FASHION SHOW WITH SPIRIT
Group Photo
A mixed audience of women and men, younger and older, had a lively, uplifting, and informative time at a "Women's Empowerment Day and Fashion Show" sponsored by the Metro New York chapter of WFWP and the Filipino International Community of America, the latter led by President Joy Theriot.
The March 23 Fashion Show was presented by WFWP young professionals Christina Kartel and Jara Lefe and was in honor of Women's History Month.
The afternoon program, emceed by Dr. Remi Alapo, got off to an electrifying start with musical selections from Ms. Nandi Benghu and Rev. Desmond Green. Then Rev. Juanita Pierre-Louis, WFWP USA vice president, presented welcoming remarks.
Keynote speaker Rev. Beryl Green read from a speech given by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon in 2012 at the M hotel in Las Vegas. This was well received by the invitees, who included Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo; Laura James, director of the Summer Youth Employment Program at Medgar Evers College; and Gurukumar Thankapan.
The second half of the afternoon's program was hosted by the beautiful Ms. Ijeoma Opara, our newest member of WFWP. Looking ready to walk the runway herself, she announced each model with great fanfare. Looking poised and elegant, Ms. Tina Fields led off with evening wear, followed by our Filipino sisters Mrs. Elena Bahian and Mrs. Shirley Harris, to name a few.
Each model showcased at least two pieces. Dr. Alapo wore a stunning African dress and our Filipino sisters modeled their national dress. It was fun for the participants and the onlookers alike. There was even some impromptu modeling done by our vice president and chairwoman, who were both beautifully attired.
Mrs. Merley B. Barlaan, secretary-general of WFWP Philippines, spoke about different projects she has been able to implement in the past 17 months. She lived in the U.S. for over 20 years before deciding to return to her home country to make a difference there. She expressed the idea that change begins with each one of us. As mothers, we can teach our children new ideas of dealing with corruption, not to be accepting of current norms but to be the change that is needed. She spoke about a school and library that were built in the mountains where no one would expect this kind of investment in children. She has now begun to see changes in the community. She spoke with such eloquence and sincerity.
Councilwoman Cumbo, chair of the New York City Council's Committee on Women's Issues, greeted the audience with warmth and grace. She spoke about the different areas of her work and her determination to use her position on the City Council as a platform to implement changes that will uplift the lives of women and children.
We presented her with a copy of Mother's speech and a WFWP souvenir. She was impressed with WFWP's work, and expressed a desire to work with our Metro chapter.
Director James from Medgar Evers College spoke about summer-vacation job opportunities that are made available by the city for youths aged 14 to 24. She urged young people to apply for them. She too was impressed by our work and sought to join WFWP.
Our program ended with line dancing, led by Mrs. Bahian, and refreshments prepared by Mrs. Michele Lutz, Mrs. Alison Hagood, and others. At the end of the program, Mrs. Jean Gomis and Ms. Kathleen collected a donation for WFWP's Schools of Africa project.
When men and women partner and work together, everything becomes possible. We are grateful that WFWP teaches us to work together. Because of the support of our husbands and brothers, this event became quite successful.