WBENC’s weekly virtual event in June

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Have you heard about WBENC’s weekly virtual event in June that’s focused on the future? Every Tuesday starting on the 8th, this series is bringing together America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises and WBE Stars to help women business owners like me achieve a successful and sustainable future. Come network with me!

See the full event schedule, session details, and pricing information at wbenc.org/june2021

Where to Celebrate Pride Month During the Month of June
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“Pride,” or “Gay Pride,” as it is also known, has transformed from a “day,” or a “weekend,” or a “month” of celebration to Pride 365!

For those who ask, when is Pride Month? It’s typically considered to be in June (the first Pride Parade took place in New York City on June 28, 1970).

Below is the full spectrum of events for 2023.

 

JUNE 2023

Pittsburgh Pride, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: June 2 – 4

Pittsburgh Pride 2023 will be the first Pride in Pittsburgh thrown in collaboration between LGBTQ+ organizations across Pittsburgh and the Western Pennsylvania region.

One Magical Weekend, Orlando, Florida: June 1 – 5

The first weekend of June each year – for the 30th year – thousands of LGBTQIA travelers from around the world will descend on Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resorts for One Magical Weekend.

RIPTIDE, at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Waterpark | Friday, June 2, 2023

WeHo Pride, West Hollywood, California: June 2 – 4

This Pride weekend features a free Street Fair, the WeHo Pride Parade, the annual Dyke March, the Women’s Freedom Festival, and the OUTLOUD Music Festival.

Provincetown Pride, Provincetown, Massachusetts: June 3 – 5

The third annual Pride celebration highlights what Provincetown has always been known for LGBTQ+ awareness, empowerment, and diversity.

Circuit Asia Weekend, Pattaya, Thailand: June 3 – 5

Following the success of its premiere in June 2018, the world’s biggest international gay event will return to Pattaya, Thailand featuring top international DJs, sexy go-go dancers, and the hottest men in Asia.

Annapolis Pride Parade & Festival, Annapolis:  June 4

Now in its second year, welcoming and embracing diversity while bringing together locals and business communities.

Paris Tournament, Paris, France: June 4 – 6

Promoting a respectful and humanistic practice of sport, this event is open to all and brings together more than 2,300 athletes from all over the world each year. 

Middletown Pride, Middletown, Connecticut: June 4

Middletown Pride has planned two socially distant Middletown Pride Showcases which will feature drag queens, show choirs, dancers, and other special guests.

Drag Bingo, Moxy Chelsea: June 7 and 14, 8:00 pm

A unique bingo experience hosted by Sparkle Monster featuring music, mayhem, and marvelous prizes.

Key West Pride, Key West, Florida: June 7 – 11

Celebrate pride on a tropical island that is legendary for its laid-back style and its open and accepting atmosphere.

LA Pride, Los Angeles, California: June 9 – 10

LA Pride, also known as the LA Pride Festival and Parade, is an annual LGBTQ+ pride event that takes place in LA State Historic Park.

Pride Palooza, Binghamton, New York: June 10

Presented by The PrEP Program, Pride Palooza will be held at Otsiningo Park. Activities include drag shows and live entertainment.  

BOB THE DRAG QUEEN – Virgin Hotels Las Vegas:  June 12

The winner of season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, will be performing inside 24 Oxford at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas! Two performances that night – one at 7:00 pm and the other at 9:30 pm. 

West Pride Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden: June 13 – 19

Each year the West Pride festival is held in Gothenburg. An art and culture festival that creates safe spaces for LGBTQI people and emphasizes norm-criticism and LGBTQI person’s lives.

Sao Paulo Gay Pride, São Paulo, Brazil: June 15 – 19

Sao Paulo Gay Pride is listed by Guinness World Records as the biggest pride parade in the world in 2006 with 2.5 million people. They broke the Guinness record in 2009 with four million attendees.

Drag Me to the St. Francis, The Westin St. Francis San Francisco: June 16

Celebrate #SFPRIDE52 with an evening of legendary drag and entertainment, benefitting the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.

Tri-State Black Pride, Memphis, Tennessee: June 16 – 19

Tri-State Black Pride’s mission showcases unity and pride by promoting equality, human rights, education, outreach, arts, and culture of the Memphis and Mid-South LGBTQ community and allies. 

Chasing Rainbows, New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, Hostos Community College, June 17, 2023

Chasing Rainbows is an evening of music reminding us that the journey to self-love is unique and revolutionary. From pop anthems like “Love Yourself” by Billy Porter to more intimate songs like “Love Like You” by Rebecca Sugar, the concert will celebrate the ways our community is constantly evolving.

Zurich Pride Festival, Zürich, Switzerland: June 17 – 18

Every June, the festival site on the Sechseläutenplatz and next to Bürkliplatz is transformed into a party hotspot. The parade and concerts are the highlights of the Zurich Pride Festival.

Stonewall Columbus Pride, Columbus, Ohio: June 17 – 18

Stonewall’s annual Pride Festival and March welcomes over 700,000 visitors to Columbus and the Central Ohio region.

Iowa City Pride, Iowa City, Iowa: June 18

The Iowa City Pride Festival returns with the Pride Parade, the vendors in the Ped Mall, a fun-filled day of entertainment on the Linn Street Stage, and more. 

