StorieS.
Fashion.
M2057: In her Own Words
M2057 is Chicago designer Maria Pinto’s ready-to-wear collection of machine-washable dresses, pants, jackets, tops, and wraps effortlessly embraces a quality of craftsmanship and design that is both timeless and elegant. Designed to be quite versatile in your wardrobe, transitioning seamlessly from day to night, M2057 empowers women to spend less time standing in front of their closets and more time doing the things they love.
M2057’s Spotlight Series, In Her Own Words, features dynamic, stylish, and powerful women who inspire us.
Sports.
Urban Initiatives: Work to Play
Urban Initiatives uses the inherent power of sports to empower Chicago’s youth to become community leaders through academic success, healthy living, and social-emotional learning.
the Work to Play Cup is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of K-8th grade students from 42 partner schools across the Chicagoland area.
Health.
Ekjut India: Participatory Learning and Action
Ekjut is a nonprofit focused on improving maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition in underserved, marginalized communities through community-based interventions, capacity building, and good governance.
After 22 months of women's group meetings, that led women through a participatory learning cycle (top), 17 different communities came together to share what they learned with government leaders and other officials personally invited by the women. It was a celebratory day, The women decorated the area and preformed songs and plays about what they have learned (Bottom).
Democracy.
Mikva Challenge: Action Civics Fair
mikva Challenge develops young people to be empowered, informed, and active citizens who promote a just and equitable society. It is a nonpartisan organization and serves students in Chicago, across the state of Illinois, DC, and LA.
Like a science fair, Mikva Challenge brings together 90 teams of young people from over 50 high schools and middle schools across Chicago to present the projects they've created throughout the year on the issues that matter to them most.
Music.
The People’s Music School
The People’s music school provides Free, High-Quality Music education to kids across the City of Chicago. throughout the year the students participate in intensive instruction and performance, helping them to grow musically, socially, emotionally and intellectually, while building a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, resilience and purpose.
Performance.
Story Sessions
Story Sessions is a Chicago-based monthly show featuring six different storytellers. Each performer shares a 10-minute non-fiction story that ties back to the theme for that night. The performers range from professional actors, playwrights and comedians to traditional writers and first time tellers.
ARt.
Art Day
For years, Shika has run a daily education program out of her home for kids living in The surrounding villages, many of whom have no formal education. She invited me to her home where she held an all day long art day. The kids made mud sculptures, drew and painted - both on paper, and on the walls of her home.
Love.
Is there anything else to say?
