Category Archives: Women entrepreneurs

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Finding joy in a working weekend

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Don’t let pain keep you out of the garden.
– Welwyn Wilton Katz, Canadian author

Enjoying a Friday evening event at the Corte Madera Anthropologie store with a good friend, good wine, and good sweets.

Enjoying a Friday evening event at the Corte Madera Anthropologie store with a good friend, good wine, and good sweets.

Last Monday, I had no idea that I would be working that following weekend, making it the seventh weekend in a row. For the second Friday in a row, late in the afternoon, I received an e-mail from a client containing extensive comments to a white paper draft, warranting a major revision. To say that I was disappointed was a major understatement. I didn’t want to sink into despair, though I could feel myself get pulled down as if by quicksand. I was going to an event Friday evening and I had dinner plans on Sunday evening. My fear was that another working weekend was going to keep me from enjoying the company of friends. I was bound and determined not to let that happen.

So here’s what I did. I made a short list of what I absolutely had to get done by Monday morning: a minor revision, a major revision, and a first draft of a short paper. I decided to give myself the entire Friday evening off. Saturday morning I would start with the minor revision and work my way through the major revision, the most difficult of the tasks. And then Sunday I would write the draft and celebrate with my planned dinner. Having a plan helped to make what seemed insurmountable achievable.

Designer Corey Lynn Calter plays hostess.

Designer Corey Lynn Calter plays hostess.

Given what I had ahead of me, it was difficult at first for me to shake the work from my shoulders when I quit work Friday afternoon. When my friend Raissa and my daughter, Isabella, and I headed over to Corte Madera for the opening of the petite shop within the clothing store Anthropologie, I was still thinking about those comments. Once we leisurely walked around the outdoor shopping mall and sat and talked before the event started, I became more relaxed. And then, of course, once we walked into one of my favorite stores, worries about work stayed outside the door.

L.A.-based designer Corey Lynn Calter was on hand to open the new shop, which featured her line of clothes. She poured wine and champagne and chatted with the customers. She was amiable and very down to earth. I was able to spend time talking with Amy, from corporate headquarters in Philadelphia, who was one of the liaisons for a consumer group they headed up a few years ago. Amy was the liaison for the women from the western region of the country, which included me. I’ve been lucky enough to see her at some of the events in the San Francisco store since the group disbanded. It was great to see her and the store, given that I’d been away for a while, too busy with work. Instead of me working once we got home, we had a nightcap with our friends, which further relaxed me and prepared me for the work ahead.

A beautiful, quiet autumn moment (photo by David).

A beautiful, quiet autumn moment (photo by David).

Saturday was torturous, but I plowed through. When you get through a tough project or hurdle or problem, you feel a great sense of accomplishment. I persevered. By the evening, I was able to treat myself to working on a chapter of my novel for a couple of hours. In the morning, I was rewarded with a beautiful backyard scene of the morning sun streaking through the magnolia tree leaves. It was a moment that reminded me that there is beauty and joy when you least expect it, when you aren’t looking for it. And when you receive this gift, you accept it with gratitude and wear it like a cozy sweater.

With the tough project out of the way, I found energy to write the draft of the short paper on Sunday. I finished it in time for my family and me to head down to Los Altos and have a fall dinner with my college roommates, Susie, and Susan and her family, who hosted. We were also celebrating Susie’s October birthday. We have known each other since 1982 – 31 years! Good friends, good food and wine, good conversation. It doesn’t get any better than that.

31-year college friendship from UC Davis: Susie, Susan, and me.

31-year college friendship from UC Davis: Susie, Susan, and me. Timeless and ageless!

We got home a little late, but I’m fully relaxed and ready to start the week. Spending time with friends helped me find the joy in the working weekend. A working weekend with a happy ending on a late Sunday evening, right? Well, I flipped on my laptop when we got home and there was an e-mail waiting for me: An internal disagreement ensued between the person who approved of my draft and the person who wrote the extensive editorial comments, and the end result was for me to leave the draft as is and consider it final from the client’s end. A wasted Saturday? Lost energy being too proactive and working right away on the revision? I breathed deeply and told myself: This is another one of those character-building moments.