Chicago Pride Fest, Chicago, Illinois: June 18 – 19

The Chicago Pride Fest® is an iconic street festival that features live music, drag shows, games, parade, and more. It is a celebration of diversity and the LGBTQ+ community on Halsted Street.

Oslo Pride, Oslo, Norway: June 18 – 27

Oslo Pride is Norway’s largest festival for the LGBTIQ population, offering a varied program with concerts, art exhibits, shows, film screenings, parties, and political debates.

Cologne Gay Pride, Cologne, Germany: June 18 – July 3

Cologne Gay Pride is the biggest LGBTQ demonstration in Germany and one of Europe’s largest. The two highlights of Cologne Gay Pride are the CSD Street Festival and the Pride Parade.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Open Golf Tournament, Binghamton, New York, June 19 – 25
Celebrating over 50 years of professional golf and their 13th anniversary on the Champions Tour, this event attracts fan-favorite golfers to our area. En-Joie Golf Course, Endicott. (607) 205-1500 www.dsgopen.com

Barcelona Gay Pride, Barcelona, Spain: June 19 – 26

PRIDE Barcelona is an event for everyone, a space where the LGBT community can be collectively heard and become visible, and a place to celebrate and make a stand. 

Lisbon Gay Pride, Lisbon, Portugal: June 20 – 28

The Lisbon Gay Pride is one of the largest LGBT events in Portugal. It takes place in June each year at Jardim do Principe Real. Lisbon Pride 2022 is expected to attract over 70,000 people.

Drag Queen Makeup Workshop, Moxy Chelsea: June 21, 7:00 pm

Revelers are invited to find their inner queens with an interactive Drag Queen Makeup Workshop hosted by Sparkle Monster. “Students” can learn the fundamentals of altering the facial structure, exaggerating the eyes, and how to work your new persona firsthand from the queen herself for a small “tuition” fee. Tickets available here.

Fresh Towels – A Comedy Show (PRIDE) Edition, Moxy East Village: June 22, 8:00 pm

A standup comedy showcase hosted by resident funnyman Mark “Jiggy” Jigarjian. Guests can sip on the original Stonewall Inn IPA from Brooklyn Brewery between laughs. Two complimentary drinks are included with admission, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. Tickets available here. 

PRIDE Variety Show!, Moxy Times Square: June 24, 9:00 pm

Hosted by the fabulous Queen Sparkle Monster and her friends in the heart of Manhattan. Attendees are in for a night of singing, dancing, comedy, toasts, and more.

Pride Toronto, Toronto, Canada: June 24 – 26

Gay Pride Toronto is one of Canada’s premier arts and cultural festivals and one of the largest parades of its kind in North America. 

Raleigh Pride, Raleigh, North Carolina: June 25

Raleigh Pride is now in its 12th year and has changed its name to Out Raleigh Pride. 

Mexico City Gay Pride, Mexico City, Mexico: June 25

Marcha del Orgullo de la Ciudad de Mexico is one of the wildest and largest gay pride events in Latin America. Over one million people join the streets to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.

San Francisco Pride, San Francisco, California: June 25 – 26

This year’s theme, “Love Will Keep Us Together,” is meant to celebrate a sense of return and shared presence.

Tulsa Pride, Tulsa, Oklahoma: June 25 – 26

Tulsa Pride is the longest-running LGBT Pride festival in Oklahoma. This 2022, Tulsa Pride celebrates its 40 years with a whole weekend of pride, with the Tulsa Pride Parade, Tulsa Pride Celebration, and Picnic in the Park.  

Nashville Pride, Nashville, Tennessee: June 25 – 26

Nashville Pride Festival is the largest LGBTQ event in Tennessee. The festival will move to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in downtown Nashville in 2022.  

Oklahoma City Pride, Oklahoma: June 25 – 27

Each year, thousands make their way to Oklahoma City for an annual celebration of OKC’s LGBTQ+ community. The OKC Pride Week calendar is packed with exciting and artistic events, like OKC Pride Fest and Pride on 39th. 

Madrid Gay Pride, Madrid, Spain: June 25 – July 3

Madrid Pride, also known as Orgullo Gay Madrid, is the biggest gay pride in Spain and one of the biggest in Europe, attracting more than 2 million people over the five days of pride.

Budapest Gay Pride, Budapest, Hungary: June 24 – July 24

Pride march on Saturday, 24 July, following the month-long Budapest Pride Festival.

Denver PrideFest, Denver, Colorado: June 25 – 26

The 2022 Denver PrideFest promotes the heritage and culture of the LGBTQ+ community of Colorado. It typically draws more than 450,000 attendees over two days, making it the largest Pride event in the Rocky Mountain Region.

Seattle Gay Pride, Seattle, Washington: June 25 – 26

Seattle Pride is one of the oldest of its kind in the country and has been coloring the city streets each summer since 1974.

Twin Cities Pride, Minneapolis, Minnesota: June 25 – 26

The Twin Cities Pride brings the greater LGBT community together to educate and create awareness of issues and to celebrate achievements. 

