International Women’s Day brings speakers, artists to Perry

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International Women’s Day will be celebrated in Perry for the second year in a row with a coffee conference Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to noon and a musical showcase from 6-9 p.m. at La Poste, 1219 Warford St. in Perry.

Seven speakers are scheduled to share their experiences and observations during the coffee conference. Organizer Carol Jackson Cavanaugh will open the event with a short introduction on the history of International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of all women, and she will introduce the theme of this year’s event: #BalanceforBetter.

International Women’s Day was the brainchild of the Socialist Party of America and the International Socialist Woman’s Conference. It was first marked in 1911 and supported by over 1 million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

Seven women will deliver 10-15 minute presentations at Saturday’s conference:

Theresa Burns of rural Perry is a Certified Masterson Method Practitioner who uses integrated bodywork techniques on performance horses. She is a long time passionate equestrian and will speak on “Horses Helping Humanity.”

Aimee Carlson is the president of Ord Enterprises Ltd. and a contributing author to “The Overcoming Mediocrity Book Project.” Aimee’s story reveals how an accidental opportunity can yield the best discoveries in life. From successful franchise owner to network marketing professional, Aimee has spent the last four years improving her health naturally and empowering families to do the same. You matter, she says. Your family matters.

Mindy May Farmer is an adjunct instructor at Des Moines Area Community College, mom of four, writer, feminist and optimist. She is striving to be eco-conscious and hoping to defy stereotypes. Five years ago, Mindy asked herself, “What if I stop giving my pessimistic inner voice such influence over my choices?” She wanted to see what would happen if she turned her “what ifs” on their heads and gave the optimist in her a chance. This voice asked, “What if I take a risk? – What if I see amazing sites? – What if it’s difficult sometimes? – What if it tests my limits? – What if I discover new things about myself? – What if I expand my worldview? – What if I’m up to the challenge? – What if I love it?”

Becky Greenwald is the project manager for the Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce. Her current activities include being a founding member of the World Food Prize Laureate Society, Waukee School District’s APEX Agri-science and Entrepreneur Curriculum Advisory Board, Rotary Club of Des Moines’ International Service Committee Chair and the Nexus Executive Women’s Alliance, where she served as past president, helping develop the Economic Potential for Iowa Companies (EPIC) challenge. Becky is an active P.E.O., currently serving as president of Perry Chapter DE, and she chairs the tour committee for P.E.O. International’s 2019 Sesquicentennial International Convention. She plays a big role on the statewide 19th Amendment Centennial Commemoration Steering Committee, encouraging Iowa communities and organizations to develop 2020 events and educational programs commemorating women’s gaining the right to vote 100 years ago. Becky lives in rural Dallas County and is most proud of her globally aware, adult children, Adrienne and Zach.

Marleni Grijalva is an 18-year-old senior at Perry High School. She competed in the PHS iJAG program at the state level and received first place, advancing to national competition at the National Student Leadership Academy event in Washington D.C. Marleni is the eldest of six siblings, and she is working to pave the way for the generations to come within her family.

Kelly Moore has worked as an RN for 25 years, including 10 years as a women’s healthcare nurse practitioner. She has worked in almost every capacity that a nurse can, from ICU, ER, and OB to home health, and she has been in geriatrics for the past 10 years. Kelly is currently the RN and administrator for Perry Lutheran Homes Assisted Living programs. She has three grown children, three grandchildren and a wonderful husband.

Lynsi Pasutti is the executive director of the Perry Chamber of Commerce. She holds a BA in environmental studies from the College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, Minn., where she studied sustainable community development. She believes it takes creativity, passion and collaboration to enhance the economic vitality of rural communities. Lynsi grew up in Des Moines but has always been drawn to small towns and after living in three other communities over the past 14 years. She is happy to now call Perry home and to experience its creative renaissance, led by women.

Following the IWD event, the Mary Rose Collection at 1215 Warford St. in Perry will host an Artisan Afternoon featuring works by Soul Garden Creations. IWD celebration returns to Lat Poste from 6-9 p.m., with musical performances by Kat Darling of the High Crest, Sarah Nevins of the James Biehn Ban and vocalist Lani. Admission is $10 with appetizers and cash bar.

Purple is the International Women’s Day color. “Better the balance, better the world,” the International Women’s Day website says. “The future is exciting. Let’s build a gender-balanced world. Everyone has a part to play — all the time, everywhere. From grassroots activism to worldwide action, we are entering an exciting period of history where the world expects balance. We notice its absence and celebrate its presence. Balance drives a better working world. Let’s all help create a #BalanceforBetter.”