DWU NATIONAL CONFERENCE
HERSTORY: GROWING & EVOLVING
Workshops
KEYNOTE PRESENTERS
FLAVIA FLEISCHER
NAJMA S. JOHNSON
ELLA MAE LENTZ
WORKSHOPS
INNOVATION IN ARTS, CULTURE, POLITICS & SOCIAL MEDIA
Collection of Travel Stories
Aracelia Aguilar & Lucinda Baugh
Saturday | 11a | Monterey
Aracelia will share about adventures of Sordas in South America sharing her experiences as a Deaf Latina woman traveling. Lucinda will share her own personal journey around the world in 365 Days. Their stories will be told through pictures and videos taken on the world journey. Both women aim to share stories of discovering yourself in an unfamiliar situation and several life altering lessons learned while traveling as a Deaf female Americans with different backgrounds. Participants learn on some pointers on budget backpacking travel and to embrace on practicing “lick finger in the air” philosophy. They hope to have Deaf women to feel “let's do it” without feeling “not safe” about traveling.
Eyeing Moments
Clare Cassidy
Friday | 3p | Monterey
Eyeing Moments will be focused on the use of the “eye” when taking photos, especially when trying to catch moments. I will give 10 Composition rules and have them actively apply the rules when in my workshop. Also, in that workshop, I will give tips on how to capture simple yet stunning moments. Everyone will be required to have an iphone or a phone that has a camera and editing apps. Editing apps I will use during the workshop will be Snapseed and/or Camera+. There will be an activity where they will make a short 15 seconds film using a central theme provided at the workshop (improv type).
Community + Online=Social Media
Jazzy Jones & Lizzie Sorkin
Thursday | 9:30a | Napa 3
In recent years, social media has become a crucial vessel for creating change and
building community. We utilize these digital spaces -- Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram -- to share data; to promote our livelihoods; to engage with family and friends. We have created a whole new dimension for what it means to be "social," but how can we be sure we are using these outlets effectively?
iPad Art: How to use your iPad to draw?
Stevie Naeyaert
Saturday | 4:30p | Napa 2
How to use your iPad to draw?
ArtRage is a powerful painting and drawing package that simulates real world tools on your iPad. Ever wanted to try oil paining but not had the equipment and been worried about the mess? Or watercolor painting? Charcoal sketches? Depending on participants or workshop committee. I can do one or the other or both. First Paper53 (simple program) then ArtRage (more powerful program)
You need to bring your iPad! Download the apps (not free)
• Stylus, recommended
. • Apps to download before workshop:
• Paper53 and/or • ArtRage •
Paper53 is a very straightforward art app. A pencil, pen, marker and paintbrush. No fussy buttons, settings or other distractions. Paper works like a notebook or sketch journal. All of your ideas with you in one place!
Mid-Life Change: Becoming a Gallery Owner
Elise Holliday Nye
Saturday | 9:30a | Napa 2
On my 35th birthday, I woke up crying because I wasn’t where I wanted to be or doing what I wanted to do. The problem was - I didn’t know where I wanted to be or what I wanted to do!
Over the next 6 years, I did a lot of self-exploration to figure this whole thing out. My partner, Richie Holliday, and I purchased the Santa Fe Weaving Gallery - a textile arts gallery that curates women’s clothing - all hand-woven, hand-pieced, or created in an innovative fashion. This gallery was founded in 1976 and represents about 30 artists from all over the world. The journey from climbing the corporate ladder to becoming a business owner was full of twists and turns. I ended up in a surprising place and I now wake up knowing that I’m in the right place and doing the work I wanted to do.
De'VIA & Deaf Women
Nancy Rourke
Friday | 1:30p | Napa 3
De'VIA and Deaf Women workshop will cover what De'VIA is and how women as Deaf artists show their experiences in their work.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Gardening for Your Soul and for Your Family
Estella Bustamante
Saturday | 11a | Napa 1
Ever wonder how to or where to begin gardening at your home ..on the front yard?
or backyard ? Or try gardening at a community garden patch? Faced with the
challenges of time constraints or small spaces? Estella will take you on her personal journey in the world of gardening. Estella will share the significance of knowing what, where and when to begin gardening. At the beginning, there will be brief presentation of pictures on her gardening experiences in Minnesota and in California. Before anyone could dive into gardening, Estella will outline sequential
steps on how to begin and design a garden from small to large spaces. Finally how gardening can affect a person’s soul and her family as well in a wonderful way! Atthe end, each person will receive a packet of seeds to take home!