Bristol Pride, Bristol, United Kingdom: June 25 – July 10

Pride Day starts with the Pride Parade then a massive outdoor multi-stage festival with music and performances, community and family areas, silent disco, bars, food, markets, and lots more.

Helsinki Gay Pride, Helsinki, Finland: June 27 – July 3

Helsinki Pride is the biggest LGBTQ event in Finland and also the largest cultural event focusing on human rights in the country. Helsinki Pride highlights and rejoices everyone’s right to openly be as they are.

Guess Who, Bitch!?, Moxy Chelsea: June 30, 7:00 pm

A surprising twist on a nostalgic childhood game, guests can guess their favorite drag queens instead of Anita, Bernard, and Susan, with prizes and performances throughout the night. Tickets available here.

Read more about Pride Month on Gaytravel.com

Embrace Equity this International Women’s Day
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By Natalie Rodgers

A lot has changed for women in the world since the first International Women’s Day in 1911. From voting rights and gaining political leadership roles to simply igniting change for the better, March 8th has been used to celebrate the bravery, creativity, tribulations and successes of women around the world. For 2023, International Women’s Day is shining a spotlight on equity with their theme, #EmbraceEquity. While there has been tremendous progress in the rights of women, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure an equitable world for all people, regardless of gender identity. This International Women’s Day, we are taking a look at some ways that we can honor and celebrate women, as well as advocate for a more equitable world.

Support the Organizations that Support Women

There are numerous organizations, activists’ networks and charity groups that exist to support women on a global scale. Whether it’s making a donation, volunteering or simply educating yourselves on global issues, consider supporting one of the following groups this International Women’s Day:

  • The Association for Women’s Rights in Development: An international support organization dedicated to achieving gender equality, sustainable development and women’s human rights. The organization also specializes in educational rights, policy change and developing professionals.
  • UN Women: A subgroup of the United Nations, UN Women is dedicated to advocating for the rights of women and girls on an array of issues, from gender equality and women empowerment to ending violent acts against women.
  • The Women’s Refugee Commission: A non-governmental organization dedicated to improving and protecting the lives of women and children in areas of conflict or crisis.
  • Womankind Worldwide: A global women’s rights organization that partners with women’s movements in Africa and Asia to support them in their efforts to change discriminatory laws and policies, challenge gender norms and stereotypes, and provide transformative programs and services to women and girls.
  • Partners in Health: A non-profit organization that partners with local governments to provide healthcare to some of the world’s poorest countries. While they work to support people of all races, genders and identities, they have specialty programs that are working to reduce the growing maternal mortality rates in countries such as Sierra Leone.

Educate Yourself on Women Activists from Around the World

When we think about women activists, it’s easy to limit ourselves to only recognizing the accomplishment of women in the United States, when in reality there have been women all over the world who have changed how we live our everyday life. Take the time to visit your local library, listen to podcasts or even take a deep dive on the internet to learn about the different women and issues from around the world who are igniting change for people everywhere.

If you’re not sure where to start, try the following resources:

  • I am Malala: The autobiographical story of Malala Yousafzai, one of the biggest advocates for women and girls’ education in Pakistan and the world.
  • Call Your Girlfriend: A podcast hosted by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman that discusses women and feminism through the eyes of pop culture, politics and interviews with women activists.
  • Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise: A documentary about Maya Angelou, an author and activist that wrote poetry, essays, books and plays that speak about identity, race, gender and equality.
  • Codename: Butterflies: A documentary about the Mirabel sisters of the Dominican Republic, three activists who opposed the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo and his regime of violence.
  • Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War: An autobiographical story about Leymah Gbowee, a Liberian peace activist who helped end the Second Liberian Civil War.

Include Everyone in the Conversation

The best way to ignite change, raise awareness and build compassion amongst others is to create meaningful conversation. March 8th may be International Women’s Day, but that doesn’t mean the conversation on important women and women’s rights should be exclusive to one gender. Get together with your family members and friends of diverse genders and backgrounds and talk about the important women in your life, how your experiences may differ and the ways in which you can support and understand one another. This not only allows your group to reflect on the positive change that has already happened, but can spark conversations that educate and inspire new ideas for the future.

Support Women-Owned Businesses

Supporting small businesses is one of the best ways that you can stimulate the economy while supporting your community. There are thousands of women-owned businesses in just about every industry you can think of, so why not utilize one of them to celebrate International Women’s Day? This March, try replacing one of your normal purchases with a purchase from a women-owned business. Whether you’re looking to grab lunch with a friend, find a new bathing suit for the summer or plan your next event, there is a woman-owned business that can fulfill just about any need you may have.

Sources: International Women’s Day, Wikipedia, Workflow MAX

The NMSDC Equity Honors 2023–Applications Now Open
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The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Equity Honors awards are presented to corporate chief officers who have been recognized by their peers as the true leaders at the vanguard of economic equity and minority business integration.

Submit an application for your CEO, COO, CFO, CIO, CMO, CDO, and CPO of the Year. All applications* must be started** by Dec. 20 to be considered.

Submit Application Here!

*Qualified applications submitted for The Equity Honors in 2022 have been cloned for consideration for the 2023 Equity Honors. Simply log into the NMSDC Awards Portal and update your application, then submit. Previous winners of The Equity Honors are ineligible to apply again for a minimum of 3 years.