Driving home Sunday night: the new East Bay span of the Bay Bridge. Beautiful.

Driving home Sunday night: the new East Bay span of the Bay Bridge. Beautiful.

Lunafest 2013/2014: Nine inspiring stories

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I learned to make my mind large, as the universe is large, so that there is room for paradoxes.
– Maxine Hong Kingston, The Woman Warrior

The fabulous women directors, eight of the nine, plus the young lady wrestler.

The fabulous women directors, eight of the nine, plus the young lady wrestler.

Save the date: On Saturday, March 8th, at 7:30pm in the El Cerrito High School Auditorium, the Lunafest East Bay Organizing Committee will present its screening of Lunafest: A film festival by, for, about women. As members of the Lunfest East Bay Organizing Committee, we were honored and treated to watching the nine short films at the World Premiere in San Francisco last Thursday. You can catch a trailer of this year’s short films by clicking on the link on Lunafest’s home page.

Gorgeous floral arrangements and stacks of Luna bars.

Gorgeous floral arrangements and stacks of Luna bars.

Director Danielle Lurie next to the poster of her short film, Tiny Miny Magic.

Director Danielle Lurie next to the poster of her short film, Tiny Miny Magic.

‘Did you catch it?’ The indomitable spirit
Before the screening, special guest Dr. Stacy L. Smith from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, talked about her research on gender and film, which I blogged about this past Monday. You can read it here. Following Dr. Smith’s talk, President and CEO of The Breast Cancer Fund, Jeanne Rizzo, RN, spoke. The Breast Cancer Fund, a nonprofit focusing on the identification and advocacy for the elimination of the environmental causes of breast cancer, is a major recipient of funds raised by Lunafest. Rizzo walked onstage with a cane and announced that she had pushed back her knee replacement surgery in order to attend the world premiere. When numerous people asked her how she had hurt her knee and she told them she was playing beach Frisbee, she said her answer elicited three distinct responses that exposed a generational bias. Women her age and older either winced in sympathy or demanded to know why she would put herself in that position as an older woman playing such a physical sport. But then there was a group of women who wanted to know with great interest and excitement: “Did you catch it?” Rizzo proudly affirmed that she had caught the Frisbee, which drew applause from the audience. “I had a moment in the air that felt great,” she exuded. “I connected to the indomitable spirit.”

Director Celia Bullwinkel by her Sidewalk film poster.

Director Celia Bullwinkel by her Sidewalk film poster.

In highlighting that indomitable spirit, Rizzo was referencing the work of Lunafest, the creativity and inspiration of the nine women filmmakers, and every one of us out in the audience. It was quite infectious. The message is to bring our own indomitable spirit to bear. Bring it to the surface. Be free, unencumbered. Bring it out of us and create our own “Did you catch it?” moment.

Catherine van Campen by her film poster for Flying Anne.

Catherine van Campen by her film poster for Flying Anne.

Nine short films
The nine short films chosen for this year’s Lunafest are refreshingly diverse – documentary, animation, comedy, drama – a really lovely mix:

Granny’s Got Game: “Seven fiercely competitive women in their 70s bond and play winning basketball, proving you are never too old to do what you love,” by Director Angela Alford of Raleigh, NC.

Flying Anne: “A young girl with Tourette’s syndrome takes ‘flight’ to navigate life with her tics,” by Director Catherine van Campen of the Netherlands.

Sidewalk: “A woman walks through life, confronts her changing body and learns to love herself,” by Director Celia Bullwinkel of New York, NY.

First Match: “A determined female wrestler prepares for her first coed high school match,” by Director Olivia Newman of Brooklyn. (The young wrestler attended the San Francisco world premiere. According to one of our organizing committee members who spoke with her at the breakfast the following morning, she is still wrestling and majoring in philosophy at a college in upstate New York – quite the combination.)

