An International Bond
WomanKind – a workshop made for and by women – is taking on an international flavor this year.
The St. James' Episcopal Church event gives women a chance to be encouraged spiritually and intellectually by other women.
The two-day event, held Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16, features seven speakers from around the world. While the event is Christian-based, this year's wide range of speakers gives it an international, interfaith focus, said the Rev. Dana Corsello , pastor at St. James and founder of WomanKind.
"Women crave to learn from other women," Corsello said.
Speakers include Azar Nafisi , Iranian author of "Reading Lolita in Tehran," Dr. Esther Mombo of Kenya and Rabbi Lynne Landsberg .
"Jews, Muslims, Christians … women of color can feel welcome," Corsello said.
After noticing a strong bond in a ministry of black and white women in Richmond, Corsello was inspired to widen the event's outreach this year. When women from different cultural and religious backgrounds are brought together, they form bonds that empower and enhance each other's lives, said Dr. Leslie Williams , an English professor who will lead a workshop.
"(As women) we are trying to reach out and make relationships," she said.
In 2006, the event drew more than 880 people to St. James. This year, Corsello expects a smaller crowd of 400 or so. When women gather together they get a chance to share their stories, something that Williams looks forward to.
"I am excited to meet the women … and share the stories," she said.
On Saturday morning all the women will gather together for a hymn before attending workshops. Being able to rejoice with other women in a sacred space can have a healing affect on one's soul, Corsello said.
"We give (women) permission to have time just for themselves," she said.
There are many stories and inspirations that woman can gather from one another, Williams said. If you plan to attend WomanKind, be prepared to come away much fuller than when you arrived.
"You will come away deeply inspired from each other," she said.
Tickets are $100 for both days or $55 for Friday only. Scholarships are available. A cocktail reception and dinner will be held
Friday night and professionally prepared meals will be served Saturday. Speakers include Azar Nafisi (keynote speaker), the Rev. Dr. Susan Newman, Rabbi Lynne F. Landsberg, Dr. Esther Mombo, Dr. Leslie Williams, professor Claudia Emerson and the Rev. Jane Sigloh. Men are welcome Friday, Feb 15 only. Contact Dana Corsello for scholarship information at danacorsello@doers.org. St. James is at 1205 W. Franklin St. in Richmond.
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