**We will reopen the applications in March of 2023 to collect 2022 comparative data that will complete the application. All applications that have been started by Dec. 20 will constitute The Equity Honors Nominees for 2023 with nominees highlighted on the Forum website and invited to the 2023 Minority Business Economic Forum.

For more information about NMSDC visit, nmsdc.org

Foundation For Women Honors Amanda Gorman, Amanda Nguyen, Dr. Kizzmekiah Corbett, Laura Jiménez, And Marissa Nuncio At 2021 Gloria Awards
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Marlo Thomas, Gloria Steinem, Patricia Carbine and Letty Cottin-Pogrebin speak during the 33rd Gloria Awards: A Salute to Women of Vision virtual event

Recently, the Ms. Foundation for Women, the nation’s first and oldest women’s foundation, hosted The 33rd Gloria Awards: A Salute to Women of Vision, which paid tribute to the remarkable achievements of those whose courage and leadership move our society toward a more just and inclusive world, and raised funds that will help support women-led nonprofits and community organizations in the nation’s most impacted communities.

The evening honored Rise CEO and founder Amanda Nguyen, Immunologist at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Moderna Vaccine co-developer Dr. Kizzmekiah Corbett, 2021 Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman, along with two leaders from grantee partner organizations–Laura Jiménez,  Director of The Garment Worker Center, and Marissa Nuncio, Executive Director for California Latinas for Reproductive Justice. Photo: Marlo Thomas, Gloria Steinem, Patricia Carbine and Letty Cottin-Pogrebin speak during the 33rd Gloria Awards: A Salute to Women of Vision – VIRTUAL EVENT on May 19, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images Ms. Foundation for Women)

The Gloria Awards, named for Gloria Steinem, one of the organization’s founding mothers, is a yearly celebration to benefit Ms. Foundation grantee partners around the country and to recognize leaders who have made an indelible impact on the movement for gender equity at the local, state, and national level. Ms. Nguyen, Ms. Jiménez, and Ms. Nuncio, received the Women of Vision Award, honoring feminist leaders who create positive change. Dr. Corbett received the Marie C. Wilson Emerging Leader Award, named after the former CEO and President of the Foundation to recognize young, trailblazing feminists. Ms. Gorman received the Free to Be You and Me Award.

Championing the theme “JOY UNMUTED,”more than 1,000 registrants celebrated a much-needed release after this very intense year, demonstrating that no matter what, they will rise in collective joy as they speak truth to power.

HIGHLIGHT: Gloria Steinem opened the The 33rd Gloria Awards: A Salute to Women of Vision ceremony with a reflection of the past year.

TOP QUOTE: Gloria Steinem, Founding Mother of Ms. Foundation stated, ”The past year has had a life-altering effect on everyone, and especially on especially women, particularly women of color. But even in the face of the most daunting challenges and great pain, women found the passion and determination to continue to fight for equality and justice. Tonight, we’re here to honor that collective power and draw inspiration from each other, knowing that we can all take action.”

HIGHLIGHT: Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett received the Marie C. Wilson Emerging Leader Award Recipient:

This award honors trailblazing feminist leaders who amplify their voice and enact positive change by paving the way for generations to come. Dr Corbett is an immunologist who developed the Moderna Vaccine and spends her weekends educating marginalized communities about vaccine safety and efficacy in an effort to ease health disparities.

TOP QUOTE: Dr. Corbett said, “What I want women and girls of color, in particular, to know is that you have a purpose. You have meaning. And you belong. Oftentimes we are made to feel like we are outside of all the great things that are happening, when actually the opposite is true. We are at the heart of it. Women of color have been and continue to be the backbone of this country. We create, we lead, and with that comes amazing movements like for example the COVID-19 vaccine. Part of the reason why we are able to do that is because of our strength. Because we understand what the strength is in our purpose. Finding that strength, understanding that purpose is how you as a woman or girl can fuel what you are destined to be.”

HIGHLIGHT: Amanda Gorman, Free to Be You and Me Award Honoree: 

This award honors young activists enacting change and leading the way for future generations.  Her unbridled passion for poetry and the written word has cemented much-needed messages of power, agency, and hope across generations. Ms. Foundation’s Founding Mother, Marlo Thomas presented her with this award.

TOP QUOTE: Poet and Changemaker Amanda Gorman said, “To ‘unmute joy,’ you also have to unmute your hope, your faith, your belief, your fire. And one of the ways in which continue to unmute my joy is by unmuting my voice. Growing up with a speech impediment, being a spoken word poet wasn’t always easy. And every single time I get onstage, whether it be at the Inauguration or in a third grade classroom, I am still terrified. But unmuting joy doesn’t mean that you are unafraid, it just means that there’s something more important than your fear. So I hope that you continue to unmute your joy, and furthermore to put it on full volume.”

HIGHLIGHT: Amanda Nguyen, Woman of Vision Award Recipient:

Amanda was honored not only for  her work not only as CEO and founder of Rise, a civil rights accelerator that empowers everyday citizens to pen their own rights into existence, but also for her outspoken candor regarding Anti-Asian Racism and attacks against the AAPI communities. Actor Kelly Marie Tran presented her with this award.

