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Women’s Intercultural Center Aug. 25-31, 2013

We are proud to announce that Mary Carter, WInC Executive Director, has been selected as one of ten 2013 Luminaria Award Recipients by the NM Community Foundation in Santa Fe.

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

Letter From the E.D. Why do I cheer when participants move on? When I first started at the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC), the staff and volunteers worried all the time about participants moving on, they didn’t see it as an evolution but as a loss. During my tenure here, I've tried to create an environment where participants

are encouraged and supported in transitioning into a new life. Today, at WInC we are truly dedicated to our partici-pants and this means being happy when they transition into a better life and no longer need our services. If we’re lucky their transition will include a return to our ranks as a volunteer instructor, as an advocate, as a supporter or as a donor. When new participants start at WInC, we are dedicated to making them a success and that includes giving them the tools and resources to move on. I expect them to learn and focus on their personal goal(s) and to utilize the tools and resources we provide them to overcome any barriers they may encounter in preparation for an opportunity that comes by. And when it does, they are encouraged to let us know how we can help. This approach does a few things. It shows participants we care about and encourage their success. They are more than numbers in our reports. It also eliminates the threat and fear of change. From the get-go they know that change is part of life and they learn to accept it making them more flexible and open to the opportunities that come their way. In essence, we say: "Yes, participants will move on. It's normal and it's something we strive for, since our focus is to educate, empower and engage women!” In the work we do, we strive to help them improve themselves by being great at what we do. We wish them the best and keep moving forward. We love our participants; however, we love it even better when they become the authors of their own lives.

Congratulations to Elvira for passing her U.S. Citizenship Exam! And congratulations to Olivia for continuing her 100% record of success in preparing her students for the exam! Way to go ladies!

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WInC Director Selected as 2013 Luminaria

The New Mexico Community Foundation has selected 10 New Mexicans as this year’s Luminarias — a distinction awarded to people around the state who make a “profound difference in their communities,” says foundation Director Jennifer Parks. The foundation had chosen Luminarias annually until 2007, and Parks decided to revive the tradition this year in honor of the organization’s 30th anniversary. “The purpose [of selecting Luminarias] is to really highlight and honor people who are making a big difference, or have made a big difference, in the state in a variety of ways,” Parks said. “We wanted to be very diverse, and to [have Luminarias] come from different parts of the state.” Those selected will be honored in December at the foundation’s 30th anniversary gala, with an awards ceremony and cocktail reception. The event also will feature a silent auction to benefit funds the foundation has established to provide aid in several areas of focus: New Mexico women and girls, rural community development,

emergency funds, Native American leadership programs and veterans issues. Luminaria recipient based in Southern NM is Mary Carter, Executive Director of the Women’s Intercultural Center in Anthony. Mary Carter, 44, is as committed to educating, empowering and engaging women. A military brat born in El Paso, TX and currently residing in Anthony with her two sons — who has a degree in Business Administration and an MBA in Marketing — has been the executive director of the Women’s Intercultural in Anthony for five years. Additionally she serves as Vice President of the NM Teen Pregnancy Coalition, Advisor of CCIME, Hispanic College Fund Scholarship Reviewer, and Board Member of the Health Sciences Academy Charter School scheduled to open in the Spring of 2014. Prior to the Women’s Intercultural Center, Carter made a living working for the private and public sectors such a Tape Craft Corporation, the largest webbing company in the nation based in Anniston, AL; the El Paso Independent School District, City of Sunland Park, and the El Paso City-County Health Department. From time to time she takes on special projects that are dear and close to her heart. “I’m all about making a difference. Striving to contribute to the betterment of our communities and future generations,” said Carter, who added that giving back was instilled in her by her parents a value she instilled in her sons who volunteer their free time at the Women’s Intercultural Center. “The inspiration for the work I do is based on my mother who with a third grade education managed to successfully provide for a family of ten. I always imagine…how much more my mother could have accomplished had she had the tools and resources we pro-vide at the Women’s Intercultural Cen-ter,” Carter said. “The Women’s

Intercultural Center is a place where we take the old adage of giving a man a fish… You give a woman a fish and she will feed her family for the day. Teach her to fish and she will be able to feed her family for a lifetime. And here is the twist…put her in charge of the lake she fishes in and she will be able to feed seven generations.” As an advocate for women, Carter strives to provide the tools and resources needed for women to thrive and become the authors of their own lives. Through her leadership the Women’s Intercultural Center provides individualized services to help women overcome barriers and challenges that would otherwise derail the attainment of their personal goals. Carter takes the gift of her life and her uniqueness and shares it passionately with others. Other Luminaria recipients include commissioner of Acequia Junta y Cienega Estevan Arellano of Edmundo; co-founder of the Leadership Institute Carnell Choza; wife of Democratic U.S. Sen. Tom Udall and arts advocate Jill Cooper Udall; Four Corners Foundation founders Matt and Jeanette DeKay of Farmington; Animal Protection of New Mexico Director Lisa Jennings of Albuquerque; New Mexico History Mu-seum Director Fran Levine of Santa Fe; Zuni Public School District Superintendent Hayes Lewis of Zuni Pueblo; May Center founders Linda Taylor and Robert Haspel of Santa Fe; and photographer and author Don Usner of Chimayó. Please contact the New Mexico Community Foundation for more information and to purchase tickets at 505.820.6860.

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

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It was a packed house at the Women’s Intercultural Center filled with people that had questions about New Mexico’s new healthcare coverage called Centennial Care. According to the staffers of the state, this was one of the most attended informational meetings they’ve had since they first started. People were lining outside of the gallery doors from the reception area and the patio. Officials with New Mexico’s Medicaid program unveiled what they are calling “improved healthcare coverage for New Mexicans.” They made great effort to answer questions residents had in determining whether Centennial Care is the right choice for them. These Informational meetings are being held throughout the date

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

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Celebrating Rosh HashanahThanks to Tina Wolf from Mt. Sinai, participants learned about the Rosh Hashanah Celebration, Jewish New Year. We all started the new year in sweetness eating apples with honey and bread with honey.