Sound Shadows: “Enter a world where sound gives shape to space,” by Director Julie Engaas of Oslo, Norway. (Another one of my favorites)

Maria of Many: “Meet Maria – Mexican immigrant, domestic worker, committed mom, and activist,” by Director Alexandra Liveris of Palo Alto. (Liveris will be Lunafest East Bay Organizing Committee’s honored guest at the El Cerrito screening in March.)

Running Dry: “A woman impacted by economic hardships journeys into contemporary Athens,” by Director Dimitra Nikolopoulou of Athens, Greece. (A favorite of mine)

Date with Fate: “When it comes to blind dating, some things are meant to be – whether you like it or not,” by Director Venetia Taylor of Sydney, Australia.

Tiny Miny Magic: “When Sam and her mailman exchange presents via her mailbox, an unexpected love connection blossom,” by Director Danielle Lurie of New York, NY. (While I loved all of them, I was very fond of this little gem.)

A little shimmer and leather for a film premiere.

A little shimmer and leather for a film premiere.

This is a perfect outing for a Girls’ Night Out or Women’s Night Out. A few friends who came for the first time with their teenaged daughters this past March found it a great Mother-Daughter Movie Night. Conversely, bringing your male counterparts – husbands and sons – also makes for an enjoyable evening with potential for interesting follow-up conversations. Mark your calendars for March 8th, and make plans for a great evening of community, friendship, inspiration, and creativity.

Earrings from Portland, ME, Sundance rings and Lava 9 chunky ring (Berkeley, CA).

Earrings from Portland, ME, Sundance rings and Lava 9 chunky ring (Berkeley, CA).

Power platforms and an evening suit of pleats and brocade and black leather skirt.

Power platforms and an evening suit of pleats and brocade and black leather skirt.

When women are present . . . things change

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I am a Woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal Woman,
that’s me.
– Maya Angelou, American poet, memoirist, actress, and American Civil Rights Movement activist

Eight of the nine women filmmakers at the San Francisco premiere of Lunafest.

Eight of the nine women filmmakers and one of the women who was featured in one of the films at the San Francisco premiere of Lunafest.

Last Thursday evening was the World Premiere of the Lunafest film festival in San Francisco. This year the Lunafest East Bay Organizing  Committee – this is my first year on the committee – was honored along with other organizations and individuals for their work in raising money for local nonprofits and for the Breast Cancer Fund, which is a beneficiary of Lunafest. On Wednesday I’ll blog about the nine short films that were chosen out of more than 900 films that were submitted for consideration, as well as the wonderful words of Jeanne Rizzo, RN, President and CEO of the Breast Cancer Fund. But in today’s blog I want to share the inspirational message of special guest, Dr. Stacy L. Smith.

Dr. Stacy Smith, associate professor at USC (photo by USC).

Dr. Stacy Smith, associate professor at USC (photo by USC).

First of all, a little more on Lunafest, a film festival by, for, and about women dedicated to building community through the power of film and through the power of the story:  The film festival was established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, to “simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support women’s nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada.” The mission of Lunafest is to “celebrate and inspire women through the art of film and community fundraising.”

Second choice outfit for Lunafest: bright stripes in October.

Second choice outfit for Lunafest: bright stripes in October.

Dr. Stacy L. Smith is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Media, Diversity, and Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Her work “examines gender and race on-screen and behind the camera in cinematic content as well as barriers and opportunities facing woman and people of color in the entertainment industry.” She has authored numerous articles, reports, chapters, and papers, focusing on gender, race, hypersexualization of girls and women, and violence.