TOP QUOTE: When introducing Amanda, Kelly Marie Tran said, “Amanda is not only my friend, my sister, and my role model, she is also a civil rights activist…I am so proud of you. I am truly, constantly inspired by your persistence, tenacity, and your grace. You’ve taught me so much.”

TOP QUOTE: Amanda Nguyen, CEO and Founder of Rise,  upon receiving the award, said, “We can absolutely speak our issues into the consciousness of the nation, of the world. There’s a long history of people taking their painful living truths and channeling that into justice, and I have joined that tradition by penning my own rights into existence…We are certainly stronger when we come together.”

HIGHLIGHT: President and CEO of the Ms. Foundation, Teresa C. Younger,  shared remarks about the theme of the event.

TOP QUOTE: “We decided we would embrace joy as a stance towards resistance. And so tonight, we are joy unmuted,” and continued on with the importance of the Ms. Foundation’s work, “By letting our grantees lead, we’re able to amplify the voices of the next generation. And with your help, we are going to continue the fight for true equity and justice for all.”

HIGHLIGHT: Annually, the Ms. Foundation honors grassroots leaders, influencers and philanthropists who have made an indelible impact on the gender justice movement at the local, state, and national levels, and this year, Marissa Nuncio, Director of The Garment Worker Center and Laura Jiménez, Executive Director for California Latinas for Reproductive Justice were the recipients of this Women of Vision Award.

TOP QUOTE: Marissa Nuncio said, “Organizing for worker rights is also about organizing for women’s rights because it is women who bear the brunt of labor abuses at their impacts.  At GWC [The Garment Worker Center], when women are organizing, they’re organizing for the agency that fair compensation gives them in their personal lives and household, for the right to have their bodies respected and free from danger and violence in the workplace, for freedom from mental abuse by their bosses, and for the empowered voice that they enjoy when they take collective action side-by-side their sisters and brothers in struggle. We’re grateful the Ms. Foundation champions this collective power within our membership.”

TOP QUOTE: Laura Jiménez said, “We have seen how over the last four years especially the situation for reproductive rights, health, and justice has become more and more dire – but I also want to remind you that even so, we have made significant wins: passing legislation to support young parents, defeating restrictive abortion laws at the Supreme Court, and turning out voters. This is the power of women, girls and femmes who will not be silenced into submission.  So, make sure you use your voice to speak about issues that matter to you because your voice matters for you and so many others.”

HIGHLIGHT:  Founding Mothers Gloria Steinem, Marlo Thomas, Patricia Carbine and Letty Cottin-Pogrebin made special appearances for the event, discussing the history of the founding of the Ms. Foundation for Women in 1973. Key quotes include:

TOP QUOTE: Gloria Steinem, Founding Mother of Ms. Foundation stated, ”There was no other foundation devoted to the female half of the population in all of its diversity.”

TOP QUOTE:  Patricia Carbine, Founding Mother of Ms. Foundation stated, ”We had the luxury of deciding how we were going to arrange ourselves as a group at the Magazine. We really started from scratch.”

TOP QUOTE: Letty Cottin-Pogrebin, Founding Mother of Ms. Foundation stated, ”We had that, what is now called intersectionality, in our minds. There was a consciousness that maybe didn’t have a name.”

TOP QUOTE: Marlo Thomas, Founding Mother of Ms. Foundation stated, ”That’s why this Foundation started, we were four women who reached out to these other women Dolores Huerta, Maxine Waters, and all the ones that we’ve been discussing today. We knew that we wanted their voices, and we knew what we wanted to do with the money. We were very purposeful. We were ambitious, audacious, and purposeful. You have to be that way to change the world.”

The 33rd Gloria Awards: A Salute to Women of  Vision is still available for viewing at: wov2021.forwomen.org and paid ticket purchasers can gain access to the full exclusive Founding Mothers conversation.

For over 45 years, the Ms. Foundation for Women has worked to build women’s collective power in the U.S. to advance equity and justice for all. The Ms. Foundation invests in and strengthens the capacity of women-led movements to advance meaningful social, cultural, and economic change in the lives of women. With equity and inclusion as the cornerstones of true democracy, the Ms. Foundation works to create a world in which the worth and dignity of every person are valued, and power and possibility are not limited by gender, race, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or age.

Just In Time For Mother’s Day, OpenTable Reveals its 2021 List of the 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America
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OpenTable, the world’s leading provider of online restaurant reservations and part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), recently released its annual list of the 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America for 2021.

As restaurant restrictions ease in the U.S, a recent OpenTable survey* shows 33% of Americans haven’t had an extended family gathering in more than a year, and OpenTable data shows Mother’s Day reservations are up 64% compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic levels) – a clear sign families are eager to reunite and celebrate with their loved ones this Mother’s Day.

“This Mother’s Day will be more meaningful than as it may be one of the first occasions that families are reuniting around the table since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Debby Soo, CEO at OpenTable. “We wanted to make sure diners had the best brunch restaurants at their fingertips as they make plans to celebrate this special holiday with their loved ones.”