Exploration of Shame, Spirituality & Resiliency
Nancy Delich
Saturday | 9:30a | Monterey
The Shame Resiliency Theory proposed by Dr. Brene Brown, is foundational to my research agenda as an assistant professor of social work at California State University Fresno. Shame has been well documented by numerous research studies over the past 20 year as the dominant emotion in daily life. The significance and prevalence of shame surpasses anger, anxiety, fear, and grief. The first learning objective of my workshop is to provide a brief
overview of Dr. Brown’s work in SRT. The experience of spiritual direction (or spiritual counseling) utilizing videophone technology between a spiritual director and spiritual directees, all of whom are deaf. Preliminary research data, as it relates to shame and D/deaf women.
Orientation to Mindfulness
Judith Fruge
Saturday | 3p | Mendocino
Introduction to mindfulness living based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) model that developed in 1979 at the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness. MSBR training introduces concepts and tools for coping with stress, chronic pain, medical issues, and psychological distress. Women will learn what basically mindfulness entails, introductory mindfulness tools to develop our ability to adjust to our daily stress/conflict/challenge and welcome inner calm. Selected mindfulness and mediation attitudes and practice will be also shared.
Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Mary Ann Hencker & Michelle Hughes
Thursday | 9:30a | Monterey
-Sharing/excerpting documentaries
-Veganism:
Enough protein?
Sugar vs Fat
Carb is not a bad word
Where to start?
-Recipes
-Womyn sharing their experiences on changing their lifestyle and diet due to ailments and had a positive impact on their health.
Becoming an Embodiment of Wild Love
Ashanti Monts-Tréviska
Thursday | 11a | Napa 1
This is a heart based workshop which guides us to identify how we are connecting with ourselves and with others. This is one of the steps in rediscovering our authentic or true self transforming the connection with self and others. Do you know how to speak the true language of love?
This workshop provides a sacred space for those who seek guidance in becoming compassionate towards self on an authentic journey of self re-discovery. Are you ready for self transformation or inner
transformation experience?
The Book of Grief Rules
Vicki Moseley
Thursday | 11a | Napa 2
It is very likely that one day you, one of your friends, colleagues, or family members will experience struggles with mental health. Despite its commonality, mental health issues is still surrounded by prejudice, stigmatization, and fear from insufficient knowledge and understanding related to this field. We would like to move this dialogue forward by removing mental health stigma through the use of community compassion. During this panel, we will discuss a community based mental health-kit that can improve the quality of peoples lives with tolerance and understanding.
Let's Hide and Stand Alone
Terrylene Sacchetti
Friday | 1:30p | Monterey
Hide and Stand Alone presentation is about looking at social change within our community and focus on suicide prevention among deaf youth and adults. Do we remain the spirit of standing alone or do we remove the stigma and connect in teaching our community that emotionally and mentally distresses are treatable, support is here and suicide is preventable.
Three Tips to Overcome Suffering; Through the Light of Yoga
Rajarajeshwari
Thursday | 9:30a | Napa 2
From the traditional yogic perspective, we all are divine light, soul and bliss. This workshop focuses on overcoming suffering to lead you to your eternal soul, who you are as a Deaf woman today.
On the mental level of suffering, the art of concentration is through meditation. Thoughts create habits, habits build your character, your character develops your destiny. On the emotional level of suffering, we practice non-attachment and establishing healthy boundaries from your emotions. On the physical level of suffering, a proper diet is critical because food produces cells in our body. The above can apply to many aspects of our journey as a human being, woman, Deaf, family, health, relationships, career, activism, social change, and more for this is all about you, Your Story: Growing and Evolving!