In her talk, Dr. Smith discussed studies she had done on speaking characters – defined as having at least one speaking line – in 100 of the top-grossing films per year. Data on characters were broken down by demographics, physical appearance, and occupation of the character. In 500 films, of the 21,000 characters, 71.6 percent were men and 28.4 percent were women. It should come as no surprise to many of us; however, when you consider that half of the U.S. population is women and nearly half of the workforce at 47 percent is women, it’s a disturbing to say the least. Dr. Smith noted that there has been no change in gender prevalence since 1976: Of 55 films from 1976 to 1990, only 28 percent were women; of 400 films from 1990 to 2006, only 27 percent were women; and of 500 films from 2007 to 2012, only 28 percent were women.

Anthropologie earrings and Tiffany ring and bracelet, my 50th birthday presents from David.

Anthropologie earrings and Tiffany ring and bracelet, my 50th birthday presents from David.

Dr. Smith also looked at the hypersexualization of male and female on-screen characters. Only 9.4 percent of men were partially nude, while 31 percent of women were shown on screen partially nude. Nearly 50 percent of women were identified as thin, while only 16.2 percent of male characters were thin. Dr. Smith posed this question to the audience: What is the solution to this representational crisis? Women! “When women are present, things change,” she declared.

Dr. Smith examined three major places in which the presence of women in certain positions made a difference. She looked at 820 films from 2002 to 2012 and found three areas of change. In the area of production, when men are directors, only 28 percent of key positions on the team were women. However, when the directors were female in indie films, the number of females in key positions rose to 44 percent. Second, when females directed, there were more girls/women on-screen but less sexualization. Finally, when females directed, the percent of on-screen characters for girls and women rose to 61.7 percent, with more stories about female competition and athleticism.

“The presence of females can alter the status quo in women being silenced and sexualized,” Dr. Smith emphasized. She pointed out that Lunafest, which is shown in 150 cities and raises resources for local nonprofits, is the perfect platform to drive change to the status quo. “It’s the story of all of us, and it can affect the landscape of humanity,” she said. “When women are present, things change.” Dr. Smith encouraged us all to promote change locally, nationally, and globally. Check.

Outfit close-up.

Outfit close-up.

Portland, Maine: the joy of discoveries before saying farewell

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It is the end of another summer. It is time for you to leave the island too. Good-by to clams and mussels and barnacles, to crows and swallows, gulls and owls, to sea-urchins, seals, and porpoises. It is time to reset the clock from the rise and fall of the tide….
– Robert McCloskey, American writer and illustrator of children’s books, from A Time of Wonder

Storefront pooch on Exchange Street.

Storefront pooch on Exchange Street.

Our department headed over to downtown Portland to have one last meal following the close of our summer summit late Tuesday afternoon. We carpooled and after my good friend and colleague – frolleague? – Bernie Monegain dropped off our other frolleagues across from the Flatbread Company (72 Commercial Street, Number 5, Portland, 207.772.8777), where we were going to dine, I remained with Bernie to find the elusive open parking spot. As fate would have it, we found a generous strip off of Milk Street, with Exchange Street and its alluring shops one street over.

Waterlily's colorful storefront on Milk Street.

Waterlily’s colorful storefront on Milk Street.

I admit that while I wanted to keep Bernie company and continue to catch up with her (we only see one another once or twice a year), I had ulterior motives for wishing for a parking spot in the epicenter of Portland’s downtown shopping experience, where brick streets and sidewalks lead you to unique shops. Bernie indulged my request to “just check out one store,” but as we turned the corner onto Milk Street, I spied a quaint shop to my left. I stopped, looked back, and internally debated before requesting Bernie to allow me to “just take a quick run-through.” Bernie was hungry and we were both aware that our colleagues and frolleagues were no doubt ordering their flatbread pizzas after a happy hour of downing their cold beers and sipping their full-bodied wines and sangrias. She must have appreciated the curiosity in my eyes, the plea in my voice. We turned around and stepped inside what seemed like another world – certainly another culture – which was at once energetically colorful and serene.

Stepping inside a new world of color, textiles, and other natural materials.

Stepping inside a new world of color, textiles, and other natural materials.