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

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Sugar-Flower Cakes The Cake Decorating Class has an incredible instructor in Luzelva Muñoz, WInC Volunteer.

She taught her students how to awe their friends and family by creating delicate and exceptionally lifelike sugar flowers. Through her easy instruction of the Winton Method and highly effective techniques, her students learned to craft magical sugar flowers for wedding cakes, showers, holidays or any special occasion.

In mastering the technique of how to make flowers, students can customize and cre-ate flowers of all kinds - their imagination is the limit!

They can create sugar blossoms as delicate and beautiful as the real thing. And they can combine them with additional creativity as they start designing their cakes. To the left you have a sample of some of the cakes that were made by the participants. Through this technique, participants can make wedding, showers, holidays and any special occasion cakes. Many of the students from Luzelva’s class have really put their skills to work in helping them supplement their income and in saving money by being able to make your own cakes with your own personal touch for special occasions or to give as gifts to friends.

It’s almost like yesterday that Jacob Marquez came to us. He had been looking for a place to practice and teach his Capoeira, Brazilian Martial Arts, to others. He had been fairly unsuccessful until he was referred by his boss, Christina, from La Semilla Food Center to approach WInC.

He was fascinated at how easy and flexible we were in setting up the class. We enjoyed three

semesters with Jacob. And through his time here, he always had two loyal students...Fabian Candelas and Allen G. Carter, III.

Rain or shine these two students would always be ready and eager to take Jacob’s class twice a week.

Jacob will be greatly missed by all who got to know him.

Moving on..

Jacob Marquez (centered) with his two favorite students Fabian Candelas and Allen Carter, III posing for his farewell photo.

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

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In spite of being short staffed on the day of End of Semester Celebration, we had a great time celebrating the achievements of our participants. In addition to recognizing the achievement of our participants, the top 10 attending students and volunteer instructors were recognized as well and presented with small tokens of our appreciation. The top 10 attending students were recognized as were our volunteer instructors. The food was delicious and the company was totally awesome! Everyone had blast celebrating, laughing, and enjoying our time together. Thanks to everyone who helped out and to Mirtha Anguiano for donating the gifts that were raffled off at the event.

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

Enid Tidwell, Santa Fe Branch AAUW I was reading the Santa Fe New Mexican tonight and see that you have received the Luminaria Award from the NM Community Foundation. Your fellow recipients are impressive, but you have done more for a greater number of people than all of them combined. AAUW applauds you and your work. It was such a pleasure to get to know you when you came up to speak to us in May. Olga Alvara, NM Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Department I really appreciate you letting us use the office space for CHCA and DVR. I really think the center does a won-derful job for the community and we’ll continue working together to serve the community. Lina Germann, Santa Fe Branch AAUW Congratulations Mary Carter on win-ning the Luminaria Award from the New Mexico Community Foundation!

What others say about us...

Marisela’s Zumba Class held a weight loss challenge. It was exciting to see all that the competitors achieved. At the last weigh in to determine the winners the class for each competitor and celebrated the winner Suki Rodriguez for having lost the most weight.

A nice surprise to the completion was the crown and that Marisela presented to the Suki. She was the queen of the Zumba class for a day.

Zumba Class Weight Loss Challenge!

WInC Hosts Knights of Columbus Meeting

We were happy to open our doors to the Knights of Co-lumbus from St. Anthony’s Church by hosting a special meeting with

their state council representatives.

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Interested in teaching a class, scheduling a workshop, presentation or training at WInC? We are always searching for Volunteer Instructors to teach in their areas of expertise. We currently have a special need for a haircutting instructor. For more info, contact Ilse Arrieta, Program Coordinator at 575-882-5556 or via email at iarrieta@qwestoffice.net.

July

dates to remember For additional information please contact us at 575-882-5556 or the contact number listed next to the event announcement.

Diabetes Workshops: Learn about the 5 most impor-

tant Diabetes tests; how to talk to your health provider about your health and the medical exam results; how to prepare healthy meals for you and your family; and why it’s important to be physically fit. The workshops will take place on Fridays from 1-3pm on July 5, 12, 19 and on September 27. Olga Hernandez and Amir Hernandez will facilitate classes.

5–Sept. 27

At WInC like to thank everyone that in some way or another contributes to the smooth operations of the Center. This week we thank: The Anthony Water & Sanitation District,

especially Charles & his team for fixing the water pressure issues we were having at Center. Thanks for a great job guys!

It's August and we're busy at work in preparation for our annual toy distribution for the children of our participants. Thanks to the generosity of Mattel Toys we’ve got 4 boxes of toys.

There is always other ways you can help us. This week’s featured ways to help are: Food donations to refill our pantry will be greatly

appreciated! Have you voted for us today? Your daily vote can

help us get an ad in the big game. Vote daily at http://intuit.me/14DxppT.

Thank you for your support!

August 32 Hour Intensive Domestic Violence

Training: Increase knowledge about the dynamics of domestic violence. Determine how to safely assist & provide support to those in violent situations through referrals & providing safety planning information. Work to decrease shame & silence around domestic violence. (32-hour training, 8-hrs a week every Friday presented by La Casa, Inc.)

16-Sept. 6

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Women’s Intercultural Center WHERE IT STARTS

303 Lincoln Street / PO Box 2411 Anthony, NM 88021

575-882-5556 Fax: 1-866-285-7245

www.womensinterculturalcenter.org