Mental Health Panel- Activism/Advocacy in the Mental Health Field: How We Can Have an Impact.
Megan Erasmus, Amanda Sortwell, Co-faciliators
Yael Agriss, Kelea Junc, Melissa Huber, Terrylene Sacchetti & Trudie Sunahdi
Friday | 3p | Sonoma
It is very likely that one day you, one of your friends, colleagues, or family members will experience struggles with mental health. Despite its commonality, mental health issues is still surrounded by prejudice, stigmatization, and fear from insufficient knowledge and understanding related to this field. We would like to move this dialogue forward by removing mental health stigma through the use of community compassion. During this panel, we will discuss a community based mental health-kit that can improve the quality of peoples lives with tolerance and understanding.
PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Young Women & Education
Karin Allard & Katherine Reyes
Saturday | 4:30p | Napa 3
What does it mean to be a Deaf adult female in college? That depends on where you live and how old you are. In America, once females reach a certain age, they tend to be discouraged from moving up the educational and career ladder for various reasons. In Sweden, obstacles and opportunities are also present, but distinctively different. This workshop will compare higher education in America verses Europe, analyze social barriers that prevent women from achieving their educational goals, and review programme offered in Sweden. Discussion also includes an anecdote of what it means to be a "non-traditional" student in America (non-traditional is unheard of in Sweden!).
Deaf Women as Education Adminstrators: Tribulations and Accomplishments
Nancy Hlibok Amann & Tawny Holmes
Saturday | 3p | Napa 3
There is a history of struggle for women of the Deaf community when it comes to achieving higher positions in the education field. We have seen a higher level of criticism and lack of due process which have resulted in many Deaf women being trapped under the glass ceiling which often translates in their losing their jobs, stellar reputations, and achievement status. Currently, there is only one Deaf female superintendent and a handful of Deaf female college administrators. This interactive workshop will provide historical background, relevant factors and an opportunity to discuss collectivism, e.g. what can we as Deaf women do to support other Deaf women in shattering this ceiling in the hearing male-dominated educational administration field.
Say Yes to Accountability Mentoring Partnership
Wendy Dannels & Pearlene Utley
Thursday | 11a | Napa 3
Mentoring and partnering accountability serve as the entry for pathways to success. Women will explore different ways of establishing positive relationships. In this interactive learning workshop, co-facilitators will discuss different types of supports needed that will impact various aspects of women’s lives including career, technology, education, marriage/relationship, parent, well-being and so forth. Saying yes to mentoring partnership will lay the foundation for personal growth and development of skills. At the end of session, prospective and current mentors and mentees will be able to identify several tools to create solutions or significant changes that can propel themselves forward in their lives and enable them to achieve their full potential with consistent usage of accountability partnerships and ongoing mentorship.
How to Launch Your Business
AnnMarie Killian & Melody Stein
Friday | 3p | Napa 3
The dream of setting up our own business is often one that many opt to forego due to lack of knowledge, experience and fear. This interactive workshop will provide an overview and appreciation for the pros and cons of buying a franchise versus starting up your own business. We will share our individual experience with both business models in the health and restaurant industry and engage participants in sharing their experience in pursuit of their passion as entrepreneurs.
Stuff They Didn't Tell You About Motherhood
Maureen Klusza
Friday | 1:30p | Mendocino
Sharing on stuff about entering motherhood and during motherhood that nobody really warned you about or talked about with you.
How Do You Know If You Are Living A Life By Your Intutition, Energy & Choice?
Irina Normatov
Saturday | 9:30a | Napa 3
Everyday, people often asks themselves questions like;
-Am I making a right decision?
-How do I know if my choices are leading to right positive path, bigger results, like opportunities?
-My intuitions are not giving the signs or clear messages, do I have an actual intuition?
-Am I living a life in joy with inner peace, authentic and happiness or pretending to do so but does it feels the same inside a soul?
They don't realize that they don't pay attention to their power of daily thoughts that comes with powerful energy that affects/impacts a soul and their wheel of life of relationship, career, money, health and wellness. People don’t realize that intuition is the first and best thing to follow the guidance. It have a very powerful way of communicating with soul of energy and choice to finally trust & listen to the intuition in order to live in a peaceful, fulfilling and happy life.