Discovery: ‘Conscious trade’ and artisan import love
Waterlily (26 Milk Street, Portland, 207.775.5459, info@waterlilyimports.com), is a “conscious trade” boutique featuring handmade clothing, jewelry, accessories, and gifts by artisans from the Portland area and across Asia. Being the true journalist that she is, Bernie talked with the shop girl – no offense meant, I just love that expression – and found that proprietor Renee Garland travels to Asia five months of the year to discover and handpick the wares that she sells in her shop. She began her journey several years ago, combining her love of travel with supporting artisans and sharing their artistry, and has been able to successfully sustain her business. Renee also creates and sews many of the textile goods, including jackets, pillows, and purses, which boast a harmonious explosion of colors.

Bone earrings hand carved from Bali artisans.

Bone earrings hand carved by Bali artisans.

If you check out Renee’s Facebook page, you’ll see that she created the intricate designs for the gorgeous bone earrings that Bali artisans hand carved in time for summer. The semi-precious stone earrings and other jewelry pieces made by Anusara, two sisters in Bangkok, are recent additions to Waterlily. Once again, I forgot to ask for the shop girl’s name, but a warm shout-out to her for her time and patience in responding to our questions, letting us know more about Waterlily, Renee, and the beautiful artisanal wares, and obliging my request to try on numerous pairs of bone earrings as we three tried to determine which intricate design and shape was our favorite – and looked the best on me. I hope I’ll still be coming to Portland every August because I found another unique destination and a deep appreciation for Renee’s artistic eye and fair trade philosophy.

Beautiful earrings from Anusara of Bangkok.

Beautiful earrings from Anusara of Bangkok.

Se Vende Imports's charming storefront.

Se Vende Imports’s charming storefront.

Discovery: Shop talk and more artisan import love
After such a wonderful time at Waterlily and the fact that we still hadn’t made it to the restaurant, I assured Bernie that we could skip my original destination point and make our way to the Flatbread Company. We were both still warm and glowing from discovering Waterlily. Perhaps it was that warmth and glow that compelled me to turn to Bernie one more time and ask if we couldn’t “just do a quick run-through” of this particular shop on Exchange Street. Bernie was game, so off we went. I had gone to Se Vende Imports (4 Exchange Street, Portland, 207.761.1808, info@sevendeimports.com) on Saturday with Jack, but longed to return and do another once-over. That Saturday I had chatted with a couple of women behind the counter, and in another stroke of luck, the younger woman was there.

Bernie and Cait (isn't that the name of a 1970s sitcom?).

Bernie and Cait (isn’t that the name of a 1970s sitcom?).

I remembered that Cait Capaldi – yes, we asked for her name – had mentioned that she was a belly dancer. As I snapped one photograph after another of the jewelry on display, Bernie had a great conversation with Cait, and we were treated to a heartwarming story. Cait had coveted a statement silver pendant on a leather cord made by the nomadic Tuareg Tribe of the Sahara Desert but being a starving college student, she couldn’t pull the trigger. Something about needing to eat over having a piece of jewelry! She went to the store to look at the pendant time and again, and then she ended up working for the owner of Se Vende Imports – yes, I forgot to ask for the owner’s name! While she tried to set aside money, even as the piece was set aside for her, saving up wasn’t happening soon enough. When Cait graduated, however, the owners, a mother/daughter duo, presented the pendant to her as a graduation present. It couldn’t have happened to a sweeter, more bubbly person. Cait indulged my request for a photo. She struck a confident pose after we both convinced Bernie to join in the fun and get in the picture.

Silver treasures.

Dripping with silver treasures.

Simple yet stunning Hill Tribe cuff.

Simple yet stunning Hill Tribe cuff.

Hoop dreams.

Hoop dreams.

The mother/daughter owners of Se Vende Imports also travel the world in search of unique jewelry and other finds, and support artisans by buying directly from them. Some of the other stunning pieces of jewelry are made by the Hill Tribe of Thailand, in the northern region of Myanmar (Burma). As I mentioned in Monday’s blog, Se Vende Imports carries a dizzying array of rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and accessories. And they run from very affordable rings and earrings at $16 to works of art for a pretty penny. There is truly something for every woman at her price point. I admit it – you can’t do a run-through. You have to walk slowly and appreciate the craftsmanship of the pieces. And enjoy the warm conversations and customer service. Bookmark. Promise to return. Done and done.

