforgettable day. Attending the event were EWI President and Founder Marga Fripp, Board Chair Kate Campbell Stevenson, Board members Dianne Lorenz, Joanne Clark, Sharon Burton, Samantha Fraelich, EWI staff members Hannah Cohen and Erin Liggan, and event facilitator, Rita Hummel Crowe.  Rita is the President of LEAP Leadership Advantage, a coaching and leadership development consulting firm for individuals and organizations.  As facilitator of the event, Rita expertly guided the retreat which was focused on generating ideas for the upcoming “I’M EMPOWERED” 2012, EWI Ten Year Anniversary campaign.

Rita Hummel Crowe

Through tailored brainstorming and out of the box thinking techniques the team came up with 46 unique ideas on how to increase awareness, fundraise and form new relationships for the campaign. After discussion and analysis the members decided upon six areas to focus on.  These areas included ideas on coordinating events such as a gala or picnic under the stars, empowering men to empower women, developing an “Adopt and Entrepreneur” program, and many more creative solutions.

Board and EWI team members participated in a thought provoking activity in which each was asked to choose a photo that spoke most to them out of a large assortment of vibrant, captivating images.

Board Chair Kate Campbell Stevenson

Then each participant choose the idea or area of focus that had resonated with them the most throughout the brainstorming activity and evaluated the photo and made connections between themselves, the image and the idea.  This fun, introspective, and out of the box activity generated even more creative solutions and really impassioned each member!

As the team discussed “EWI being a movement rather than a campaign…” the earth shook in response as the earthquake erupted!  The team took this as powerful confirmation from nature of the importance of EWI’s cause!  Be sure to watch for updates on the “I’M EMPOWERED” 2012 EWI Ten Year Anniversary campaign on our website and blog!

Many thanks to Rita Hummel Crowe, President of LEAP Leadership Advantage, the facilitator extraordinaire, also to Synthia Woodcock Dang, the amazing hostess, artist, chef, and nurturer of the team, and to all team members who fully engaged and participated in the retreat.

To learn more about Rita Hummel Crowe or invite LEAP Leadership Advantage to your company please visit their website.

View more photos of the EWI Board Retreat here

Member Spotlight: Katherine Foley, Summer Multi-Cultural Arts Intern

Katherine Foley just recently completed her summer Multi-Cultural Arts internship with Empowered Women International.  During her time with EWI Katherine became deeply involved in the preparation and execution of the We the People one day multi-cultural event.  She spearheaded and implemented the catering of the event as well as helped in general fascilitaion and planning.

Katherine crafting at the summer staff retreat

Katherine participated in many EWI arts markets including the EWI donors reception, the EWI booth at the annual AAUW convention, the EWI summer staff retreat, several home parties and the Entrepreneur Training for Success Spring 2011 graduation.  Katherine used her photography skills to enhance EWI’s online store and photographed artist’s work to be sold online.

Katherine stated “My internship with Empowered Women International was an amazing time filled with inspirational learning experiences.  I entered my internship wanting to discover how a small non-profit operates, and I learned far more than I could have ever expected. Not only did I learn about the workings of fundraising, running a store, marketing products, and outreach, but I also met and interacted with the wonderful artists who come to EWI.

Katherine modeling Velma Crawford's apron at a recent home party

I think it is rare to find an organization that works with its members on such a personal and direct level as EWI does, and I found that this kind of relationship strengthened the trust, communication, and effectiveness of EWI’s mission. I now cannot imagine working for a company or business that does not directly interact with the people it serves.

She continued, “I am excited about the future of Empowered Women International, and I want to see the business training program grow and expand to other areas of the country and world. I look forward to seeing EWI campus clubs on colleges where young people can spread the word and generate support for the organization and artists.  I will certainly bring the mission and structure of EWI back to my college and community, and as I continue in my education and career I know I will remain dedicated to women’s independence and empowerment. “

Katherine was excited to intern with EWI, as her experience combined her passions for art, business, and female empowerment. A native of New Jersey, she is entering her junior year at Bowdoin College. She is a Psychology and Gender & Women’s Studies major. At school, Katherine mentors at-risk young girls and has been trained to be an advocate and ally for survivors of sexual assault.