Featuring restaurants coast-to-coast, across 24 states and Washington, D.C., the list is a comprehensive look at the best brunch spots in the country. The Best Brunch Restaurants in America list was culled from more than 12 million verified diner reviews of over 30,000 restaurants in 50 states and Washington, D.C. California is the most recognized state on the list with 17 restaurants honored, followed by Florida and Pennsylvania with eight winning restaurants. Illinois and Texas each boast seven winning restaurants and Georgia, Minnesota and Nevada claim six honorees.

From restaurants with just the right ambiance for both indoor and outdoor dining, like Foreign Cinema in San Francisco, to sweet and savory favorites at Yardbird Southern Table and Bar in Las Vegas and Miami to local big-city favorites like Perch in Los Angeles, the Best Brunch list features a wide variety of options for any type of menu and environment diners are looking for.

The annual list comes on the heels of OpenTable’s national “Frame the Feeling” promotion, an initiative to help families capture the moment as they reconnect this Mother’s Day. The campaign offers professional family photos for all reservations made on Mother’s Day at 14 select restaurants nationwide.

The 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America for 2021 according to OpenTable diners, are as follows (listed alphabetically):

  1. a’Bouzy – Houston, TX
  2. Ambar Capitol Hill – Washington D.C.
  3. Anis Cafe and Bistro – Atlanta, GA
  4. Atchafalaya Restaurant – New Orleans, LA
  5. The Aviary Restaurant & Bar – Swansea, MA
  6. Baldamar – Roseville, MN
  7. The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek – Gahanna, OH
  8. Beachcomber Cafe – Crystal Cove – Newport Coast, CA
  9. Beetlecat – Atlanta, GA
  10. Bistro at Edgewood Tahoe – Stateline, NV
  11. The Bistro at LaBelle Winery Amherst – Amherst, NH
  12. Bistro L’Hermitage – Woodbridge, VA
  13. Bistro Niko – Atlanta, GA
  14. Black Bass Hotel – Lumberville, PA
  15. Blue Bell Inn – Blue Bell, PA
  16. The Boathouse – Lake Buena Vista, FL
  17. Brennan’s – Multiple Locations
  18. Bristol Seafood Grill – Leawood, KS
  19. Brix – Napa, CA
  20. Buttermilk & Bourbon – Boston, MA
  21. Cabra – Chicago, IL
  22. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba – Chicago, IL
  23. Cafe Monte – Charlotte, NC
  24. Canoe – Atlanta, GA
  25. Cap City Fine Diner & Bar – Grandview – Columbus, OH
  26. Cappy’s Restaurant – San Antonio, TX
  27. Carson’s Food & Drink – Lexington, KY
  28. Cheever’s Cafe – Oklahoma City, OK
  29. Chianti Grill – Burnsville, MN
  30. The Dandelion – Philadelphia, PA
  31. Del Vino Vineyards – Northport, NY
  32. Duke’s La Jolla – San Diego, CA
  33. Eiffel Tower – Las Vegas, NV
  34. Eight4Nine – Palm Springs, CA
  35. Fabian’s Italian Bistro – Fair Oaks, CA
  36. Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens – Corona Del Mar, CA
  37. Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar – Memphis, TN
  38. The Food Market – Baltimore, MD
  39. Foreign Cinema – San Francisco, CA
  40. The Front Yard – North Hollywood, CA
  41. Good Day Cafe – Golden Valley, MN
  42. Grace’s – Houston, TX
  43. Great Maple – San Diego, CA
  44. Green Valley Grill – Greensboro, NC
  45. The Hampton Social – Multiple Locations
  46. Happy Camper – Denver, CO
  47. Haywire – Plano, TX
  48. Hazelwood – Bloomington, MN
  49. Hell’s Kitchen – Caesars Palace – Las Vegas, NV
  50. The Henry – Phoenix, AZ
  51. Honey Salt – Las Vegas, NV
  52. JOLO Winery & Vineyards – Pilot Mountain, NC
  53. La Merise – Denver, CO
  54. Lake Elmo Inn – Lake Elmo, MN
  55. Latitudes on Sunset Key – Key West, FL
  56. Le Diplomate – Washington D.C.
  57. Le Yaca – Williamsburg, VA
  58. Ledger Restaurant & Bar – Salem, MA
  59. Lindey’s – Columbus, OH
  60. Little Goat – Chicago, IL
  61. Lon’s at The Hermosa – Paradise Valley, AZ
  62. The Love – Philadelphia, PA
  63. Madison – San Diego, CA
  64. Meson Sabika – Naperville, IL
  65. Mon Ami Gabi – Las Vegas, NV
  66. Murphy’s – Atlanta, GA
  67. OBC Kitchen – Lexington, KY
  68. Old Ebbitt Grill – Washington D.C.
  69. Ouisie’s Table – Houston, TX
  70. Pacific Coast Grill – Cardiff By the Sea, CA
  71. Parc – Philadelphia, PA
  72. Perch – Los Angeles, CA
  73. Pier W – Cleveland, OH
  74. Poor Calvin’s – Atlanta, GA
  75. Preserved Restaurant – St. Augustine, FL
  76. Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar – Huntington, NY
  77. Print Works Bistro – Greensboro, NC
  78. RH – Multiple Locations
  79. The Rooftop by JG – Beverly Hills, CA
  80. Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant – Long Branch, NJ
  81. Root Down – Denver, CO
  82. Seed Kitchen + Bar – Marietta, GA
  83. Sheldon Inn Restaurant & Bar – Elk Grove, CA
  84. Simon Pearce Restaurant – Quechee, VT
  85. Soby’s – Greenville, SC
  86. Summer House Santa Monica – Chicago, IL
  87. Sunset Terrace – Omni Grove Park Inn – Asheville, NC
  88. Talula’s Garden – Philadelphia, PA
  89. The Tap Room at Dubsdread – Orlando, FL
  90. Tavern 4 & 5 – Eden Prairie, MN
  91. Terrain Cafe – Glen Mills, PA
  92. The Tropicale – Palm Springs, CA
  93. Ulele – Tampa, FL
  94. Union and Finch – Allentown, PA
  95. Vintage – Vail, CO
  96. WeHo Bistro – West Hollywood, CA
  97. Whiskey Cake – Plano, TX
  98. Wine Bar George – A Restaurant & Bar – Orlando, FL
  99. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar – Multiple Locations
  100. Zaytinya – Washington D.C.