The Flatbread Company's version of the "bucket list."

The Flatbread Company’s version of the “bucket list.”

‘Before I die I want to….’
I never seem to hear my smartphone ping me when someone tries to call or text me. I was clearly distracted this time around. When we finally made a dash for the Flatbread Company, I discovered a few text messages from our frolleague Diana, asking where we were, though at a certain point, they knew. Bernie and I had stories to tell and pictures to show. We discovered that our New Media producer, Benjamin Harris, went to high school with Cait – such a small world, indeed! Bernie and I were more than ready for wine and pizza. On our way back to the hotel after dinner, Bernie, our frolleague Eric, and I stopped in front of a big black chalkboard that ran across the lower length of the restaurant’s building to the corner. It bore several columns and rows that proclaimed: “Before I die I want to” and then a blank line. Bernie wanted to write something down, although all the lines seemed to have been spoken for. None of us wrote a word, but as I returned to my hotel room and started packing, my toiletries and clothes retreating from the bathroom and closet, I thought about what I would write. I would take up several columns, though one of the first ones would be to write several novels and short stories and somehow get them out into the world. But if I were to capture the moment, I would write this: “Before I die I want to discover people and places, goodness and joy in everything, and the creative spirit in us all.”

Lighthouse on an island in Casco Bay.

Lighthouse on an island in Casco Bay.

As I prepared to leave Portland on my last night, I looked up and read the words of Robert McCloskey, from Time of Wonder, one of my all-time favorite children’s books, with great appreciation and not a little sadness: Take a farewell look at the waves and the sky. Take a farewell sniff of the salty sea. A little bit sad about the place you are leaving, a little bit glad about the place you are going. It is a time of quiet wonder – for wondering for instance: Where do hummingbirds go in a hurricane?

Maine sunset from Peaks Island, looking toward Portland.

Maine sunset from Peaks Island, looking back toward Portland.

Portland, Maine: vintage love times 3

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Out on the islands that poke their rocky shores about the waters of Penobscot Bay, you can watch the time of the world go by, from minute to minute, hour to hour, from day to day, season to season.
– Robert McCloskey, American writer and illustrator of children’s books, from Time of Wonder

Encore's storefront, appropriately located in a former jewelry store.

Encore’s storefront, appropriately located in a former jewelry store.

I couldn’t leave Portland without exerting a herculean effort to visit the three vintage shops that I’ve had the pleasure of perusing in past summer trips. My efforts – in the form of frenzied cab rides from South Portland to downtown Portland and back to my work summit during my lunch break in record time – was totally worth it. (That was an appropriate mouthful!) I recommend not shooting through in the less than the two hours’ time that I did because you really need to leisurely look and enjoy. This is the requirement and beauty of  all things vintage.

Vintage hats galore.

Vintage hats galore.

A mod 1960s skirt - yeah, baby, as Austin Powers would say.

A mod 1960s skirt – yeah, baby, as Austin Powers would say.

Proprietor Rita Prout-Farley opened Encore (521 Congress Street, Portland, 207.775.4275) in 1991 in Brunswick, Maine, but later moved to its current location, appropriately in a historic building built in 1856. Encore focuses on designer and select resale clothing, jewelry, and accessories from 1800 to the 1970s. A collector most of her life, Rita turned her love of fashion and collecting into her business. An apology to the wonderful sales woman who answered all of my questions – in my glee of being amidst vintage clothes and accessories, I forgot to ask for her name. Mille scuse! She graciously and patiently pulled out beautiful outfits for me to photograph. Encore is like a museum that you walk through in awe. Indeed, many outfits were used in films from yesteryear. Complete with tall wooden cabinets that house the antique and vintage jewelry, hats, purses, and shoes, Encore has been cited by Travel and Leisure Magazine as a one of its recommended vintage destinations in the country.