Unlocking The Power Of The Deaf Female Entrepreneurial Mind
Brandi Rarus & Sofia Seitchik
Saturday | 11a | Napa 2
This workshop will talk about what it takes to be Deaf Female entrepreneur to succeed in business with the right mindset. The presenters will cover areas that Deaf women will require to be a successful entrepreneur while sharing real life examples of Deaf women who have navigated the mainstream to overcome the challenges of any successful businesswoman. 1.Finding Your Strength To Put Yourself Out There; 2.Identifying your passion and staying focused; 3.Understanding your Sweet Spot to Success in the Mainstream
We will talk about ways you can navigate the mainstream as a Deaf business woman and what tools you will require for success. You will walk away with your clear vision and be confident at what you do.
PERSONAL IDENTITIES & ALLIES
Scenarios & Stories: Supporting Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Survivors
Melinda Harrison Jones & Marilyn Jean Smith
Saturday | 11a | Sonoma
This workshop will have two components on how to be an active ally and supporter to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The first half will focus on scenarios. Each group will be asked to discuss various scenarios and how they would respond to such situations. Marilyn will guide and facilitate discussions with each group. The second half of the workshop, "Stories", will consist of a panel of
real-life survivors of domestic and sexual violence, facilitated by Melinda, on the kind of support they got post trauma.Three things that Marilyn and Melinda hope that YOU will take from this are:
1) a deeper understanding and knowledge of various domestic and sexual violence scenarios and how to best respond to them;
2) greater empathy for survivors;
3) a commitment to work on personal values and biases in order to better support and survivors.
Education Advocacy: Being There for Deaf Children
Tawny Holmes & Lissette Molina Wood
Thursday | 9:30a | Napa 1
Nowadays, the landscape of education for deaf and hard of hearing students is vastly different than it was 30 years ago. Nearly 90% of students now attend mainstream settings which is opposite from the way it was before 1975, when the law of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was passed. The challenge is that many of those students do not have access to key factors in educational success such as language access from birth, qualified interpreters, or deaf adult role models. In response, the National Association of the Deaf along with state associations, national diverse organizations and the American Society of Deaf Parents are creating a national network of Education Advocates, and we value the involvement of diverse and talented women like yourselves. Come join us and advocate for all deaf and hard of hearing children everywhere!
Handling Gossip & Rumors
Kelea Junc
Saturday | 3p | Monterey
Do you know the difference between gossip and rumors? Want to know how to combat and DODO with gossip and rumors in general and specific situation? Come and learn how your role and others' can contribute to the problem and make a huge difference! Tips and techniques will be discussed as well. So come and discus with us to learn more about the psychology of rumor!
Understanding the Difference Between NeuroDiverse and NeuroTypical Women
Lin Machalski
Saturday | 9:30a | Mendocino
People come from all walks of life but there are women who may be somewhat different than the “norm” and perhaps possibly were mislabeled such as having attention deficient disorder, or bipolar et cetera. This workshop will briefly address the history, reasons for the mislabels and evolution of this diversity, share a listing of behavioral differences, tendencies and perspectives between neurotypical and neurodiverse women to help all learn how to embrace and respect this diversity in women.
Boundaries
Barbara White
Thursday | 11a | Mendocino
HEALTHY BOUNDARIES AND TEAMWORK IN DIFFERENT SETTINGS: What are effective and ineffective boundaries and how can we avoid them ? What is triangulation and how to shift to healthy communication with less hurt feelings? What are 10 qualities of effective teamwork? What are the signs of manipulation and how can we avoid them? When we know how to work well with others, our lives are much more pleasant!Add Description here
SOCIAL CHANGE
Then and Now- 1985 vs. 2015
Allie Joiner
Thursday | 9:30a | Empire
The transparencies shown at the 1985 conference were basically a simple introduction to Feminism and Traditionalism. These covered issues briefly on sexism, gender, power, and abuse. Sexism and feminism were greatly misunderstood. The ERA movement was discussed briefly. Some feminists in the last (?) wave were identified.