The complete list may also be viewed at: https://pages.email.opentable.com/Top100BrunchUS. To learn more about the “Frame the Feeling” promotion, visit the OpenTable blog at http://blog.opentable.com/2021/mothers-day-2021-frame-the-feeling.

OT Best Brunch Methodology:
The 100 Best Brunch Restaurants list is generated solely from diner reviews collected between from April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021. All restaurants with a minimum rating and number of qualifying reviews were included for consideration. Qualifying restaurants were then scored and sorted according to the sum of tags for which “brunch” was selected as a special feature.

*OT Survey Methodology:
OpenTable partnered with YouGov on April 19 – 20, 2021 to survey 1,326 adults (aged 18+) online within the U.S. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all U.S. adults (aged 18+).

About OpenTable
OpenTable, part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), powers reservations for the hospitality industry. OpenTable’s software seats more than 1 billion people per year and helps more than 60,000 restaurants, bars, wineries and other venues attract guests, manage capacity, improve operations and maximize revenue.

Mississippi’s Asya Branch Wins Miss USA 2020
EventsLifestyle
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Miss USA pageant winner Asya Branch smilign with sash on and clasping hands

Better late than never! Months after the competition was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Miss Mississippi USA Asya Branch has been crowned Miss USA 2020.

Branch, 22, was awarded the coveted title on Monday in a competition that aired live from Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. She was crowned by her predecessor, Miss USA 2019 Chelsie Kryst.

Placing second runner-up was Miss Oklahoma USA Mariah Jane Davis, and just ahead of her was first runner-up, Miss Idaho USA Kim Layne.

Branch was the first African American to be named Miss Mississippi USA and comes from Booneville.

Prior to her win on Monday night, Branch shared her take on gun laws in her final statement.

“We should require people to pass training and safety classes” before attaining guns, she said.

This year’s winner was chosen by a selection committee that included Fox Nation host Abby Hornacek, entrepreneur Gloria Mayfield Banks, sports reporter and Miss USA 1999 Kimberly Pressler, businesswoman Susan Yara, Miss USA 2000 Lynnette Cole and Carolyn Aronson, CEO of It’s a 10 Haircare and Be A 10 Cosmetics.

The night’s festivities — which were originally slated for spring, but got postponed due to COVID-19 — were hosted by sports reporter and Miss Teen USA 2005 Allie LaForce and American Ninja Warrior co-host Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, a former professional football player.

The competition also included a virtual performance by American Idol alum Haley Reinhart.

With the crown now sitting pretty atop her head, Branch will move to New York City to represent the Miss USA brand and various philanthropic organizations, just as Kryst did before her.

“Being Miss USA has afforded me the opportunity to be an advocate for issues that deserve attention, including criminal justice reform and racial inequality,” Kryst said in a statement. “I am proud to continue the legacy of national titleholders who speak up and encourage change, and I look forward to supporting the next Miss USA and Miss Teen USA in doing the same.”

Continue on to People to read the complete article.

Photo Credit: People

Letter from the Editor: Fall 2020
Events
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Rihanna on the cover of Professional Woman's Magazine. Rihanna attends a Fenty event in February 2020 in an orange turtle neck. she is now america's youngest female self made billionaire.

By Samar Khoury

Our first Wonder Woman issue was created three years ago, featuring the Wonder Woman film, and it has soared in popularity ever since. Each year, we select women doing amazing things, and there is no shortage of them. Women all over the world are inspiring us to follow in their footsteps and take the lead.

Wonder Woman 1984 will make its debut this year, once again starring Gal Gadot. But she and original Wonder Woman Lynda Carter are heroines not only on-screen but also in real life. Read about what the dynamic duo is up to now on page 25.

What’s more, our cover story – the amazing, caring, and hardworking Rihanna – is truly an example of grace and resilience, which is why we made her Professional WOMAN’s Magazine’s Wonder Woman of the Year.