Glass cases dripping with vintage jewels.

Glass cases dripping with vintage jewels.

Encore boasts aisles of amazing vintage clothes.

Encore boasts aisles of amazing vintage clothes.

Material Objects (500 Congress Street, Portland, 207.774.1241) is just across the street from Encore and worth checking out the vintage dresses, especially from the 1960s era. This vintage and consignment shop also offers new goods such as jewelry.

Material Objects' storefront.

Material Objects’ storefront.

A mix of vintage and new jewelry.

A mix of vintage and new jewelry.

A flower power dress that looks circa 1960s at Material Objects.

A flower power dress that looks circa 1960s at Material Objects.

The charming Pinecone+Chickadee storefront.
The charming Pinecone+Chickadee storefront.

My last stop was a street over and a few blocks down. Noah DeFilippis and Amy Teh silkscreen their original designs on t-shirts made from organic material, recycled paper greeting cards and journals, and other accessories. Two years ago this charming storefront opened up and Pinecone+Chickadee (6 Free Street, Portland, 207.772.9280) was born. Musician Noah and graphic designer and illustrator Amy, who are also married, have expanded their offerings with their own line of jewelry. They also have a great collection of vintage wares. Last summer I came across a green-plaid, plastic-covered cardboard carry-on in an oval shape with a strap. I had the same carry-on – though I called it my suitcase back then – when I was a girl. Thanks for the memories!

Vintage goods that we couldn't live without back in the day.

Vintage goods that we couldn’t live without back in the day.

Part of an impressive collection of vintage cameras.

Part of an impressive collection of vintage cameras.

Pinecone+Chickadee's line of jewelry.

Pinecone+Chickadee’s line of jewelry.

Alissa Hauser: expanding compassion through The Pollination Project and her life

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I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.
– Mother Teresa, Albanian Roman Catholic nun, humanitarian, and Nobel Peace Prize winner

Alissa Houser, executive director of The Pollination Project, at Cafeina Organic Café in Albany, CA.

Alissa Hauser, executive director of The Pollination Project, at Cafeina Organic Café in Albany, CA.

You could say that both social justice and entrepreneurialism are in Alissa Hauser’s DNA. Raised in New Jersey, the executive director of The Pollination Project grew up with the spirit of volunteerism in her family. When she was young, she stuffed envelopes for local candidates for her politically active parents. After graduating and moving to San Francisco in 1993, she knew she wanted to work in nonprofits. When those organizations didn’t know how to run a business, however, she earned her degree in MBA for nonprofits at the University of San Francisco so she could bring business savvy into the nonprofit world. “My path has always been to be involved in more entrepreneurial, small-growing nonprofits than as part of a cog in a big wheel in a large nonprofit,” said Alissa, who now lives in El Cerrito, CA. “I really like being able to be close to the work we’re doing.”

Her first job out of graduate school was with Resourceful Women [now called Inspired Legacies], which educates and empowers socially responsible women with wealth to use their money as a tool for social change. Alissa then worked with activist and environmentalist Julia Butterfly Hill, whom she helped to develop her body of environmental education through Circle of Life, the organization Hill founded. Circle of Life incubated Engage Network, which develops best practices for engaging people in an issue or cause and consults with large nonprofits on how to engage their members and supporters. One of the programs that Engage Network established was Off the Mat and Into the World, a network of people who do yoga and are engaged in social-change efforts. The project has raised millions of dollars to train leaders and support causes around the world.

Deciding that it was time for a change, Alissa left Engage Network in June 2012. Within days of her exit, Ariel Nessel, who had been a donor for some of the organizations she had run, reached out to her with his idea for The Pollination Project – to give a $1,000 grant a day  to social-change entrepreneurs. “He knew that I liked to start things and build up,” Alissa said. When asked if she could help him set up the foundation, she exclaimed, “I know when something is a ‘yes.’ It was a perfect fit for me.”