It is with hopes that the 2015 PowerPoint presentation will show societal changes in some presentations I made in 80s, 90s, 00s and now 2015. Although some changes were good, some things have not changed. For instance in 1985 women earned 62 cents to each dollar men earned and now in 2015, women are earning 77cents! We need to go after Congress and get them to pass Pay Equity Act.
A catalyst is needed to instill inspiration for social change getting more Deaf women to be politically aware and involved in supporting female candidates for office everywhere at the local, state and federal level.
Deaf Women in Prison
Alina Engelman & Kayleigh Marshall
Saturday | 3p | Empire
Watch + discuss film in the context of deaf community advocacy for the rights of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf Blind, Deaf Disabled prisoners. Currently in the state of California, deaf prisoners have no videophone access. Often DHHDBDD face extra challenges and their rights are violated: denied due process, lack access to interpreters or healthcare, and face domestic violence or sexual assault.
Healthy Deaf Identity Development
Flavia Fleischer
Thursday | 11a | Empire
What does it mean to have a Deaf identity? Who can have a Deaf identity? How do we develop a Deaf identity as well as maintain a positive, healthy identity? This presentation will address the questions with the goal of uncovering and understanding healthy Deaf identity and its importance.
Although this workshop does not center on gender identity/experiences, the Deaf identity dimension is among our intersectionalities.
Let's Harvest Weeds
Shira Grabelsky
Thursday | 9:30a | Mendocino
Weeds are not necessarily plants of burden.
The natural world informs us of ways we can be compassionate towards all beings in this world, including plants, animals, and ourselves. This workshop integrates conversations about intent and impact, intersectionality, and environmental stewardship to demonstrate how keeping an open mind and heart not only embraces the vitality of the natural world, but also supports the vitality of humanity. We will talk about the seven Leave No Trace principles and how they can be interwoven into our daily lives.
Re-Defining Womanhood: Creating A Genuine Collective Space for Womnx & Women
Najma S. Johnson
Friday | 1:30p | Sonoma
Critical Pedagogy: Deaf Women and Deaf Sports
Stacy Nowak
Saturday | 11a | Napa 3
Involvement in sports is a compelling element in how deaf women can lead their lives. Participation in deaf sports can lead to an enhanced consciousness. This comes about because of the potential of sports to be socially relevant—not to mention the adaptability of sport. Serving as a bridge to cultural contexts, sports force participants to face issues that run the gamut from racism to sexism to audism.
Shift Happens: Confessions of an Accidental Filmmaker- Creating Films for Social Changes
Julie Rems Smario
Friday | 3p | Mendocino
This workshop will be focused on how we all have an innate need to change the world by sharing our stories. As a woman who discovered the power of media late in life, I will share the lessons I've gained while riding on the learning curve with short videos, documentaries, promo films, and PSAs. Also I will offer different approaches to to capture the audience as well as strategies shift the audience’s thinking as part of our effort for social change. With different video examples, I will demonstrate the the trials and errors as well as the inspiring moments I’ve take away from my ten years of film experience.
OTHER
Caregiving: Where is the HELP button?
Donalda Ammons
Saturday | 9:30a | Napa 1
With 25+ years of experience, the speaker will discuss care giving topics. Topics will include- whose responsibility is it, when and how do I start to “take over”, how to get help through community resources and friends, and self care.
Empowering in Recovery: Finding the Light
Sandra Amundsen & Tiffany Ruffa
Friday | 1:30p | Napa 2
Informational Pamphlets (tangible, hard copies) will be provided (free take home materials) outlining the basics of both Narcotic Anonymous and Alcoholic Anonymous.
Experience, Strength and Hope through personal stories will be shared by women in recovery.
Q&A session: (interactive) At the end, the floor will be open for general questions the audience may have.
Fostering or Adopting a Deaf Child
Maureen Behrens
Saturday | 9:30a | Sonoma
After I successfully adopted my deaf daughter, Neelamma, several people asked me many questions such as: "How did you adopted her", "How much?", " Where do I get the information?"
