The Women in Power Spaces (WiPS) Initiative advances social justice and gender equity by addressing the systemic and persistent barriers that female-identifying people face.

(In my sleep I dreamed this poem)

Someone I loved once gave me
a box full of darkness.

It took me years to understand
that this, too, was a gift.

—Mary Oliver, “The Uses of Sorrow”

Writing this message, I feel bruised by a world that seems cruel and oppressive. Every day there are news headlines detailing losses and betrayals. Rights that Americans once took for granted are being dismantled and abused. It’s easy to see these examples of distrust, disrespect, and injustice as “a box full of darkness” with no reprieve or light at the end of the tunnel.

But there are pockets of resistance and hope to be found, and we’re highlighting some of them in this space.

Take, for instance, the article below from guest collaborator and local high school student Sara Shaffer-Harris entitled “Abortion in America Today: Law, Health, and Politics.” I came across Sara’s work on LinkedIn and was incredibly impressed with her courage in sharing her viewpoint with the world. She has also started a youth-led podcast called “We the People” on YouTube “about women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and understanding politics through an honest, unapologetic lens. Through open conversations, it turns complex issues into stories that educate, connect, and inspire collective change.” Amazing work for someone not old enough to vote yet!

Another superb podcast to check out is “Wellness and Growth Journeys” by Mialisa Garnes, a seasoned digital marketing expert with a passion for wellness. As a woman, mother, and wife living in Barbados, Mialisa has found her purpose in helping other women live their best, healthiest, and happiest lives. Her podcast focuses on bringing together leading minds from diverse wellness backgrounds to share their innovative services, information and treatments.  In her latest episode “Why Everything You’re Doing Right Isn’t Working Anymore” Mialisa sits down with Dr. Sophia Miranda, a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach and CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program Provider, to unpack what women really need to know about metabolic health, perimenopause, protein intake, insulin resistance, stress, and sustainable lifestyle changes. Thanks to WiPS supporter Dr. Deepti Ghandi for introducing Mialisa to our community.

One more bright spot this month was meeting artist, professor, and therapist Sara DeSmet, who we’ve secured as a speaker for the upcoming Women in Power Spaces Convening in September. Sara’s artwork was featured recently in "Resilience," a Cypress College art exhibit, which examined the “sudden, sometimes jarring world” people have found themselves in post-pandemic You won’t want to miss this profile on Sara’s work or her session at the upcoming Convening.

Welcome to the second edition of the Women in Power Spaces newsletter. As we continue to grow this space to foster this gender justice community, connection is key. We’d love to hear more about you. Please reach out to us at publicaffairs@nocccd.edu with your successes, struggles, and content needs or just to amplify someone who has helped you on your journey.

Until next time,
Kai Stearns Davis, Leadership Committee Chair

We are seeking partnerships for the annual convening event this fall!

Even without a Supreme Court court ruling restricting abortion rights, Democrats in tight races are likely to keep the consequences of bans in their midterm campaigns.

Conducted by O Positiv Health, this report a data-driven perspective on how
systemic gaps in women’s healthcare manifest—and how improving
vaginal health can meaningfully strengthen women’s health as a whole.

This publication examines how online violence against women in public life is becoming more technologically sophisticated, more invasive, and more damaging in the age of artificial intelligence.

Global Justice 50/50’s inaugural Report Gender (In)Justice? is the world’s first independent, systematic assessment of gender equality, fairness and equity across 171 organizations active in global law and justice.

The CAWP Gender & Politics Research Hub is a central site for information-sharing and connection among researchers, practitioners, media, and members of the public who share interest in and commitment to promoting gender progress in U.S. politics.

We would love to feature your experiences and social media on the next newsletter.

Send in your letter to publicaffairs@nocccd.edu to share your story with other women and allies in the WiPS community.