Alissa and her husband and son at the Family Block Party, hosted by the Alphabet Rockers, an Oakland, CA-based kids hip-hop band (courtesy of Alissa Houser).

Alissa and her husband and son at the Family Block Party, hosted by the Alphabet Rockers, an Oakland, CA-based kids hip-hop band (courtesy of Alissa Houser).

Spreading more kindness and compassion
Indeed, The Pollination Project’s mission to expand compassion to the planet, people, and animals is closely aligned to Alissa’s philosophy. “What I’m most committed to is creating more kindness and compassion in the world,” she said. “There are so many ways to do it; there are so many ways I have done it. But at the end of the day, I just want to be a person who inspires other people to be nice to one another, no matter who they are or what they’ve done.” In memory of the victims at Sandy Hook, Alissa and one of her friends conducted acts of kindness on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and documented them in an accompanying photo blog. “It was rewarding, but it’s more than just a day,” she countered. “It’s a way of life that I aspire to.”

One important lifestyle decision that Alissa and her husband “deliberately and intentionally” made was to eschew having biological kids and instead adopt through the Contra Costa County foster care system. She and her husband fostered their son, who was seven months at the time, and then adopted him. Alissa is a passionate advocate for the foster care system and the “amazing, heroic people who are in that system raising and caring for kids whom people don’t ever think about.” Through her experience with the system, she has discovered the “profound resiliency” in the children. “Kids want to be awesome; they just want people to give them a chance,” she enthused.

Barn Buddies pairs rescued ponies with foster and adopted kids (courtesy of The Pollination Project).

Barn Buddies pairs rescued ponies with foster and adopted kids (courtesy of The Pollination Project).

Alissa encourages everybody to consider the children in our communities who are already here and who can flourish under our guidance, love, and creativity, and become the President of the United States, doctors, and lawyers. Stigmatized, foster kids are treated as if they’re “broken and damaged goods, but they’re not,” Alissa adamantly says. “I’m really passionate about that.” In April, The Pollination Project funded a program founded by Rachel Pate and Kathy Lee, who have adopted children into their families. Barn Buddies, an equine-assisted therapy program, serves both foster and adopted children in metro Atlanta by pairing them with rescued ponies. The grant will help to build a barn for the ponies.

Finding your passion and purpose
Alissa firmly believes that everyone is given his or her life to do something with it. “Making a difference doesn’t have to be hard,” she contends. “Be clear about who you are, what you have to offer, and what you want to create in the world – and you can bring that to everything you do.” It’s really that simple, according to Alissa. “I do the work I do in the world, but at the end of the day, I could work at Starbuck’s and still have my life be about being kind and having people be nice and be happy,” she said. “It starts with inner intention.”

A protest against fracking (courtesy of The Pollination Project).

A protest against fracking (courtesy of The Pollination Project).

Inner intention to one small step
It may start with inner intention for Alissa and indeed for many of the grantees, but The Pollination Project helps to bring those intentions out into the world. Alissa told me about Tawd Bell and his Divest to Protect project. Tawd is organizing a campaign to get companies and individuals to stop doing business with their local community bank in Columbus, Ohio, unless the bank reneges on its recent pro-fracking investment. “Sometimes, with the issues going on in the world, the big win is made up of a lot of little steps,” she said. “There are so many small, small steps, and the big win is so far off it’s probably not in our generation or our grandchildren’s generation. But you have to take those little steps.”

During the weekly application review, the team questioned whether boycotting one community bank with 200 accounts will make a difference. On the other hand, this bank’s position could be the first of many other local banks’ forays into investments that threaten the environment. “My position is that you have to do something and you have to win something,” Alissa said. And that’s The Pollination Project and Alissa’s philosophy – helping one change-maker, one vision, and one step every day.

Editor’s Note: If you have or someone you know has a project that would be a good candidate for a grant from The Pollination Project, you can access an application here.