They will learn and understand the difference between fostering and adopting a deaf child.
the tips, resources, finances, and networking will be shared so they will able to get full information that will help them making the right decision.
Gracias Madres
Susana Acosta, Estella Bustamante & Rita Ribera
Thursday | 11a | Monterey
Susana Acosta, Estella Bustamante and Rita Ribera welcome you all to our Mexican kitchen. We will share our personal favorite Mexican dishes and how we enjoy entertaining with touch of Mexican decorations and drinks! This workshop will present a live cooking show! We will demonstrate on how to create authentic and healthy way to make Mexican dishes. We hope the audience will walk away with understanding and joy of variety types of Mexican dishes (not all are the same), how to make from scratch such as enchiladas sauce, boil pinto/black beans, make Mexican rice and homemade pico de gallo salsa! Salud!
Let's all really DARE to Dig in!! Daring Greatly.
Catherine Davary
Add Video Info 2 here
Friday | 1:30p | Empire
The interactive workshop is based on Brene Brown and her book: The Gifts of Imperfection. Why do I chose to play as I venture onto my spiritual journey, and why you can too! Hands on activity will be enclosed where women will paint with the first of the 10 guideposts while they DIG in !! Deliberate, get inspired and get going. I will show the participants how to really DIG in and it takes being daring! With kindness and vulnerability and with compassion from everyone.
Inspired By Design: How to make your home the home of your dreams
Stefanie Ellis-Gonzales & Kate Kovacs
Saturday | 3p | Napa 2
Everyone wants to have a beautiful and comfortable home, a space in which they can truly appreciate, filled with meaningful and lovely items that make you happy. Over the years, Kate & Stefanie, avid decorators (fanatics, really) have scoured décor & design magazines, books, blogs, websites, and visited a wide range of shops for the perfect piece of furniture, art, or accessory for our home. We have found that many people have difficulty identifying their style, figuring out where to shop, and how to decorate. Color schemes, patterns, textures, storage, organization down to all the details involved in making your home absolutely beautiful…it can get overwhelming for the novice! During this workshop, we plan to share the design tips, tricks, and décor ideas we have accumulated through experience, trial and error. Our goal is for the participants to leave with the resources to help lead them down the yellow brick road towards creating a home that truly reflects who they are!
Stress-free Entertaining
Betty Ann Prinz
Friday | 4:30p | Napa 2
This workshop will share Betty Ann's tips on how to host stress-free experience of hosting parties. You will surely leave the workshop feeling you can host/give parties and enjoy them to the fullest!
How to Analyze Stocks
Stephanie Summers
Saturday | 11a | Mendocino
This presentation will show everyone how to read and research about stocks from Wall Street Journal and other online publications as well as statements.
Three concepts individuals will learn from this presentation are how to read stock information in any publications, how to figure out different calculations like rate of return and gains/losses; and what important factors to look for in analyzing a stock.
This presentation will be interactive with having individuals doing hands on calculations, looking up different information what drives a stock and how to identify what drives a stock performance.
What is Reiki and How Can It Benefit Me?
Ami Garry & Lin Machalski
Friday | 3p | Napa 1
This ancient art has been around for years but often Deaf people miss out due to lack of communication access and information. This workshop comes under the theme of, “Healing and Wellness”. The presenters, both Deaf Reiki masters are thrilled to share this very helpful and enlightened art of harnessing the natural energy around us to benefit our health, heart and soul. The presenters will briefly share the beginnings of Reiki, its many purposes and benefits and what to expect in a session through lecture, and interactive activity using volunteers from the audience.
Sustainability
Diedre Tubb
Friday | 3p | Napa 2
Diedre has been a recycling and waste reduction advocate for several years. Her passion focuses on establishing public education and outreach materials for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing community in all things related to sustainability, especially composting and food waste reduction programs. Participants will gain insight into the scientific, social, economic, and policy drivers behind food waste reduction efforts. She will share research findings on the benefits of composting and provide visual examples of compostable materials, the composting process, educational compost signage, and other resources. Participants will also learn about common composting misconceptions and strategies to address them.