The philanthropist has made it her mission to give back and push for equality, and she hasn’t stopped. Through her businesses, charity organization, and big heart, Rihanna never ceases to amaze us. The superstar has been especially supportive of the Black Lives Matter movement and has even provided generous donations to COVID-19 relief efforts. “We are not staying silent and we are not standing by. The fight against racial inequality, injustice, and straight up racism doesn’t stop with financial donations and words of support,” the icon stressed.

But Rihanna’s accomplishments go far beyond the above. Read more about the thriving businesswoman’s efforts to make the world a better place on page 38.

This issue is full of inspiring and dedicated women moving the needle: Senator Kalama Harris, the second African-American woman and first South Asian-American senator in history, and now presidential candidate Joe Biden’s running mate; the Duchess of Sussex; executives paving the way in business; and much, much more.

If you think you can’t make it in business during these unprecedented times – think again. As you flip through this issue, you’ll discover many powerhouses are thriving right now – some are even reinventing their industries.

Every issue of Professional WOMAN’s Magazine aims to motivate you to be the best version of yourself. Even during uncertainty, being your own wonder woman is more than possible, and what better time than the present to show your worth? The women in this issue have been thriving among uncertainty, and you can, too!

Samar Khoury
Managing Editor
Professional WOMAN’s Magazine

Ava DuVernay Launches ‘When They See Us’ Online Education Initiative
EducationEvents
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Ana Durvernay at a press event

Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us educated many people on the story of the Exonerated Five, the young men wrongly convicted in the attack on a Central Park jogger in 1989.

Now, the award-winning director and writer is using the groundbreaking miniseries for a new online education initiative.

Via ARRAY, her multi platform media company and arts collective, DuVernay is launching ARRAY 101.

On May 28, the Oscar nominee revealed on Instagram, “Today, I’m so, so proud to launch a project that my comrades at @ARRAYNow and I have been working on for over a year. Today, we launch #ARRAY101: dynamic learning companions for all our film/TV projects.

Continue on to BET to read the complete article…

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Landmark Ruling Grants Women Equal Rights in Indian Army
EventsGovernment
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A group of people, mostly women, holding small Indian flags in the air.

By Sara Salam

In February, India’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of equal rights in the country’s armed forces, ordering the government to grant permanent commission and command positions to women officers in consistent practice with men.

This landmark judgment means that all women will now be eligible for the same promotions, ranks, benefits and pensions as their male counterparts. While the court’s ruling does not permit women to serve in army combat units, like the infantry or artillery corps, they are now eligible to command entire battalions or run the intelligence department.

This change will allow women to serve a full tenure and earn a higher rank, with greater salary and leadership potential. Women have been inducted into the army through short service commissions, which only permit them to serve for 10 to 14 years.

“This change will lift up women – not just in the army but all girls across the country and the world,” said Lt. Col. Seema Singh to reporters after the court ruling as reported by CNN.

In the judgment, the Supreme Court indicated that it was time for change in India’s armed forces.

“The time has come for a realization that women officers in the army are not adjuncts to a male dominated establishment whose presence must be ‘tolerated’ within narrow confines,” the court said.

Source: CNN

Michigan’s Eastpointe Welcomes its First Black Mayor
EventsWomen in STEM
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Mayor Monique Owens sitting on a bench and smiling and the camera

By Sara Salam

In November, Monique Owens became the first Black mayor of Michigan’s Eastpointe.

Prior to her election as mayor, Owens served as a councilwoman for two years. Owens is the first African American elected to either position.

Her journey to this post has been nothing short of eventful.

Back in 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a suit in which it argued that Eastpointe violated the Voting Rights Act. The suit claims Eastpointe systematically denied its African-American residents the opportunity to elect people who look like them by holding citywide votes for its city council seats. In contrast, cities like neighboring Detroit divide the city into districts, which then elect their own representatives.

One outcome of the lawsuit was Owens’s election to the Eastpointe City Council. Subsequently this past November, she was elected mayor. She narrowly beat fellow City Council member Michael Klinefelt, earning 1,648 votes to his 1,629 votes—a 19-vote victory.

Currently, about 30 percent of Eastpointe’s 32,000 residents are African American. According to the U.S. census, African Americans made up 4.7 percent of the population in 2000.

Owens is the first African American elected to either position.

Owens moved from Clinton Township in Macomb County to Eastpointe about ten years ago. She started her career as a clerical employee in the Detroit Police Department and later as a Wayne County Sheriff deputy.

She first got into politics when she applied to finish an Eastpointe council member’s term following their death. She applied again when a council member resigned a month after they were elected.

After her election to the Eastpointe City Council in 2017, she developed a greater desire to serve as mayor.

“I want people to own their own homes, be proud of where they live at and invest more into the city,” Owens said in a statement.

She also wants to work with police to lower crimes and bring more recreation parks to the city.

A community once named East Detroit, Eastpointe changed its name in 1991 per voter choice as a means of distancing itself from the negative connotations associated with its Motor City neighbor.

Owens wants to help educate Black people about politics and public policy that she was not taught as a child.

“I want to write a children’s book to teach kids about public policy at a young age,” she said. “When they get to a certain age, they will know what a councilperson is, what a mayor is—and become that.”

Sources: michiganadvance.com; clickondetroit.com; metrotimes.com

ALDI

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