EWI would like to thank Katherine for all of her hard work, dedication, and initiative during her summer internship.  We wish Katherine much success in all of her future endeavors, and in particular during her upcoming fall semester studying in Denmark!

 

Item of the Week: Green Swarovski Crystal Pendant with Sterling Silver Chain

Read more to receive a special discount!

A beautiful green reflective Swarovski crystal pendant hangs delicately from a loop of silver beads from a sterling silver chain. Complete with hand made silver clasp, this gorgeous necklaces reflects light and compliments any color or outfit.

Necklace measures approximately 19 inches in length.

KATALIN WITORSCH:
Kata is originally from Hungary. She holds a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts and Music from Janus Pannonius University in Pécs, where she sang in the internationally renowned Pécs University Chorus. Kata is also an accomplished pianist, has taught piano and music professionally, and was a marketing executive with Wella Hungary. She has been an EWI artist member since 2006 and is a graduate of the Career and Entrepreneur Center’s Training for Success program.

For this week only receive 10% off your purchase of any of Kata’s pieces available on our online store.  Use coupon code: EWIKATAJEWEL. This discount only applies to sales made through our online store- follow the link below.

Visit our online store to learn more about Kata or purchase one of her beautiful pieces 

Call for Art: Center for Green Urbanism’s ReCreate H2O

The Center for Green Urbanism is celebrating the one year anniversary of its Tubman-Mahan Art Gallery. This years theme is “Water”.  Check out their call for artists. The application deadline is September 12th and the exhibit will run from October 3rd through November 4th.

About the Tubman-Mahan Art Gallery:

The Gallery is part of the Center’s eco-friendly business incubator facility providing office space for small to mid-sized businesses and start-ups. The Center and Gallery is located in Ward 7 of northeast Washington, DC on the edge of Fort Mahan Park, a national park site and gateway to the Fort Circle Park Trail.

Application details can be found here.

Member Spotlight: Laura Descher, Entrepreneur Training for Success Program Intern

Laura wearing a necklace she created at the Summer EWI Craft Retreat

Laura Descher recently completed her summer Entrepreneur Training for Success Program Internship with Empowered International. Laura immersed herself in the Entrepreneur Training for Success Program(ETS) and attended weekly classes, acting as a mentor and student.    Through the program Laura came to not only learn about the amazing women entrepreneurs she served, but also empowering things about herself.

Laura reflected of her experience, “The first night I showed up to an ETS class back in May, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  There is really no adequate description for how inspiring it can be to sit in a room full of women with such drive and passion about what they create, and their energy has made me think of being creative and the difference it can make in people’s lives through business in a whole new way.  I don’t think in my life I would have ever been brave enough to take the risk of starting my own business, but after just sitting in on these classes and talking through the plans and possibilities ETS students have in front of them, it not only made me completely confident in them but also confident in my own abilities and future.”

Laura with Outreach and Volunteer Manager, Erin Liggan, at the We the People Event

Additionally Laura was instrumental in researching ways of growing EWI’s ETS program both online and nationally, securing funding, and in reaching out to donors and past ETS graduates.  Laura aided EWI in organizing at the multi-cultural one day We the People event, as well as the Spring 2011 Entrepreneur Training for Success Graduation.  She stated that, “This internship allowed me to see and experience all the small details of running a non-profit, from securing funding and talking to donors to selling products, researching outreach methods and talking about the program.”  ”Working at EWI has been rewarding for me both personally and professionally, and I can’t wait to get involved again when I’m back from Egypt! “

Laura earned her B.A. in Political Science and French from McDaniel College and is now a graduate student at American University studying International Peace and Conflict Resolution.  She is particularly interested in human rights, specifically in designing post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation programs addressing women’s empowerment issues.  Laura is a Los Angeles native, but has been living and studying in Maryland and DC for five years; she also lived in Nyons, France for the 2009-2010 school year where she taught English to high school students and had the opportunity to travel to Hungary, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Morocco.    Laura’s most recent travels take her to Egypt for the Fall 2011 semester where she will be continuing coursework for her Masters.

EWI would like to thank Laura for her hard work, research and dedication and looks forward to working with her when she returns from her semester in Egypt!