Empowered Women International

Nov. 7, 2009 – Marga Fripp, EWI’s Founding President and Executive Director has been awarded the 2009 Alex Awards by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. Marga was nominated by Barbara O’Keefe, a long-time supporter of EWI and a fan of Marga’s work. Thank you Barbara and the Alexandria Commission for the Arts for their support and recognition.

The Alex Arts Awards, a program of the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, was created in 1985 to honor those who significantly contribute to the arts in the City of Alexandria. This year the award winning people are Marga Fripp of the Empowered Women International and Ilona Savage of the Alexandria Performing Arts Association. Both Marga and Ilona received their awards on Friday, October 23 at the “Taste for Giving” event at the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

The honorees received an original work of ceramic art by Blair Meerfeld and brass star designed by David Martin of Gold Works.

On May 1, I was invited as the keynote speaker for the Johns Hopkins University Women’s Network Banquet. The topic I addressed, Finding the Voice Within: The Journey of a New American to Empower Women through the Arts, reflected my personal journey weaved together with stories and experiences of other women – who just like myself are crafting a new life out of their own hopes, dreams and talents.

Talking about being an immigrant as an insider rather than an outsider, or a new citizen rather than an alien brings a different point of view to the whole aspect of immigration. As immigrants, one of our most important priorities is to belong. We seek a home within the new home, we struggle to define and understand our new world, we attempt to do good, but the results of our actions do not always come out right. The world is upside down for a while. We almost forget we existed before.

A new beginning awaits us, yet we feel we did it already.

It really takes courage to face yourself as an immigrant – and then explain to the world what it means. I only know that I feel how burdensome these new beginnings are for all newcomers, and that ONLY with compassion, understanding and respect, can we lift each other up. Ultimately, this is what America is about. How can we ever forget this?

Thank you to Barbara Williamson and all the women of the Johns Hopkins University Women’s Network for having us at this special event. Many women came after the talk to offer support to EWI and encouraged me to write a book. I thank you for believing in me and our work – and yes, the book is on the way… Read more

After the training I saw many doors of opportunities opening for my art. It helped me see what I needed to do to follow my dream of becoming a successful artist in my community. I built my art portfolio and I created a marketing plan.

After I completed EWI’s Training for Success, so many positive changes took place in my life. I became more confident about my art work and I took many risks doing different projects including several local exhibitions where I sold some of my paintings and prints. In addition, I had my first paid job as an artist working for a local newspaper and painting murals in DC.

I highly recommend Training for Success to any immigrant woman who is ready and serious about her talents and art. You can gain the confidence to pursue your dreams, and EWI will give you the push you need to keep going and build your art career. Isabel Castaneda

Sushmita Mazumdar, EWI Artist, Writer, Designer, Book Artist. I recommend Training for Success to any immigrant woman artist because firstly, you find a great support group. Then, you learn if you have it in you to take your art that extra mile. If that makes you nervous, it’s great to see that this organization will stay with you as long as needed and help you in so many ways.

You will find many others like you and make important bonds and connections. But most of all, EWI understand every aspect of “Immigrant” “Women” “Artist,” so well, that you will not find that anywhere.

Sushmita Mazumdar.

Read the interview here:

  Sushmita Mazumdar Testimonial (27.0 KiB)

Mariana Fernandez, EWI Artist, Set Designer

I see very positive changes in my life after being part of EWI’s programs and services. Being connected with great artists and EWI staff who kept me focused on my art and strengths increased my confidence significantly. I really feel part of a community of support for women in the arts. In this field is very difficult to keep high hopes all the time. Sometimes, people feel disappointed and demoralized.

However, EWI’s director is always pushing and giving us the support we need it to succeed! It is so important to have people around you who can believe in what you do and who you are! You can find that support at EWI!

Mariana Fernandez

Read the interview here:

  Mariana Fernandez Testimonial (29.5 KiB)